Fox Telescoping Post And One Piece Titanium Crown and Steerer!

by Mike Levy
Sep 23, 2010 at 21:14

Fox Racing Shox quietly debuted both their prototype telescoping seatpost and incredibly impressive one piece titanium tapered steerer tube and crown combination during Interbike. That's right, a tapered steerer tube and crown that is manufactured from a single piece of titanium by Fox. There are photos and audio explaining the how's and why's inside, just in case you don't believe me!

Read on...

Being in the suspension game, it does make sense for Fox to jump into the growing telescoping seatpost wars. After all, a lot of the same technology can be applied to the problems that need to be tackled. While you are looking at an early prototype of the DOSS - Drop On Steep Shit - it was fully functioning and I was allowed to run it through its travel. While not overly eager to share too much information, Fox's Dan Robbins explained to me that their engineers have combined both the key-way that holds the post head from spinning and the internal travel control-stops into a single mechanism. Fox plans to make two travel options available when the post does hit the production line, both a 4
Being in the suspension game, it does make sense for Fox to jump into the growing telescoping seatpost wars. After all, a lot of the same technology can be applied to the problems that need to be tackled. While you are looking at an early prototype of the DOSS - Drop On Steep Shit - it was fully functioning and I was allowed to run it through its travel. While not overly eager to share too much information, Fox's Dan Robbins explained to me that their engineers have combined both the key-way that holds the post head from spinning and the internal travel control-stops into a single mechanism. Fox plans to make two travel options available when the post does hit the production line, both a 4" and 5" version depending on what you feel you need. Don't hold your breath, it'll be a while before you'll be able to pick one up.

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One of the goals when designing the DOSS post was to simplify finding that middle cruiser position that is so handy when you are only looking for a bit more clearance or a lower center of gravity for fast or technical sections of trail. Instead of having to compress the post and then release the lever when it is at the middle setting like you'd do on most models, the system on the DOSS lets you depress the remote lever half way to let the post lower and stop in that position, it simply won't go any lower any further unless you push the remote more. I played with it a bit in the stand and the system seemed to work very smoothly.
One of the goals when designing the DOSS post was to simplify finding that middle cruiser position that is so handy when you are only looking for a bit more clearance or a lower center of gravity for fast or technical sections of trail. Instead of having to compress the post and then release the lever when it is at the middle setting like you'd do on most models, the system on the DOSS lets you depress the remote lever half way to let the post lower and stop in that position, it simply won't go any lower any further unless you push the remote more. I played with it a bit in the stand and the system seemed to work very smoothly.

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Up top you'll find a one piece head with a two bolt design that should prove much more reliable than what some other posts use. There will be no twisting of the post's head or seats that tilt back when you come down on them hard while the DOSS is under you.
Up top you'll find a one piece head with a two bolt design that should prove much more reliable than what some other posts use. There will be no twisting of the post's head or seats that tilt back when you come down on them hard while the DOSS is under you.

WOW. While checking out the DOSS post, Fox's Dan Robbins casually mentioned that I may want to check out something that was on display at the front of the Fox booth. You're looking at a one piece crown and tapered steerer that is made from a single piece of titanium. I don't think that it gets much cooler than this. While not saying that they will never have a similar unit in carbon, Fox does take some issues with using such a material for this point on the bike. I was told that by using titanium they were able to keep the same stiffness numbers, but shave 90 grams from the fork in one fell swoop. This is Adam Craig's personal bike that is equipped with the first ever completely built Float Ti fork. Start off with the one piece titanium steerer and crown, throw in some Kashima coated stanchions, add some matte white lowers, and you have what is possibly the raddest XC fork ever put together.
WOW. While checking out the DOSS post, Fox's Dan Robbins casually mentioned that I may want to check out something that was on display at the front of the Fox booth. You're looking at a one piece crown and tapered steerer that is made from a single piece of titanium. I don't think that it gets much cooler than this. While not saying that they will never have a similar unit in carbon, Fox does take some issues with using such a material for this point on the bike. I was told that by using titanium they were able to keep the same stiffness numbers, but shave 90 grams from the fork in one fell swoop. This is Adam Craig's personal bike that is equipped with the first ever completely built Float Ti fork. Start off with the one piece titanium steerer and crown, throw in some Kashima coated stanchions, add some matte white lowers, and you have what is possibly the raddest XC fork ever put together.

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Listen to the audio for a bit of information on how Fox manufactures their titanium crown and steerer combo.
Listen to the audio for a bit of information on how Fox manufactures their titanium crown and steerer combo.

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Adam Craig's bike again, but this time you are looking at the Fox rear shock. Dan was tight lipped about what was going on in there, but he assured me that it is quite exciting. Anyone out there have X-ray vision?
Adam Craig's bike again, but this time you are looking at the Fox rear shock. Dan was tight lipped about what was going on in there, but he assured me that it is quite exciting. Anyone out there have X-ray vision?

