Review: RockShox's All-New SID Goes Bigger and Lighter

Mar 15, 2020 at 14:03
by Mike Levy  


The SID has been in RockShox's catalog since 1998, long enough for most of us to forget what those three letters stand for. It's 'Superlight Integrated Design,' an appropriate name for suspension that's meant to weigh as little as possible. For 2021, RockShox is debuting two all-new and completely different SID forks that are more worthy of the name than ever, as well as the SIDLuxe shock to complete the cross-country focused package.

With 35mm stanchion tubes and a burlier chassis, an all-new damper and air spring, and a weight of 1,537-grams, could the fresh SID be the fork for riders who like a bit of down in their cross-country? I've spent the last month riding a Mondraker F-Podium DC with the new $899 USD SID Ultimate to find out.
SID Ultimate Details

• Intended use: Cross-country / trail
• Travel: 120mm
• Wheel size: 29" only
• Offset: 44mm only
• New Charger Race Day damper
• New chassis
• Stanchions: 35mm
• Weight: 1,537-grams
• MSRP: $899 to $969 USD
www.sram.com/rockshox

The other new fork is the race-inspired SID SL that offers 100mm of travel and weighs just 1,326-grams. That makes it the lightest cross-country fork on the market, but it's the stouter, 120mm-travel standard SID Ultimte that's reviewed below.

If all you're seeing are two cross-country forks with not enough travel, think of it like this: Are you the type of rider who only wants 100mm, and you want that 100mm to be really firm because you don't shave your legs and wear a skinsuit for nothing? And would you rather save 200-grams and be okay with having your seat in your ass than having fun on the descents? If you answered 'yes' to any of those, you're probably a SID SL kinda person.

Or are you the type of rider who only wants 120mm of travel, but you still enjoy a dumb line every so often or jumping off something that scares your poor trail bike? And would you rather not ride at all than high-post an otherwise fun descent? If any of those had you nodding, you're probably a normal SID kinda person, just like me.


photo
The 100mm-travel SID SL Ultimate weighs just 1,326-grams thanks to an all-new chassis and a new damper that weighs only 88-grams. It goes for $799 to $869 USD.


Two New SID Forks, One New SID Shock, and All the Tech

The Lighter SID SL: The race-focused SID SL sticks with 32mm diameter upper tubes to save weight, but the chassis is completely new. Judging by the scooped-out arch and Step-Cast-esque dropout areas, it's seen some serious paring down. RockShox has also moved away from the previous version's one-piece carbon fiber crown and steerer, with the new machined aluminum version said to weigh even less - my math tells me they shaved around 68-grams from the chassis alone.


photo
photo
The SID SL's new chassis is 68-grams lighter than the previous version.


RockShox cut even more weight by designing an all-new damper, the Charger Race Day, that weighs just 88-grams. That's an impressive 98-grams less than the previous SID damper, but minimal weight means minimal adjustments: You can turn your lockout on or off via a tiny lever at the crown or by their TwistLoc remote, and low-speed rebound is at the bottom of the same leg.

It's not often that a new, high-end product is less adjustable than its predecessor, but RockShox feels that when it comes all-out cross-country racing, dropping a dial or two is worth it to drop some grams.


photo
The SID's carbon fiber crown and steerer has been retired, but RockShox says that the new aluminum version is even lighter.


All of that adds up to just 1,326-grams for the top-tier $799 to $869 USD SL Ultimate, making it the lightest telescoping cross-country fork on the market. Well, at least until someone else does all of the above and then drills a few more tiny holes to top it off.

Going for $599 to $669 USD, the 1,468-gram SID SL Select uses the same lightweight chassis but with the heavier, older Charger RL damper inside. Both models are available with only 100mm of travel, and only for 29" wheels.


photo
The 120mm-travel SID Ultimate gets 35mm stanchion tubes, weighs 1,537-grams, and costs $899 to $969 USD.


The Stouter SID: The 120mm-travel SID (the fork tested below) gets a stouter chassis with a similar mega-light aluminum crown as the SL version, but with a bit less material removed and 35mm stanchions fitted. That tube diameter is the same as what you'll find on the Boxxer, Lyrik, and Pike, by the way. It also has a wider stance than its skinny-boy SL brother, and it skips the stepped-shape down at the dropouts.

The idea is short-travel and relatively low weight for riders who like those kinds of things, but also to improve steering precision for riders who like to have a say in that kind of thing.


photo
There's a new bolt-on fender, too.
photo
The Charger Race Day damper can be locked out with a crown-mounted lever (right) or by their TwistLoc remote.

You'll find the same silly-light Charger Race Day damper in the SID Ultimate that's used in the SL Ultimate, only a bit longer to match the extra travel. That means it gets the same crown-mounted lever or TwistLoc lockout controls, and the same removable hex key to adjust low-speed rebound.

The 1,537-gram SID Ultimate goes for $899 to $969 USD, but $699 to $769 will get you the SID Select that uses the heavier Charger RL damper and weighs 1,671-grams.


photo
The SID's 88-gram Charger Race Day damper on the top, and the older damper on the bottom. The difference is nearly 100-grams.


