X Fusion's Wireless E-Manic Dropper Post - Sea Otter 2022

Apr 8, 2022
by James Smurthwaite  
photo

Following on from Mike Levy's video first look earlier today, here are some more details on the X Fusion E Manic dropper post that has been revealed for the first time at Sea Otter.

While dropper posts are almost ubiquitous on mountain bikes these days, very few options are operated remotely. Of course, it's impossible to speak about wireless dropper posts without mentioning the Reverb AXS, which was released with a huge splash in February 2019 but its $861 price can be off-putting for a lot of riders. Hoping to compete at a lower price point comes X Fusion with the E-Manic.

Why go wireless? Well the advantages include an easier to actuate lever, an easier to install dropper post (for everyone except Henry Quinney) and, well, it's pretty damn cool too. The E-Manic dropper is based on the Manic that X Fusion already produces, and shares its hydraulic cartridge, but with the added wireless functionality. The standard Manic retails for around $200 and X Fusion is aiming for the E Manic to hit the $400 price point. So it's twice as much as the standard version but half the price of SRAM's offering.
Details

Connection: RFID
Sizes: 30.9mm, 31.6mm (34.9mm to follow)
Batteries: Post: 18350, Remote CR2032
Travel: 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 170mm
Lengths: 325.5mm, 381.5mm, 436.5mm, 480.5mm
Weight: 669 grams
Price: ≈$400
Availability: End of 2022

X Fusion's posts also works quite differently to Rockshox's. Firstly, the post communicates with the lever via an RFID (radio frequency identification) connect system, different to bluetooth or AXS, and unlike AXS it won't come with an app to nerd out on. We don't have any info on how the wireless element of the post works either but we'd expect that to be different to the Reverb as well.

X Fusion E Manic

by jamessmurthwaite
Views: 5,675    Faves: 1    Comments: 0


There's no official word on battery life yet but X Fusion is planning to use non-propreitary, commonly available batteries in the dropper. The post itself uses an 18350 cell while the remote uses a CR2032 watch battery. The post does have a charging port but the idea here is that you can take a spare battery out on a ride with you or if you forget to charge the post, there's a chance you can find one in a store not too far away.

photo
photo
The 18350 cell in the post is removable and rechargable. The battery housing has been made as small as possible to avoid wheel strikes.

photo
The remote uses a paddle for actuation.

X Fusion is hoping to have this post on the market by the end of 2022 with a wide array of options to suit a variety of riders. We'll report back on this post with more information when we have it.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Seatposts X Fusion X Fusion E Manic Sea Otter 2022


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121 Comments
  • 103 1
 Let the wireless trickle down begin! Now if only we could get a universal battery standard so only your mate needs to carry the spare battery for you.
  • 46 1
 This post uses as standard batteries as it gets. Hard to invent something more standard than a Li_ion cell with standard dimensions. In fact bicycle lighting should always be able to use some of those also. Integrated batteries are crap.
  • 7 5
 They should have "A" in their name. May AA or AAA or something similar.
  • 13 0
 "standard"+"bike industry"=Awwww hell no.
  • 2 0
 @lkubica: the new version of my light uses 2 21700s, its the main reason I want to upgrade (along with a nifty Bluetooth remote). Led lenser h19r.
  • 3 0
 @lkubica: also, most rechargeable front lights do use standard cells, they're just not swappable. I took a cheap one apart and it was literally an 18650, a tiny circuit board and the led chip.
  • 3 0
 @alxrmrs: Those are atrociously-inefficient batteries designed specifically for small items. There are many lithium batteries that put AA batteries to shame. Something like a P42A
  • 58 0
 Love the standard use of the 18350 cell. Great call by X-fusion.
  • 5 0
 yeah, between that and the CR2032 this dropper seems to have its powerbase well thought out.
  • 4 25
flag bweller81 FL (Apr 8, 2022 at 13:47) (Below Threshold)
 Am I mistaken or arnt these batteries extremely dangerous when damaged?
  • 15 0
 @bweller81: being that they are used in just about every small medical device, and millions of watches, remotes, Magura dropper posts etc... I think the word "Extremely" might be a bit much. I'm sure they can start fires to be sure. but not any more frequently than any of battery that might get damaged Smile
  • 3 0
 @bweller81: Not any more than an AXS battery.
  • 14 0
 @bweller81: extremely dangerous if swallowed.
  • 6 0
 @bweller81: They're not as bad as they used to be but they still store a lot of energy and need to be handled properly.