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Visit the Fox website to see their entire lineup.


Very big news from Fox with their DOSS post and one piece titanium crown and tapered steerer unit. While both products are a ways away from being reading for public consumption, I'm sure that won't stop everyone from sharing their opinion on what is new and exciting. Put your thoughts down below!

Stay tuned for more Interbike coverage!
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51 Comments

  • + 2
flag scabby (Sep 27, 2010 at 8:40)
 Ti? Really?
What is this 1989?
Bike shops won’t even be able to install this thing. You sure aint cutting this with guide and a hack saw. Why would FOX try this? Just to be different does not mean its better. Ti is really flexible when in a tube form ask anyone that rides a Ti frame. What kind of stem are you going to try to clamp on?
Ti does not lend itself to being a clamped surface. Your stem will move unless they developed a special stem interface as well.
• Ti is not lighter that 6 or 7 series aluminum, why not use the same technology to make a one piece forged aluminum crown steerer? It would be lighter and stiffer than the Ti.
• Why not invest in the development of a carbon crown steerer for even more weight loss and better rigidity?
• I have already sent back one fork that the Kashima tubes have come loose in the crown. How are they going to ensure these stay pressed in the Ti crowns?

Fox quality and usable design logic used to be renowned, however in the last couple years they seem so desperate to “push the envelope” of design whether it makes sense or not. I guess if you want to be in the same markets as everyone else you need flashy parts and bright colors.
Too bad cause it used to seem like Fox was made by guys that ride. Now it just seems like too many engineers.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag NorCalikonaryder (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:19)
 The ti. looks so legit i think the mate white should be next years line up for color schemes for sure!..looks fantastic keep up the good work!
  • + 4
flag GabrielDugas (Sep 23, 2010 at 22:10)
 leaving dh to ride xc to have this. >
would really like to see a 40 with ti crown + Ferrari msrp
  • + 4
flag Kondasaurus (Sep 23, 2010 at 23:00)
 so legit, i love the matte look to, so clean and simple
would be so sick if next years have a ti crown option
  • + 2
flag guy38 (Sep 24, 2010 at 0:21)
 was just quickly scrollen down the page until i saw the fox ti fork, wow
  • - 3
flag audeo03 (Sep 24, 2010 at 7:06)
 From a single piece > What a waste of titanium...and uber pricey.
  • + 1
flag audeo03 (Sep 24, 2010 at 7:09)
 Ok, I recant. It was cast, not just machined.
  • + 1
flag sjones10 (Sep 25, 2010 at 5:26)
 even if it was machined, the excess would be collected as its value even as a recyclable material is too high to simply allow to be discarded. it would never be wasted.
  • + 1
flag bkbroiler (Sep 25, 2010 at 5:33)
 just when you think it cant get any better!
  • + 1
flag HomeofMTB-MARIN (Sep 27, 2010 at 12:51)
 I think they should kashima coat the DOSS!!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag fraserbritton Plus (Sep 24, 2010 at 11:01)
 Fox does different types of tunes for OEM clients. They have different measurements for each different tune type, it's a way for them to keep track of what a shock has in terms of special tuning for a bike.

Ie: The RP23 on my Orange 5 is Velocity Tune "F", Rebound Tube "M", Boost Valve Tune "225". It is always located around the bottom lip of the air can on an RP23.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag brule Mod Plus (Sep 24, 2010 at 10:09)
 THis is a great look into how busy Fox was this season. Every suspension company is close to having a post and they should - adjustable height posts are legit and make you faster and the trails more fun!

I also wouldn't mind a Ti Steerer 36 Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag whattheheel (Sep 24, 2010 at 16:45)
 Just to let everyone know but this bike was stolen last night also! What a rip! Wanted to go see it but it was gone! So everyone be on the watch out for the Giant!! Adam Craig has got to be absolutely bummed!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 24, 2010 at 1:45)
 Ok ok... about the Fox Float shock here... I want to buy a frame with that next year, I don't want to buy 2010 model, spend lots of money and then realize that there is some new super stuff coming in 2012!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag dillpicle (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:38)
 thats going to be one expensive fork
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag phatsmoker (Sep 24, 2010 at 21:35)
 shit they could even put it on the seatpost and add another 100 bucks to the price and say " it makes your seat slide up and down 22% faster" i'd buy it
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag hustler Plus (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:21)
 The shaft looks bigger on that RP23 to me ...
  • + 2
flag innesgraham (Sep 24, 2010 at 8:38)
 thats what she said hehe sorry had to be done. not sure about the seat post dunno on the price but if its around the same as the crank bros joplin etc ide go for that rather than the fox one....just my opinion mind.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag davidstuartkelly (Sep 23, 2010 at 22:15)
 Its all very nice stuff, lets hope its up to their usual Quality..
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jagarcia89 (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:24)
 saw the steerer there, how did I miss the post????? I wouldve loved to play with it. I guess I was too focused on the free beer yesterday.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag denis80 (Sep 24, 2010 at 18:20)
 Fox is without doubt the best in industry! Hey people from Fox, I hope you reading this, make replacement for series 32 Float and Talas! My suggestion - series 34:-):-):-)
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag CarrieM (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:22)
 thats one foxy fork
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag essfour (Sep 24, 2010 at 7:14)
 Umm... pretty sure it's "one fell swoop" not "one foul swoop". Juss sayin'
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag fullbug (Sep 24, 2010 at 8:04)
 RockShox's post looks pretty nice as well. saw pics of Fairclough running it at a Mega.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag konad (Sep 24, 2010 at 8:18)
 don't cut the steer tube too short
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag phatsmoker (Sep 24, 2010 at 21:33)
 wonder why they didnt fully capitalize on the Kashimi hype and do up the rear shocks too.
  • + 1
flag Edparn (Sep 26, 2010 at 14:09)
 Fair point, whatever the benefits are should apply to rear shocks similarly. If I had to guess I'd say that generally the wider the stanchion the more friction on the sliders and on rear shocks this friction probably isn't the limiting factor to small bump performance. I guess if cost was no option it could be put on top of the line rear shocks but like you say another 100 smackers and probably best invested in a pivot bearing upgrade.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Chornbeak (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:39)
 I think it says "velocity tune" on the rp23, but I cant be sure.
  • + 1
flag runner (Sep 23, 2010 at 22:13)
 The little blue sticker next to it says M, who knows what that could mean?
  • + 4
flag timmins (Sep 24, 2010 at 0:34)
 I'm gonna take a wild guess and say Maestro.


Man, Fox just has my number, I've been looking at telescoping posts and was frustrated wasn't finding one with a 2 bolt clamp.

Also, the push sensitive lever in ingenious, pushing the button will eventually become second nature thereby allowing all concentration and physical effort to be dedicated to riding.
  • + 1
flag Fader18 (Sep 24, 2010 at 7:51)
 nah man, i think its just a normal rp23 but fox is coming out with a remote rear shock for 2011 i think
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Qwertyopolis (Sep 24, 2010 at 19:41)
 you spelled full wrong on the picture of the fork... I'm just saying...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Mathewh46 (Sep 24, 2010 at 4:00)
 WOW! Fox have realy pulled out all of there best products this year.. Awesome!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag luket-mtb66 (Sep 30, 2010 at 5:23)
 what a gay seat post! i find XC parts getting weirder
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mud-hucker (Sep 27, 2010 at 10:28)
 I'll take one of those posts, thank you very much
  • + 1
flag scabby (Sep 27, 2010 at 18:20)
 Make that 2 please. I was too distracted by the lame Ti crown to realize how badly someone needs to make a good drop post. The clamp looks good and based on the jagwire I see they left shimano out of the picture this time. This looks like a winner, hurry up and ship them so I don't have to consider the rock shox post.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mr-smashy (Sep 24, 2010 at 18:31)
 The fork was stolen as well.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag taletotell (Sep 24, 2010 at 6:37)
 That rear shock looks a little tubby round the shock body. . .
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag justin654 (Sep 23, 2010 at 22:34)
 fox is the best suspension brand in the industry always stepping up their game!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag phatsmoker (Sep 23, 2010 at 22:29)
 i'd like to see some remote lever pics
  • + 1
flag mikelevy Mod Plus (Sep 23, 2010 at 22:32)
 The remote that Fox was using to operate the post at Interbike was the same as they use to control their fork lockout, but I was told that production post will have their own version. No word on what it is going to look like.
  • + 1
flag phatsmoker (Sep 24, 2010 at 21:32)
 interesting, thanks for the reply!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dirtmonkey1 (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:21)
 fox pushing the limits as usual, looks sick
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag crazybeach (Sep 24, 2010 at 8:26)
 fox just needs to make a bike
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag seraph (Sep 24, 2010 at 2:15)
 I can't wait until that ti crown/steerer makes its way to the 36 line of forks.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Johnny2bags (Sep 24, 2010 at 7:30)
 So much win in the name of the seat post!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag jezso (Sep 24, 2010 at 4:14)
 That titanium fork crown is just stunning. And the whole fork by the way.
Bravo Fox!
Please keep pushing that envelope. Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Sharonb (Sep 24, 2010 at 8:10)
 wow. nice job.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag misterpeanut (Sep 24, 2010 at 6:14)
 that really is RAD. Hahahaha get it get it, oh i crack myself up.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stella10 (Sep 23, 2010 at 23:49)
 Love it...
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag anotherbikerguy (Sep 23, 2010 at 21:47)
 Awesome stuff.
[Reply]

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