All-New Charger Race Day Damper: I was surprised to learn that the lion's share of the weight savings on both the SL and standard SID comes from an all-new Charger Race Day damper that weighs, get this, just 88-grams. That's with the oil in it, too, although there certainly isn't much of it.

The new damper is a whopping (in this world) 98-grams lighter than what was employed inside the previous SID, and it's obvious to see how they did it: Make it really fricken small. Everything has been shrunk down; the damper body and its internals, the damper rod, the expanding bladder, and especially the oil volume. There isn't even a knob to adjust the rebound anymore, with a clip-on hex key thingy doing the job instead.


photo
photo
RockShox's weight-saving efforts can be seen at the SID's top cap, with speed holes through the side of it (left) and minuscule amounts of material removed elsewhere - spot that groove on the wrench flat? The older SID's long aluminum rebound dial has been ditched, too, with a clip-on hex key doing the job instead. Remove it for all your KOM attempts.


RockShox even added some Drillium, with holes through the circumference of the top cap's threads, and there's metal removed from the lockout lever, seal head, and even a tiny groove cut into the wrench flats. You'll also spot a tiny bleed screw at the topcap that will let you burp air from the system if needed, making maintenance easier.

There are changes to the damping, too, with a lighter overall compression tune compared to the old unit. The goal is to provide a bit more suspension compliance, something intended to work well with the firmer spring-rates that cross-country racing and having less travel in general requires.


photo
Less oil volume meant RockShox could go with a smaller expanding bladder, saving even more grams.


I've got both the new and old cartridges in front of me as I type this, and the difference is almost comical. RockShox says that size doesn't matter, though, at least in the cross-country world where grams count for a lot. Such a small damper probably wouldn't be appropriate in a Pike where there's much more demanded of it, but inside of a cross-country fork? You can find out below.

New DebonAir Spring: Everything else is new, so why the spring as well? The biggest change is a relocation of the dimple, the tiny indentation on the inside wall of the spring-side stanchion that lets air travel between the positive and negative chambers for them to self-equalize. They've moved it lower down, a change that's said to eliminate that tiny bit of ghost-travel when the fork is at the top of its stroke that some current DebonAir forks have, and it's closer in shape to the dimples on the Pike and Lyrik.


photo
The SIDLuxe shock was developed for cross-country racing and, just like the new SID forks, is all about minimum weight.


SIDLuxe Shock

There's a SID shock in RockShox's catalog for the first time since 2003. The SID SL has been pared down to the minimum and it's the same story here, with RockShox chasing grams and removing any aluminum they deem as excess. Did you notice that the SIDLuxe looks a bit small? That's because it is, with the body and shaft being down-sized compared to their other shocks. This also creates a bit more space for designers to get a water bottle or two inside the front triangle.

Further helping in the weight (and space) department is the lack of a rebound adjustment knob. There'd usually big a shiny red dial to fiddle with, or a big ring to turn on a trunion-mount shock, but they're nowhere to be seen on the SIDLuxe. Instead, you use the same little hex key that the forks require; I guess all the grams add up. There's also a milled-out lockout switch (or TwistLoc), with RockShox settling on a relatively stiff setting (with a blow-off, of course) because cross-country.

Speaking of damping, the theme is the same as with the Charger Race Day damper, with a relatively forgiving compression tune intended to work in conjunction with the firm spring-rates that short-travel and cross-country racing call for.



On Trail with the SID Ultimate and SIDLuxe

I've been using the 120mm-travel SID Ultimate and SIDLuxe shock on Mondraker's F-Podium DC, a bike that puts a big emphasis on speed and efficiency. It's a sporty package that's probably too fancy for my winter legs, but its seen action on the rocky, rooty trails of Squamish and North Vancouver, BC, and not a single day of it in dry conditions.

Let's get straight to the cage match: I've also spent a considerable amount of time on a 120mm-travel Fox 34 Step-Cast, which has to be the new SID's most direct competitor. I've used the 34 for everything from full days in the Whistler Bike Park (don't follow my example for anything, including this) to week-long cross-country stage races, even if my legs were hairy and my shorts were baggy. Fox's down-country fork weighs 1,623-grams, or 86-grams more than the SID, and you can bet your last Bottomless Token that RockShox had the 34 in its sights when developing their new fork.

Does 86-grams (0.18lbs) actually count for anything? Probably not, but also hell yes for a lot of riders; there will definitely be those who choose the SID for that reason alone. But let's talk about more important stuff.

The 34 Step-Cast that I used for so long came with their three-position FIT4 damper that, with open, medium, and firm modes, does make sense for a lot of trail riders. Thing is, that FIT4 cartridge isn't as good as their GRIP2 system when it's really rough and fast, and Fox doesn't offer a Factory-level 34 Step-Cast with GRIP2 (but you can get the heavier Performance model with the older GRIP damper that also beats FIT4.) RockShox's Charger Race Day doesn't have the low-speed compression adjustment that FIT4 does, but that doesn't stop the pint-sized damper from seeming to be able to offer more control when things are really rough and coming at you a bit too quickly. The SID is calmer in those moments, but I suspect I'd be hard pressed to see any contrast on smooth terrain.
photo
The new, 120mm-travel SID Ultimate is light enough to go on the front of your cross-country race bike while also offering trail bike-worthy suspension performance.

