FSA has a brand new dropper post, one that replaces the previous model that we didn't have much luck with. Thankfully, it looks like FSA has addressed all of the issues that we had, as well as making improvements in other areas. The Flowtron takes its name after a fast, rolling flow trail near FSA's Pacific Northwest headquarters, and it will retail for $269 USD when it hits the shelves this coming January.
There will be two travel options, one with 150mm and the other with 125mm, and a new, lower profile head means that some riders who couldn't quite squeak the long-travel older post into their frame might now be able to get away with 150mm of stroke. Travel is controlled by a new alloy-walled cartridge (the old one was steel) with a 6mm shaft (the old one was 8mm) that helps to drop 90-grams from the design. Return speed is non-adjustable, with this being set by the charged cartridge.
One thing that is adjustable, however, is the force required at the completely redesigned thumb lever. This is tweaked by the wound return spring at the bottom of the post being set to one of three different positions, with the idea being that some riders like an ultra-light feel while others want a firmer push required at the lever. Adding return spring tension could also help overcome a bike's crappy cable routing that might add friction.
We've seen a few droppers employ some sort of linkage setup at the bottom of the post to depress the cartridge's plunger, but FSA has gone with a composite cam that accomplishes the same thing. Why composite? After testing this material against both steel and alloy cams, they found that the composite version showed the least wear by far, so there you have it.
The cable also mounts opposite to what was used on the Flowtron's predecessor, with its head fitting into a slot on the cam and being clamped by a hex screw up at the lever, something that should make getting the internally routed (sorry, no external option) housing cut to the correct length much easier. Internally, FSA has gone from two flat brass keys on the old dropper to using three round keys on the Flowtron, a change that is said to make for a much more robust design, and one that sees far less wiggle up at the head.
The new lever sits on a hinged clamp, and its textured thumb paddle is massive - there's no missing this thing.
After that, you know it is just gimmick bs.
The tilting dropper is just plain stupid. Besides being just an anti climax to look at.
What an "innovating" dropper? I rather have it reliable.
Or functional like the German post you see on late liteville.
FSA has been working on this for at least few years I think, I bet it will be good.
Voila... it is "110 drop, but 150 effective!".
150 drop in the rear and 60 drop in the front?
Ever lowered the seat to do trials moves and hop on big rocks?
Ever looked at photos of ews pro bikes? Wonder why the saddle looks so high?
Because at full extension is only used to climb. 1cm lower for everything else.
Can't sit on this post any lower than full extension because it will tilt as soon as it drops.
Ever ridden with the post down a little bit?
Weights 700+ grams, it is only 34.9 -not possible to make it smaller- cost more than a 9 point 8 (best dropper in the market imo). More pivots=more things to go wrong. And it is ugly as hell.
@aaronfpeet: 16-24 was a marketing term few years ago to describe "easy to impress future buyers", but I agree with you.
@XCAussie: if you understand the need of a tilting post on your XC bike, good for you
@Balgaroth: I like to seat on the post to lower it, so I can choose exactly where it stops.
Potential for a full di2 system in the future, seatpost, gears and suss lockout all off the same battery
It's light and look's sweet.
Excellent option for older bikes without cable routing.
I'll show myself out...
I've got two - one from the first run which returned a bit slow, and lever throw a bit stiff. The latest model addressed those 2 minor issues. Matched with a Wolftooth lever they are dialed.
They've had zero issues and function perfectly.
If they came in a 160 or 170 the Transfer would be perfect.
www.trailforks.com/trails/flowtron-3000
Erik