Though I'd hate to see the crash that causes enough damage to the 18350 cell inside the seatpost for it to catch fire...
  • 4 1
 @bweller81: not at all. Lithium polymer are the dangerous ones. These are as benign as a AA.
  • 1 0
 @Phaethon85: I was referring to the 18350. I know these can vent or explode when damaged in electronic cigarettes. Battery safety is a big concern with those and was just surprised to see one being used in a dropper.
  • 1 0
 It's made the whole thing pretty massive and clunky though by the looks. What about a Go-Pro battery? Something you might well already be carrying... Bigger capacity too.
  • 2 0
 Definitely, although an 18650 would've been even better, since it's used by 70% of all flashlights, laptops, power tools, etc. This means more choice and availability. It's a bit longer, but also has four times the capacity.
But definitely kudos for using non-proprietary readily available standard batteries!
  • 29 1
 I'd buy it they make one 200mm!
  • 29 1
 not with that stack height
  • 8 0
 @hamncheez: correct.....stack height makes a huge difference and that is well....high.
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: Yeah, it's a very compelling product otherwise. It would be extremely cool if they could work out that aspect.
  • 3 2
 I'd buy it if they make 150mm!
  • 17 1
 How dare a budget minded company bring a first edition wireless dropper post that will surely evolve and get better over time to the market for half the price of the competition that isn't superior to every other dropper post on the market, mechanical or otherwise!
  • 11 5
 Budget minded $400+ US dropper post? I agree with your sentiment, but in a vacuum isn’t that crazy? Go tell your non bike coworker you got the budget $400 seat post. We’re all certifiable.
  • 21 4
 Holy stack height on that post head!!!! Hopefully this is just a prototype that will be refined before release
  • 5 27
flag warmerdamj FL (Apr 8, 2022 at 13:02) (Below Threshold)
 Why does it matter? You set the post at the height you need regardless.
  • 11 1
 @warmerdamj: Because you can't get enough drop. For a given leg length and frame size, a traditional dropper will allow for more drop.
  • 14 1
 @warmerdamj: I'm 5'6" and on a size medium Fuel Ex I can just barely run a 150mm dropper completely slammed. With that much stack height I'd need to run a 125mm dropper - hardly worth it.
  • 2 0
 I don't think the stack is actually that bad when you look at the collar too. Magura and RS have collars that appear to be an inch thicker. I'd bet the e-manic will be within 5mm which I'd be ok with when you compare the prices and batteries I can buy locally source.
  • 4 0
 Holy stack height Batman!
  • 10 9
 @schu2470: Is 2.5cm really enough to make or break the post being useful? Reverb AXS has a battery there too and more then 2.5cm stack (now that seatpost stack is apparently a term). There is way too much focus on needing the seat absolutely slammed these days. I'm not directing this at you, but people need to learn to ride their bikes better if this is really an issue.

And if 125mm drop is hardly worth it then the 25mm stack should be irrelevant.
  • 2 2
 @warmerdamj: Or don't buy a bike with a long seat tube ...
  • 8 4
 Ya'll need to go back to a 125mm dropper post for a week, then come back here and say stack height doesn't matter
  • 10 11
 @hamncheez: I still have a 125mm post on one of my bikes and it's perfectly fine.
  • 5 0
 I went back to Levys 6 month review of the Reverb AXS. The 4th most popular comment thread was complaining about stack height...
  • 4 17
flag warmerdamj FL (Apr 8, 2022 at 13:55) (Below Threshold)
 @rustiegrizwold: I've never ever considered that as an issue. If you can't deal with your seat being +/- 20mm theres a problem, and it's not with your frame design or seatpost design.
  • 9 0
 @warmerdamj:It matters because that stack height either reduces travel or complicates frame compatibility.
  • 2 13
flag warmerdamj FL (Apr 8, 2022 at 14:21) (Below Threshold)
 @tadmcmichael: It does neither, please explain how a 150mm dropper with a 20mm battery only drops 130mm. Also explain how it complicates frame compatability. Unless the post diameter varies along its length it's compatable.
  • 11 1
 @warmerdamj: a couple of cm's makes a huge difference for me. On my Oneup 180, I have to raise it up for extended climbing as a 210mm would be too high up when going dh. Lower the seat for dh, the more freedom you have. If you don't get that, you ride very slow on mellow terrain
  • 7 0
 @jaydawg69: Thats an easy solution- just get a reverb. It will sag and bob a cm or two, putting you at the right height at topout!
  • 1 3
 @jaydawg69: yeah that's it, thanks for helping me understand.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: LOL!
  • 2 0
 @schu2470: I'm 5"7" on a small Slash and I have a 170mm slammed as far as it will go. I have full use of it.
  • 4 2
 @warmerdamj: no problem... you were getting downvoted to oblivion
  • 2 5
 @jaydawg69: yeah never go against the collective intelligence of Pinkbike. Where post stack = reduced travel somehow.
  • 8 0
 @hamncheez: Some of us old timers cant even bend our knees enough to use a 150 vs 125.
  • 3 2
 @warmerdamj: do you have a learning disability
  • 2 3
 @hamncheez: I must.

You have two posts with 150mm travel, one has 0mm stack height, one has 20mm stack height. How much travel does each post have?
  • 1 0
 there's always someone who tells you what you're doing wrong....
  • 2 0
 @warmerdamj: "You have two posts with 150mm travel, one has 0mm stack height, one has 20mm stack height. How much travel does each post have?"

A rider has a seat height to get the leg extension they want. Therefore for with the same seat height and same frame, if the stack height is larger then there's less room for travel.
  • 3 0
 @warmerdamj: they mean that you have to buy a 150mm post rather than a 170mm post not that the 150mm post has less travel. By frame compatibility, I assume they are referring to frames with non straight seat tubes.
  • 3 2
 @jaydawg69: I put a 210 dropper on my hardtail and I nearly killed myself on the first few rides because the saddle is so far out of the way my legs had nothing to grip on. I honestly think I would of been better served with the 180 post. There's always a situation where there's too much of anything
  • 1 5
flag warmerdamj FL (Apr 9, 2022 at 8:07) (Below Threshold)
 @briain: Wow somebody who actually understands how to ride a bike. Good job.
  • 4 0
 @warmerdamj: how can you be so oblivious. Say you need your seat 200mm out of the frame, and you've got a 170mm dropper. If the stack height is 30mm or less, then you are fine, you can run it, but what if the stack height is 50mm? Boom, 220mm seat height, 20mm too high, meaning you need a 150mm drop instead, reducing useable travel. It doesn't alter what the dropper has (obviously), but it alters what length dropper you can run.
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: he failed at the maths
  • 1 3
 @inked-up-metalhead: "Say you need your seat 200mm out of the frame, and you've got a 170mm dropper. If the stack height is 30mm or less, then you are fine"

This is the exact point I'm making, there are plenty of scenarios where the stack is fine. All bikes are different and all people are different you cant just look at a post + stack and say that doesn't work because it will work for some and it wont for others. Stack does not make a seat post bad, they make different lengths so you can find one that works.