Who wins when it comes to steering precision? To me, at under 160lbs, which is always my disclaimer on this topic, the SID does feel a nip more torsionally rigid. Both companies would probably say theirs is stiffer, and one of them is likely right, but what the hell do you want from your 120mm-travel fork that's light enough to use for cross-country racing? The SID is plenty stiff for its intentions and then some, but don't go thinking it's a Pike just because it has the same size upper tubes.

RockShox made sure the SID has enough progression through its travel, meaning that those who have plans to push the fork past its intended use won't have to use some stupidly firm spring rate to prevent it from smashing bottom all the time. It can't be overstated how helpful this is, and I was happy with two volume-reducing tokens inside the SID, whereas I've had to stuff as many as possible into other short-travel forks.

The combination of not needing to use too much air pressure, and a damper that offers active, compliant travel means that the SID is relatively supple over the chattery, high-frequency stuff. Those are the kind of micro-impacts that can take more out of you than you'd expect, especially near the end of a long day in the saddle. For just 120mm, the SID offers the best balance of that small-bump compliance, mid-stroke support, and progression that I've experienced.

Updated: Unfortunately, the SID fork in this review, as well as two others in our cross-country Field Test review series, developed a notable amount of bushing play after this review was posted. If your SID has this issue, reach out to RockShox for support.




Pros

+ Small damper, big performance
+ More progressive spring curve
+ It doesn't weigh very much

Cons

- Look elsewhere if you want more knobs to turn
- Developed bushing play (Updated review above)



Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesIt's 2020 and there's a bike - and fork - for every niche of riding. The new SID offers cross-country performance in a package that can be ridden far harder than you'd expect. Want to take your trail bike to ride that sketchy singletrack on Saturday while wearing baggies, then show up to Sunday's cross-country race in full Lycra on the same bike? If that sounds like your idea of a good weekend, the SID would be a good fit. Mike Levy






Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

188 Comments
  • 196 0
 This trail version should be called called the SID Vicious... Missed opportunity right there Sram
  • 169 2
 With special fork oil that comes in a beer can and called SID Viscous.
  • 62 1
 Sounds like a good fork for the front end of a Trail Pistol.
  • 1 2
 @feeblesmith: Damn! Beat me to it...
  • 12 0
 When the bladder wears out it rides like a Nancy Spungen
  • 38 1
 Rumour has it they have one in the works for the groms. The Babysidder. I hate myself rn.
  • 3 0
 There’s gonna anarchy in the trailhead.....
  • 2 0
 And hepatitis.
  • 1 1
 P I K E
  • 4 0
 @feeblesmith: pretty vacant
  • 78 6
 Ok, but new Totem when?
  • 11 22
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 17, 2020 at 7:07) (Below Threshold)
 Let's take it easy. Fox hasn't officially announced the new 36 yet, even though some shops got it already. Lyrik DC wouldn't be bad either.
  • 3 0
 Hahahaha, I love my Totem. If they could make another I'd buy it in an instant
  • 19 1
 @WAKIdesigns: you mean Fox 38. Wink
  • 20 29
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 17, 2020 at 7:24) (Below Threshold)
 @agnostic: I don't know if there is a 38 as well but I have definitely seen a Fox fork with new lowers with round arch, new crown, that had 3 on one leg and 6 on another - insta story of a bike shop in Poland. Not sure why would they use 38 to be honest. 36 is stiff as hell, most unnecessary flex will happen on the steerer/crown interface. Many said 40 is too stiff. Unless they increase the diameter of the steerer at the bottom it seems to my couch engineer gland like it makes little sense. As to lower race getting bigger, it seems that whoever sits on a bike with 56 lower cup can sleep well. You'll be able to fit outboard bearing to match 2" crown race diameter, just like 44 headset takes tapered with outboard 44/40 bearing. But I would like to see it happen. If any new standard to be introduced, then this.
  • 2 13
flag rideyobike86 (Mar 17, 2020 at 7:25) (Below Threshold)
 There is no Totem
  • 5 1
 @WAKIdesigns: I'm 100% sure that the 38 is coming before the end of 2020, maybe 2021 now that there's no racing,
  • 7 15
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 17, 2020 at 7:32) (Below Threshold)
 @T4THH: Maybe the number 8 was written a bit like 6. But it was a new fork with Kashima and all the decals on. It is impossible to tell from "spy shots" that we could see on Pinkbike how big the diameter is.
  • 2 0
 I could swear I saw some pictures of Florian Nicolai in a trek shop with his slash that had a new fork on, but I can't seem to find them anymore. Might have just been some scarily specific deja vu, but I'm pretty sure the pics got taken down.
  • 8 2
 @WAKIdesigns: There was a Fox 4 digit code that somebody on another site supposedly pulled from one of the teaser photos, and it came up with "38" in the specs. Fox took it down, but I'd say it's all but officially confirmed at this point.
  • 8 17
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 17, 2020 at 7:55) (Below Threshold)
 @dlxah: tup Then probably they revamping 36 and releasing a whole new 38. maybe 40 is out of the window? Big Grin
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: you can see the grip2 damper knobs are smaller on top the crown, on fox36 they match in size
  • 6 29
flag garrisond5 (Mar 17, 2020 at 8:13) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: The current 36 is a noodle. The Pike is stiffer in my experience, but I don't ride that hard.
  • 15 6
 @zyoungson: that's what internet guessing is about - comparing knobs!
  • 6 11
flag dpodgajski (Mar 17, 2020 at 8:42) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: 36s are like butter.. no stifness at all.. and I have 80kg, so not so too darn heawy. Seals go to often due to flex.
  • 9 9
 @garrisond5: Rode Lyrik back to back with 36 on same bike, same day, same tracks, I didn't find it any flexier. But it is more supple than any RS (in my experience) in the beginning of the stroke given same SAG so hard to tell.
  • 3 1
 @WAKIdesigns: my fox 49 is not too stiff. A 38 would be the (marketing) shit!
  • 5 0
 @T4THH: there you go ibb.co/xs8GgMn
  • 5 8
 @Moner95: Yes that was the one I saw! Damn, after zooming in, it may be a number 8... looked more like 6 on little screen on insta

