Submitted by
Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from L.A. CA USA Date Reviewed: November 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Every thing else!
Similar Products Used:
Every thing else!
Bike Setup:
Sworks m5 hard tail. Carbon bars.
Bottom Line:
I got a few years out of my fork before i killed it. It died wile riding near lonepine. Also i weigh about 112 and this fork had a lot of flex with me riding it...not cool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Ocasio
a Racer
from Trophy Club ,TX Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
northshore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Adjustment,plush travel,light.
Weaknesses:
Titanium coating peel off they have a recall,bushings,oil leak.big lack of lateral stiffness.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale ultra.
Bike Setup:
S Works hard tail.crossmax tubeless
Bottom Line:
This @#$@! s$#@! almost kill me, the arc just broke and I just lost control of the bike while leading my very first race of this fall.thanks to this fork I just did not win and broke my knee. so by by season and by by rock shox. getting a FOX right now from jenson...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyser Sozcey
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Great Looking fork! NiTride finish, light, and it's Titanium! Great Response from RS.*maybe because they've had soo much trouble with the NiTi's.
I orginally bought it used with the intention of tuning it up and having a fork that would match my 02'Sid Carbon for my hardtail. But before I even put it on my bike, while I was cleaning it up, I noticed all the stuff in the next section(Weaknesses).
Weaknesses:
NiTride/Stanchion quality & Paint Quality.
Well when I got the fork from the e-Bay seller the paint was chipped and flaking off from poor quality paint prep by RS and whoever tried to service the fork was an idiot for chipping the paint. Once the paint was chipped, it started to flake off. *But no problem. Used fork = some wear & tear. I was just going to get some touch-up paint. For only 300 bones it was still a bada$$ fork. Then I noticed that at the upper part of the stanchoin there was some pitting, on both legs. I took it to the LBS and the manager there noticed that on the backside of one stanchion that there was a divot or crease in the actually leg or Nitride finish. So off it went back to RS w/ me as the orginal owner. A couple of weeks later RS sent me a brand new 03' Team!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou's, