X Fusion Hilo Strate (SLS)
Featured Member ReviewCosts about $270, Is on the lighter side for a dropper, Smooth action and remote works well with 1X set-ups, Simple 2 bolt head
Would like it to be more user serviceable, I did have an issue, but it was taken care of quickly
I like to think out of the box a little bit and try different things than the mainstream when it comes to many things and give the smaller guys a go, and the X-Fusion dropper post is no different. The SLS is replacing the original Hilo 125 I have had trouble free for 2.5 years with just a single rebuild performed by myself. This one is the 125mm version in the 31.6 flavor. It goes for about $270 right now which puts it on the cheaper side of the market.
First Look:
On my scale the post itself came in at 471 grams, and the uncut cable/housing and lever came in at 96 grams (79 grams after cut). The original Hilo 125 with the steel shaft and single bolt head came in at 585 grams and 83 grams for the cable/housing and lever. All together it is 118 grams lighter which is just over a quarter of a pound.
Installation:
First Ride:
Throughout the first ride, it worked flawlessly. It never sagged or worked its way down while riding. I also never felt any side to side play while in the saddle. For the price ($269 for the 125mm and $289 for the 150 version), it is hard to beat. That is quite a bit cheaper than the mainstream competition. After riding for several months I had and issue and it would not extend fully. I sent it into X-Fusion and they ended up sending me a brand new one for free! From my experience, I have had great customer support from them with fast turnaround times even when sending from east coast to Santa Cruz, California.
What is it like after some time?
What I Would Like to See Different:
There is not a lot I would really change on this post, but I will nitpick one thing. I wish it had a schrader valve on it like previous models that way air pressure could be adjusted for faster/slower return speeds as well as if it needs more air in it from any that could leak over time. Also, it would be nice if they were made more userserviceablein general. Dropper posts in general are not the most reliable and making one where consumers can work on it by themselves would be sweet.