Trek store employees tend to have a way of releasing spy shots... like the dude in Sweden who posted pics of Super Caliber from the 2020 internal site before anybody has seen anything.
  • 5 9
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 17, 2020 at 9:19) (Below Threshold)
 @Moner95: if you work there say hi to Robert from me. Lots of love Joker
  • 5 2
 @WAKIdesigns: Look at the number on the left leg. The top isn't closed off like the bottom loop.

Looks like a 6
  • 5 8
 @kwapik: yeah. Thanks for that. I wonder what they are waiting for? Fox! Why is 38 quarantined?!
  • 4 1
 so you guys have time for work / comment here and ride , correct ?

Jesus would you guys lend me some time ?
  • 6 0
 @barbarosza: If the 45 seconds it takes to troll people here is too much out of your schedule maybe you should look into a time management class. It's all about priorities. Ride, pinkbike comment, sleep. The rest is superfluous.
  • 2 0
 I suppose fox is looking to build a 190 and/or 200mm single crown.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: It might be too difficult for some " ........ warriors"
  • 6 5
 Oh I see that negprop death squad rolled through. I am quite astonished how we managed to hijack RS press release with Fox Smile 38! 38! 38!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns:
Yes !
This time fox teasing works better than RS online marketing.
Fox is still missing a heavy duty trail fork on their range, same travel than a 34 but stiffer and with a high-end, gravity oriented damper, i.e. GRIP2.
Thinking of the amount of trail bikes with midtravel 36 (Norco sight, transition scout, etc...), I'm sure a lighter version with maintained rigidity make sense.
I'm sure this will be their rational behind the new 36, a 200g lighter fork with maintained (increased) rigidity for enduro race and trail.
Obviously I guess that's the reason why they are back to a rounded lower arch even if it's doesn't looks good. They sacrificed design against function this time.
Same from pinch bolts, they sacrificed simplicity of use against rigidity.
  • 1 0
 @Pavel-Repak: @Pavel-Repak: Yeah I saw them over at vital but it seems that they have been deleted. Crown looked a lot like the new SID's and also the new marking for debonair, but did not look burlier to me than the normal lyrik.
  • 4 1
 @gnralized: I live in Sweden, I personally filled up with sacrificing looks for slight increase in function... it's not like this thing is going to make all the change in the world. Just look at this SID and you'd think they would optimize it for the sake of weight saving. Come on... This 36/38 will look cheaper than Suntour in black performance version
  • 54 0
 If SID stands for Superlight Integrated Design, then what does SL stand for? Superlight Integrated Design Super Light?
  • 16 0
 Yes.
  • 74 1
 Shredded Lettuce
  • 4 2
 You forgot to add super Deluxe ultimate kaioh ken
  • 25 0
 Rockshox deserves to be stoned to death on single track streets for their naming convention. My Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of.
  • 20 0
 Slightly lighter
  • 5 1
 @WAKIdesigns: super leggera
  • 44 0
 Shaved legs
  • 1 0
 "Sorta Light"
  • 2 0
 sooo light...
  • 23 1
 Very impressed by the performance of this fork, progressive, stiff enough, easy to setup, light and way cheaper than the 34 SC, a bargain IMO. Can't talk about reliability, I'm all locked up now!
  • 3 26
flag onemanarmy FL (Mar 17, 2020 at 9:39) (Below Threshold)
 It’s basically a defeatured 34sc knock off
  • 5 1
 @onemanarmy: I mean you could say that about any fork... Sounds like they made some smart moves like the increased progressivity and reduction of adjustments.
  • 10 9
 @onemanarmy: i know it’s in the eye of beholder but for me Sid looks damn good. Step casts without Kashima look like those cheap touring forks from RST, especially the 32. What is this thing?!
  • 21 1
 Personally I love this "downcountry" trend for lack of a better word combining the lightweight and efficiency of an XC bike with the geo and progression of a trail bike to make something that's all around capable. I feel like we are getting closer and closer to a true "do it all" bike. It seems like tires are now the limiting factor. Heavy duty tires suck for climbing and XC tires are too fragile to push on rocky descents. We need someone to come up with tires that are light and durable enough to be used across a wider range of conditions and we'll be all set.
  • 1 1
 I agree.
Cushcore. I'm absolutely loving my SB100 with 2.5 Assgai and cushcore XC up front, and 2.3 DHF(currently) and OG Cushcore in the rear. Will probably try DHR in the rear soon. I use EXO casings and our rocks are sharp, loose, and constant. If I wanted to get fancy-fast, I could probably do w/o the CC up front and maybe put the XC version in the rear but probably not given our terrain and the short travel and low psi I like to run (~16/18 Fr/Rr)
  • 5 1
 Maxxis makes an Icon DD with Maxxspeed rubber (the website description is wrong). 980g Perfect for the rear of an XC bike that is getting ridden fast into rocks. Rolls super fast, doesn't flat.
  • 3 0
 Agreed it’s super exciting. I’ve been confused when the industry used to suggest a “do it all bike” was some enduro sled (which I guess could ride any XC course at a snails pace and then scream down every downhill, so technically accurate). I’ve always been of the opinion it should be a beefed-up XC bike, and it’s nice to see that finally being realized. I think if you’re willing drop like 8K on a new bike the tire issue is sort of mitigated because you can get some super light carbon rims to offset tire weight, but otherwise tires do seem to be the limiting factor.
  • 2 1
 @dcamp2: ouch. That's a ~250gr hit over the exo version. I'd prefer to put that DD weight delta into a 250gr OG cushcore or 150gr CCxc and reap the benefits a more supple, damped, supportive, and still flat protected tire system.
  • 3 5
 @laksboy: in my experience DD is not much harder to puncture than Exo so yeah, better to go exo with insert. I have much better experience with Super Gravity, even though schwalbe makes way too soft compounds for SG models
  • 5 0
 @laksboy: Think Id take the heavier tire and run more psi personally. Damping is the suspension's job. Tire for grip, pressure to hold the tire off the rim. Then I'm 75kg and running 30psi.
  • 1 4
 @ChazzMichaelMichaels: insert doesn’t mean less psi. I run as much pressure with insert as I do without insert, regardless of how big insert is. I did the same even with procore which additionally stops tire from burping. Whenever I run lower pressure with the insert I get flats or burp. It’s a bit different with xc. But not much different. If I had cushcore xc I’d maybe lower the pressure by 2psi and avoid rougher descents
  • 2 0
 @laksboy: we have sharp rocks - I want the DD for protection cutting through the tread.