In your example of the seat post with 50mm stack, you either get the 150mm post with 50mm stack and deal with the 50mm higher post because 50mm is nothing or you buy a different post that works for you. X Fusion simply released a post here, they didn't put a gun to your head and force you to use it. It's just an option. I guarantee that we all fail to drop our posts 100% of the way a lot of the time anyway and never notice the 10-50mm that we don't get it down.
  • 3 1
 @warmerdamj: we live in a world with 210mm droppers, and you think loosing 25mm of that is OK just because? Nah, it's crap, would completely put me off on my current bike, I can run a 170mm oneup, I'd be lucky to get a 150 in of this, wireless is nice but isn't worth a compromise, especially when it's twice the price of a oneup, routing a cable isn't that much of a hassle. And just because you don't use your dropper fully doesn't mean a lot dont. I for one could probably get away with a 2 position post, because I'm either fully up or fully down 95% of the time.
  • 6 1
 @warmerdamj: and if you think 50mm extra nut clearance is nothing then maybe you need bigger nuts
  • 2 1
 @inked-up-metalhead: You made some good points there but then afterwards your mind drifted to my balls I see.
  • 3 0
 @warmerdamj: well they're next to the ass your talking out of so kinda hard to avoid.
  • 1 2
 @inked-up-metalhead: Yesterday after we chatted I went and rode my 150mm dropper that doesn't go all the way down to my frame. I had never noticed before but upon paying closer attention I noticed that my bike actually exploded when I hit a descent without the dropper slammed to the frame. You we're right all along.
  • 1 1
 Normal person: "If its going to cost twice as much, it better be better".

@warmerdamj : "No it doesn't it can be worse for more $$ quit being picky"
  • 1 1
 @inked-up-metalhead: So you started with the ass, and then moved on to the balls. Nice.
  • 2 2
 @warmerdamj: I wish it had and we wouldn't be subjected to your inane chatter anymore. Everyone can clearly see you're an idiot, you don't need to keep reaffirming it.
  • 14 0
 I think one of the use cases that will be missed for a lot of people on PB is XC riders wanting to be able to ride with a dropper some of the time and a high post some of the time. this would make that a 5 minute swap rather than a 30-60 min swap.
  • 7 0
 I did this on an Epic HT… had the rigid post and bought a reverb for easy swaps…. It was really great! Except that after about a week the novelty wore off and I just left the dropper on all the time as I consistently posted faster times with it on vs. off…. Then I decided the weight wasn’t worth it and bought a light mechanical dropper… it’s a vicious cycle.
  • 8 0
 I am a bit vain but I wish it looked a little better.
  • 6 0
 Dude looked like he wasn’t sure it was going to work. Looked like Samuel Jackson flipping the breakers in Jurassic park.
  • 9 0
 Well I hate to fact check you on this, but (spoiler alert on a 30-year old movie) Samuel Jackson never got to flip any of the breakers because he was dismembered by the raptors before he got there. It was Laura Dern's character that actually flipped the breakers back on.
  • 6 0
 @jmd07aa: I hate to fact check you on this, but Samuel Jackson was never dismembered by raptors.
  • 6 0
 @Eatsdirt: Pretty sure he was. It was that part right after he said, "I've had it with these mother effin raptors on this mother effin plane!" Classic movie. I can't believe you don't remember it.
  • 7 0
 @noapathy: If only there was some technology to settle this argument.
  • 2 0
 @jmd07aa: I know it’s been thirty years and all, but when I reference JP, I don’t F it up.

youtu.be/HKK4KmDlj8U

“Hold on to your butts” was the correct reply.
  • 2 0
 @noapathy: Finally someone with decent memory of what actually happened. That scene was the tits!
  • 2 1
 @noapathy: why are we not talking more about Raptors on a plane? Dropper post stack heights are stupid flying predatory dinosaurs is the true threat to modern mountain bikes.
  • 3 0
 @usedbikestuff: You're right, I forgot entirely about the first breaker panel and was thinking of the second breaker panel that he never made it to. Lots of switching breakers in that movie.
  • 2 0
 @jmd07aa: I just assumed that much like clicking grill tongs before using, “hold onto your butts” was what you say before any breaker switch flip
  • 1 0
 @usedbikestuff: Yup. It's in the manual.
  • 3 0
 This looks awesome, I love my AXS reverbs but I don't love the price. No hose = less servicing with less room for contaminated fluid or air. No 27.2 though for the gravel homies?
  • 2 0
 Ive got sram gx axs on my bike and the ONLY reason why I legitimately want a sram axs dropper too is for the swappable battteries. I've had my gx axs die on me once and it was entirely my fault, I saw the red battery light indicating it was low but I ignored it for some reason and when i got to the trail, the battery was dead.
  • 6 0
 We need a battery that charges via friction from chafing
  • 4 0
 Chafing from your ass or the seatpost stanchion?
  • 3 0
 It's not the time it takes the post to rise that is the issue. It is how long from when you hit the lever. That was the issue with the first version of the Magura wireless dropper. There was a lag with the signal.
  • 2 0
 Great to see some competion for wireless droppers. I'd have bought one long ago if they had 200mm+ options, I love the drop on my OneUp 200mm post too much to lose those extra CMs of saddle-go-away goodness.

