TranzX ED01 Dropper Post Review: A Closer Look at Wireless Performance

Wireless components are at the bleeding edge of mountain bike technology. While similar to SRAM's AXS team, there are a number of other brands that have thrown their hats in the ring, developing electronic dropper posts, shifters and suspension. TranzX is the latest to join the fray with their wireless post, named the ED01. As a stickler for the whole concept of batteries on mountain bikes, I feel well placed to give this post an honest review; especially though my ability to not be amused by the lack of a cable running from the dropper lever to the bottom of my frame.

Architecture and Technology

Similar to offerings from Magura and Rockshox, this dropper relies on a battery mounted on top to power a small motor that activates an air cartridge inside the post. The battery itself is novel to the ED01, and ships with a charger powered by a USB-C outlet. Since the actuator of the post is mounted on the top and the air valve is located under the post, it makes testing and adjusting the pressure quick and easy. The cartridge (and many other parts) is available as a replacement part with KWT if needed, and is easily replaced if you follow the service instructions provided by TranzX. Similar to the posts from OneUp and PNG, you can do a quick dusting service by simply taking it off, cleaning the surfaces and dripping in some lube.

The body of the lever uses a CR2032 battery, which powers a bluetooth transmitter that sends signals to the post. The lever itself is plastic, and when activated it presses a small button held in place by a spring. The lever feel is very different from what I am used to, as there is no 'throw' as you would expect when pulling the string. Instead, it sounds like an indicator in your car. That context, is either “on” or “off”, there is no in between.

As a combined set including batteries, post and lever it came in at just over 750 grams: compared to the Fox Transfer post and the Shimano lever that replaced this it's about 100 grams heavier. It's empty, yes, but I'd expect a free-to-air cable system to have at least as much weight as the cable-tuned system that came before it. TransX covers the ED01 with a 2-year warranty.

Installation

This is where wireless components come into their own. Installing a new dropper post and routing the cable inside can be a tedious, near-frustrating process for an average mechanic like myself. Routing the wires to the ports, cutting them to length, making sure there is enough tension for proper operation—quite a process. Installation of the ED01 on the other hand was a breeze. After checking the air pressure was set to the recommended 300psi, all I needed to do was hit the post on my frame to the desired height, and lift the lever on my handlebars. Admittedly installing the seat was a bit of a chore, however I would put a lot of this down to being the first time installing a seat post with this type of two bolt mount. When everything was fixed to clarity, I just had to pair the post with the knob: a 30 second process confirmed by the green light on the lever body. Within minutes, I had installed the ED01 on my bike and was ready to head out for a ride.

On the road

I usually use my droppers with as much pressure on the cable as they can hold without getting caught, to make sure I can drop them and get you up as quickly as possible. Likewise, I also run them with as much air pressure as recommended by the manufacturer to keep the return speed as fast and sound as possible. In comparison, the performance and return speed of the ED01 was a touch slower than I was used to, even under heavy pressure. The post also seemed to lag when first using it at the start of a ride or after not using it for a while during a ride, both of which were minor niggles that I eventually learned to live with.

There is no 'knock' that can be heard when the post reaches full length, a possible side effect of return speed and something I missed on my mechanical post during testing. These minor issues aside, I found the ED01 very easy to live with. As you'd expect, it gets up and down with a level of smoothness that's comparable to other closed cartridge units like the OneUp Dropper, but falls short compared to higher-end mechanical posts like the BikeYoke Revive. Lateral play was minimal and not noticeable on the bike, and there was no vertical play in the post when sitting on it. The novelty of pressing the lever mounted on the bar and hearing the little “bleep bleep” of the engine running on the post has not and will not wear off, to the point where I am still riding around and flapping the lever to my heart's content. so I can listen to those funny little sounds. And I had no problems with water getting in when I washed my bike after a ride. TranzX recommends that you always keep the battery installed and avoid washing the post head directly to ensure that no such problems occur.

Price

This dropper shipping kit sits right in the middle of what your money can get you in mechanical or electrical equipment. With a price tag of under $1k, it offers incredible value compared to the Rockshox Reverb AXS which comes in at around $1500 RRP. While the Reverb has better lever feel and a stronger post head, I wouldn't say those benefits alone are worth the extra $500. Alternatively, you can get a OneUp Dropper post and lever for about $500, about half the cost of the ED01. In comparison, OneUp has better performance and recovery speed performance, but the cable is activated which means installation and maintenance is more difficult.

Our Take

The TranzX ED01 was a faithful companion during the few months I had it on my bike. For those willing to invest in a wireless suspension post, it offers excellent value compared to the market leading Rockshox Reverb AXS. In addition to this, it will also be available with a 200mm drop differential until the end of 2024, a full 30mm more travel than that available from Rockshox. That being said, it's still hundreds of dollars more expensive and heavier than a cable-triggered post with similar functionality. The question is, how much is it easy to put in and a free cockpit?

Range: 30.9mm, 31.6mm (tested)

Tour: 150mm, 170mm (tested)

Weight: Post 690g, Lever 68g (including batteries)

RRP: $999.95

Available With: kwtimports.com.au