good news is they make both versions so buy whatever.
  • 1 1
 @dcamp2: I spent 12 years riding the front range. Central CA coast rocks are definitely sharper and riding is chunkier here (and CO's riding is arguably better). I no longer get cuts through the tread with cushcore and used to get them all the time. People either ride DD or inserts here, some ride DD+CC. Maybe lightweight punctureproof unicorn tires will be developed some day. Me, I'm happy with good grip, and no flat's and a fast snappy downcountryish bike for all-around riding.
  • 2 0
 @ChazzMichaelMichaels: absolutely disagree. tire gets more grip and conforms to ground much better when compressed to "damped" conforming CC insert. Would you run your suspension w/o damping? I'm a fatty 82kg these days and running 16/18 on a short travel ripper. Still setting DH PRs after 2 years on a Zerode (which was not expected at all). Softer psi in the tires also allows softer suspension settings (actually required, otherwise the bike suspension overpowers the tire suspension). You have to balance the overall system. I'm typically 10-15% less than manufactures recommended suspension settings. No cuts, supple, limitless grip, no squirm, faster, etc. I won't go back.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Waki, have you tried softening your suspension settings when running lower psi? It's a system balance challenge of force dissipation. Too hard tires, bike has to handle all the "suspension." Too firm bike suspension and the tires get overwhelmed and either roll, get cut, or you break a rim.
  • 2 0
 @laksboy: Different strokes and all that. But my tires Re missing a rebound and compression dial.
  • 1 0
 @ChazzMichaelMichaels: Totally. Ideal situation would be adjustable "tire damping" based off of how heavy one is and their riding style. Which was one thing the procore system had going for it, though it was more of a ramping spring rate, and CC is far superior... That being said, CC xc is thinner and lighter density material than CC original and better for lighter people, put XC, and front wheel usage. Its also possible to trim an OG CC to reduce it's damping or layer a Huck Norris (or similar) over a base CC to further increase it. I actually cut the inside out of a CC+ to embed a procore setup inside it on my DH tandem... For adjustability sake and PC's superior bead lock. All that to say, the benefits for hard charging riders are real and the weight penalty is not existent if your alternative is DD or pure DH casing.
  • 2 4
 @ChazzMichaelMichaels: wouldyou ride cushcore or procore already? Big Grin it’s actually like having compression And rebound damping in your tires.
  • 1 4
 @laksboy: yeah kinda. I dud ride procore+ DD for some time now and honestly... I take DH tire + tube over it. Call me old fashioned. I git best results with Rock Razor SG + procore. But DH tire is just simplier. CC is expensive and gets worn out. I just don’t want to bother... in the end I was flatting anyways.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I'm still on 26" so I'm way out of the times. I use exo casings on my trail bike, and have some DH Super Tackys if I know I don't have to pedal them. I certainly have ridden with low pressures. I just hate the squirm. I figure I pay all this money for suspension, I'm not going to try have it uncontrolled via a tire.
My tire pressure is determined by it's ability to keep it off the rim. Nothing else. The tire compound determines the amount of grip.
If I raced DH competitively, then I'd have inserts, DH casings etc. I suspect World Cup riders have much higher tire pressures than they let on. I'm sure Troy Brosnan said he was mid thirties. But I'd have to check. That said, they are riding into obstacles many, many times faster than I am.
  • 32 14
 Pinkbike please do a poll to find the average weight of readers. I love Levy as much as the next guy, BUT 160 pounds is going to ride this fork very differently than my 205. Maybe we should make him wear a lead filled fanny pack?
  • 129 5
 Nobody who races XC competitively is 200+lbs. Accept that this fork simply isn’t for you and you’d be better off with a Pike.
  • 4 18
flag southshorepirate (Mar 17, 2020 at 8:49) (Below Threshold)
 @jclnv: if SRAM is making forks for competitive racers only they won’t even cover the cost of the shipping boxes.
  • 17 0
 @robwhynot: Have you heard of the BC Bike Race? And that’s just in Canada where hardly anyone races. Check out Leadville or search for some Euro XCM races. Participation in the latter dwarfs any national Enduro.
  • 7 23
flag mtbgeartech (Mar 17, 2020 at 9:46) (Below Threshold)
 @jclnv: Correct, if you have very little upper body strength with pipe cleaners for arms these forks could be for you. If you look like a f'n killing machine athlete wait for the Totem.