First one to release a 200mm gets my money!
  • 4 0
 This is amazing
$400 for a wireless dropper
Can’t wait for it to come out
  • 3 0
 Magura Vyron eLECT On the market since several years
  • 2 0
 Gimmi a 200mm or a 210mm or a 220mm or a 230mm dropper and I’ll buy one. My XL megawatt has this really shitty acros headset ai nee to bypass.

(Seems like there is a business model to fix other companies’ mistakes)
  • 4 3
 Well cyclists have reached a new level of wingeing when people are complaining about the effing stack height of a “WIRELESS DROPPER SEATPOST”!!! Go try riding a bike from 1992 and then come on back….stack height too high….Christ.
  • 2 1
 Yup. What he said!
  • 2 0
 Please, just put the battery towards the front. The only reason I don’t ride the AXS now is because it strikes the rear tire at full bottom out. Maybe this is improved, but why not just relocate it altogether?
  • 1 0
 I replaced my stock Manic dropper to a One up to lose some stack height, and while that did work out as planned, I was surprised to see that the X- Fusion was actually a more solid feeling post.. The head on the OneUp is wobbly and the cable retention system at the bottom of the post is a pain.. I do still prefer the OneUp, but I had originally thought the Manic was a cheap OEM spec, but turned out to be of much better quality that I had expected. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with
  • 2 2
 Given that the battery is cylindrical, does it seem crazy to think it could have been inserted vertically in the upper tube. I am not sure what goes on inside the top of the upper tube of a dropper post but, at least in my mind, you would be able to reduce the stack height and just have a small charging port. Battery would still be removable but would require taking the seat off.
  • 2 0
 Very nice of XFusion.
However, I would love my dropper to be able to lower without being heavied by rider's body. Is there such one?
  • 4 0
 I now have someone else to ride my bike for me. So much easier.
  • 1 0
 All this means when suntour give this a release date reverbs will be discounted everywhere. It's the one AXS part that you can't find for half of retail online because SRAM know how good a product they have
  • 2 0
 What does suntour have to do with this?
  • 3 0
 Wireless Dropper = More options for people who have to run an externally routed cable for their droppers
  • 2 0
 I'm guessing a prototype. The access to that rear saddle clamp bolt is terrible!
  • 2 0
 Wireless definitely makes sense here. Would like to see a manual override toggle on the stack just in case.
  • 2 1
 The minimum stack height is very bad. It seems even worst than the axs which is already huge. For people in between size that sized up is completely useless
  • 1 0
 What about an idea to place the battery under the saddle? Connected somehow to the seatpost?
Will it be placed in a better, more hide and protected place?
  • 2 0
 I love my current manic post, would be sweet to go wireless!
  • 2 1
 Looks better than axs...no need to recharge every two weeks....looks like the battery will last much longer
  • 1 0
 Looks can be deceiving...
  • 3 0
 Reverb axs is gonna die
  • 2 0
 Please make a wireless 240mm dropper
  • 1 0
 Defo on my list.....well done x fusion
  • 1 0
 Ill buy it just cause AT said so. Ill take 2 actually
  • 1 1
 When I first saw this, I was like awesome a wireless dropper that probably doesn’t cost as much as the reverb.
  • 2 0
 Magura.
  • 7 0
 I have a Vyron v2 that has been flawless for just over 2 years now. I emailed Magura and they have discontinued the Vryon in its current form, but said that they have something else in the works and it should be released by years end so stay tuned....
  • 1 0
 And when can we put a little alternator on the cranks to charge these?
  • 3 0
 dynamo hubs are available
  • 1 0
 The sound of sandpaper, but electrified.
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