X-Fusion Manic 30.9mm Dropper Post 150mm with Remote: Customer Review

For those on the search for a budget-friendly dropper post, the X-Fusion Manic is definitely worth checking out. For less than $250, you get the dropper and remote, considerably less than other seat posts on the market. After riding with a KS Lev, our customer Keith decides to make the move to X-Fusion. Check out how it went!

Overview

When I bought my Yeti SB6 online it was clear that fitting a 150mm dropper post was going to be very tight based on my height and the long seat tube on the frame. Because of this, I opted for a 125mm KS Lev since I had experience rebuilding a KS post on my previous bike. Once I received the bike it became immediately obvious on the steep descents and jumps lines that I really needed a larger drop. Having a saddle banging around the inside of my legs was annoying. The problem is, I didn't want to drop a bunch of money just yet on such a new bike.

I spent the next year and a half watching the new crop of less expensive droppers come out. When a when a buddy was assembling a new bike, I suggested he try the X-Fusion Manic. After a year of riding, his post was completely trouble free while I needed to bleed my KS Lev twice and had been dealing with countless other problems. Once I upgraded to a lower profile saddle and the 150mm Manic went on sale this year, I knew it was time to bite the bullet.

Performance

Some of the advantages of this post compared to the competition, besides price, is that it has a very robust seat clamp. The bolts are rated for high torque and the interface is well designed. I am no longer worried about the seat rails creaking or shifting during a ride and I don't have to tighten the clamp to the point that it bends. Also, the lever actuation force is very light which is nice towards the end of long days in the saddle. Speaking of the lever, it is one of the best stock remotes available. It's lightweight, has tons of adjustability, and the paddle is textured to prevent my thumb from slipping during wet rides. On my previous seatpost, I had converted a front shifter to a dropper remote to get the same ergonomics but it was much bulkier and heavy.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I can't see where any corners were cut. The fit and finish is just as good as my previous higher price point dropper and as long as it is as reliable, then I will be very happy. If for some reason the post starts to sag, I know the fix is a simple sealed cartridge exchange rather than a messy bleed of an oil-filled cartridge.