Road, XC, and Speed Skating does not lead to "Greek Athlete Sculpture" physiques...
  • 34 7
 @mtbgeartech: Yes and guys with such physiques almost always suck at riding bikes in all disciplines.

But I guess if you wanna look like a CrossFit bro as you pull up to the trailhead in your equally jacked truck, blasting shite metal and sipping your Muscle Milk? Go for it dude. Shit is hilarious.
  • 4 0
 While we're at it, lets just collectively vote on everything Levy has to do with his life. We all know we'll make better decisions than he will Wink
  • 13 2
 @mtbgeartech: We get that you are the largest, thickest dude-bro who ever lifted, bro!
But maybe you have heard of this thing called "sporting disciplines". And if you have, you might have realized that not all of the people winning world chapionships and olympic gold look like gym-rats.
  • 13 1
 @mtbgeartech: Hey everyone! This guy lifts! He’s trying to be subtle about it but I’d thought Id let you all know he LIFTS!
  • 20 3
 @bridgermurray: Actually I don't really lift at all (only for injury prevention) and I'm definitely not a jacked gym bro or crossfitter. I'm not into metal. I wasn't born with the genetics of an endurance athlete, that's all. I'm glad there are sports where genetically very thin people have an advantage. My genetics have left me predisposed to sports like wrestling, grappling, judo etc. In my mid 40s now and killin the dad bod thing. The SID forks are not for me, or people like me. I came across as a bit of a dickhead. Constant rain and messed up pandemics have left me a little salty. I love the current crop of XC racers, they're badass. I generally dislike the XC community, they are similar to roadies. Not my kind of people.
  • 8 10
 @jclnv: Yeah nah, that's not me at all. My Ford Escape with two carseats in the back is usually playing bluegrass at a low to moderate volume. You're racist.
  • 3 0
 @mtbgeartech: What race?
  • 9 2
 @jclnv: The Bro Race.
  • 2 3
 @mtbgeartech: lol you probs can’t ride for shit
  • 2 3
 @mkotowski1: Been racing and riding bikes for 35 years, I can hold my own. No XC for me though.
  • 6 1
 @mtbgeartech: don’t worry about these guys... they’re just bitter that during self-quarantine their level of social interaction hasn’t changed
  • 1 0
 He's a little portly for a XC racer, you're right, but I think he does a good job of representing the upper range of folks who would be interested in this fork.
  • 1 0
 @TucsonDon: I'm 6'4 and 200-220ish. I'm super excited for this fork.
  • 21 0
 So is the rs-1 dead?
  • 11 7
 Pretty sure it is. Haven't seen more than 2 around in comparison to quite many Fox Step Casts and Sids.
  • 7 0
 Well the concept never really made sense so not suprised. It sure looks cool though
  • 5 5
 @kanioni: it may make some sense, just not in the most weight weenie segment out there, and with this flex not in Trail segment. I rode Shiver SC not so long ago and it is really impressive how it tracks. Had there been a 29" version of such forks with chatacteristics of Shiver SC and if money were no object I'd totally choose it over a standard fork. Short travel bikes don't need much stiffness but RS-1 was too flexy.
  • 4 1
 was it ever alive?
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: berms on those things were scary though
  • 5 0
 What a wonderful way of shaving the weight off - just use less oil! Big Grin

Seriously, is it possible to set new Sid to 130mm? There's huge difference in weight between new 120 and 130mm forks and loads of nice 120-130mm bikes such as Trance 29.
Currently, I'm running F34 performance and while it's a pretty nice fork, I wouldn't mind shaving off 300 grams or so with Sid. This and few other tweaks can give you great and very capable modern bike that weighs under 12kg.
  • 1 0
 Nope, dedicated 120mm only...
  • 8 1
 They missed an opportunity to make it 122mm of travel to one-up the other fork maker company.
  • 2 0
 Why not 123mm?
  • 7 0
 We need a polished crown edition, like the original.
  • 28 4
 Why don't you polish your own crown?
  • 46 1
 @oscartheballer: We all know it feels better when someone polishes your crown for you Wink
  • 8 2
 Don't polish/rub too hard though, or you may pop the seal...
  • 7 2
 They should have gone full retard and put no oil, no rebound adjustment just an air spring and get that fork down to 1000g...lol
  • 5 0
 which weightweenie will be the first to paint strip the crown & lowers to save 20grams, then contact Hopp to make custom carbon top caps to save another 6g
  • 9 0
 Goes by dangerholm on Instagram and builds some pretty cool stuff.
  • 4 0
 so a short offset fork designed for bikes that typically aren't the slackest?
i thought the benefit of a short offset came with slack head tube angles?
  • 8 0
 The benefit of any bike part is what they tell you it is at the given time. Don't ask questions.
  • 6 0
 SID SL Ultimate. Might replace my Fox SC32.
  • 1 7
flag onemanarmy FL (Mar 17, 2020 at 9:38) (Below Threshold)
 Why not the 34sc?
  • 3 1
 There actually people complaining about the lack of knobs and remotes on the fork? Seriously? How often do you really mess with those after set-up "where you say to yourself "man...I really wish I had a another bar-cluttering remote for that"
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy I really want a light trail or "Down Country" bike to complement my 31 lbs enduro bike, but I'm looking for something that is light enough to use in an occasional XC race while still being fun. What do you think of the F-Podium DC with the swapped out fork/shock? @angryasian and @sarahmoore didn't like the original shock or lockout remote.
  • 1 0
 I've got a Bronson for bigger trails. My XC bike is a Focus O1E and the previous was a Scott Spark RC. Both are xc race ready and both are good enough at most descents that the Bronson stays at home for all but rides where I would be dragging the brakes on the XC bikes. The XC bikes of old were terrible, the new ones are so capable. The Focus has 100 rear, 120 front. Down country out of the box except for tyres.
  • 2 0
 Another black on black fork. I can't tell any Rockshox forks apart anymore, they all look like my 2014 Pike. Though the blue version looks fetching even though it will never be seen on the trails I ride.
  • 2 1
 This is great for the weight saving crowd. Honestly with the current process tech, material science, and professional knowledge; XC parts should be able to become insanely light without sacrificing anything other then price point. But price point shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to the professionally funded race track. So what if pro race level parts are crazy expensive. You don’t see NASCAR sponsors worrying about the viewer being able to afford their top race day parts. It give normal riders something to drool over and it also motivates the industry and pushes all levels of product innovation.
I would like to see bikes/parts lighter then the UCI allowed weight limit which people then add bits of weight until the bike hits the legal UCI weight limit. Stop holding back, I personally know for a fact material science is currently offering the potential to creat amazing things. Technology, science/engineering, innovation, and at the very end UCI compliance...
  • 1 0
 Another Rockshox disappointment. Lockout stopped working after 20 hours use. Seems to be a common issue after a little research. I’ve learned my lesson for good this time. Ordered a Fox.
  • 4 0
 Can you put the new damper on the older Sid?
  • 2 0
 Apparently yes, for SID’s from 2014 onward. (Source: bikeradar video review)
  • 2 0
 yes. and Reba. exact model years vary of course.
  • 3 0
 Should make a 130mm on the 35mm chassis. My last SID was a 2013 on a 26”, I’d buy another for Trance 29er if it was 130.
  • 2 0
 For all those that bought a 2020 $10k+ top-end XC bike with the "old" SID...your bike is now obsolete. There's a new, better SID before the season starts.
  • 2 1
 Too bad there is minimum 180mm disc rotor only for the Ultimate version with 35mm stanchions. No 160mm for this fork that can be bought with 110mm travel, too.
  • 6 0
 if the 20.99g weight penalty of the larger rotor is too much for you then you're probably in the target demographic for the 32mm version of this fork.
  • 5 0
 Just take out 3 bolts. Bam, 30g saved.
  • 3 1
 Wow! That's a real upgrade! But can I get Reverb Stealth service kit somewhere...
  • 36 7
 It's the bloody Corona preppers! First they took the Toilet paper, then they took all the Tubes, now they realized they need at least 3 Reverb Service kits per year, so they bought 10.

Pitchforks and Lanterns! let's go! Madder
  • 4 1
 Please learn from Fox and use standard parts kits...
  • 1 1
 Bikemag said Evil is coming out with a special XC spec of the new Following with a Sidluxe and Sid Ultimate which is interesting to say the least since it's not a bike I would think of as a real marathon XC whip.
  • 2 3
 "moved away from the previous version's one-piece carbon fiber crown and steerer, with the new machined aluminum version said to weigh even less"

So they went from Aluminum crown steerer to a one piece carbon steerer to save weight before and then to save more weight they went back to an aluminum crown and steerer?
  • 1 0
 Are these forks / the shock only compatible with twist lock? Not that I’ll ever get one but if I did I’d rather use a trigger lockout than gripsh*t one.
  • 1 0
 Can the rckshox grip shift lockout lever be replaced with a traditional push lockout?
  • 2 0
 loving the 120mm version a lot, its perfect for my xcm build
  • 2 1
 I remember when new mtb parts used to be important. Hopefully sometime this year again...
  • 1 0
 I put the 120mm ‘old-big’ damper in my 100mm did on carbon ht. Makes a world of difference! With no obv downside
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Quoted from the article above

"Both models are available with only 100mm of travel, and only for 29" wheels."
  • 1 0
 I absolutely love the new crown shape! I hope that transfers over to the next generation of big forks.
  • 2 3
 Pretty excellent review Mike. I’m not a fan of rock show anything. But I remember the original SID It was the best xc racers had ....
I prefer... still ... getting radical with rigid
  • 1 0
 Wonder if these forks will be fast enough to survive virus invasions shut down?
  • 1 0
 @mtbgeartech: So will Totems be out post virus shut down or will we have to start again at RS 1?
  • 1 1
 Did you measure the travel (length of stanchions)? Fox’s 120 mm forks measure 130 or 131 mm on average. Whereas the SID looks like it’s exactly 120.
  • 1 1
 Really wish there was a 110mm travel option. Seems a missed sweet spot for XC.
  • 3 0
 You can order the 35mm Sid with 110mm of travel.
  • 1 0
 Can the 120mm reduce to 100? I’d love a stiff 100mm for my race bike!
  • 1 0
 Nope, different chassis entirely. Only the 32mm chassis can do 100mm.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: Rosh Shox lists 100, 110 and 120mm debonair SID 35mm spring shafts in their current parts catalog:

11.4018.111.006. FORK SPRING DEBONAIR SHAFT - (INCLUDES AIR SHAFT AND BUMPERS) 100MM-29 (35MM) - SID C1 (2021)
11.4018.111.007 FORK SPRING DEBONAIR SHAFT - (INCLUDES AIR SHAFT AND BUMPERS) 110MM-29 (35MM) - SID C1 (2021)
11.4018.111.008 FORK SPRING DEBONAIR SHAFT - (INCLUDES AIR SHAFT AND BUMPERS) 120MM-29 (35MM) - SID C1 (2021)

www.servicearchive.sram.com/sites/default/files/techdocs/rockshox_spc_-_rev_h_1.pdf
  • 1 0
 @Marcencinitas: Pretty crazy! They say 110 or 120 mm, but I checked the tech doc and sure enough, 100 mm debonair shaft.
  • 1 0
 When the XC fork is beefier than your enduro fok!
  • 3 6
 Amazing how rockshox have done some many updates and brought out some many “new” forks to fix their mistakes and people just keep throwing down cash just to see the new version show up moments later. Be cool if they would just admit they messed a few things up and sent out updated packages to the customers who forked out for their stuff
  • 1 4
 They never admit miskates. There stuff is 98% subpar to the competition yet no one says so. I’ve always wondered who’s selling a 36, dvo onyx or diamond for a lyrik? No one
  • 1 0
 THIS is the downcountry content the world needs right now Pinkbike! WOO!
  • 2 0
 That’s what she said
  • 1 0
 Here comes a lightened short travel 36 along with the 38...
  • 1 0
 I'd be interested in the SID normal on a 9.8 level Trek Top Fuel.
  • 1 1
 Good luck using that fender in smaller frames
  • 3 0
 there is a shorty fender for smaller frames
  • 1 0
 Shox
  • 1 0
 exactly
  • 1 1
 35 mm stanchion, 120 mm travel, downcountry is taking over.
  • 2 3
 Perfect fork for the Grim Donut.
  • 2 4
 Pinkbike's thinly veiled scorn towards XC is getting a bit old. C'mon guys, its all Mountain Biking!
  • 1 0
 apart from xc- then its road biking on dirt Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Spoken like a true dirt roadie
  • 3 6
 Not that impressed by the weight.. my 5 year old 140 revelation weighs ca 1700 g.
  • 1 3
 300g lighter than a RCT3 pike that'll go to 160mm? Ill pass
  • 1 2
 and bends like a noodle...
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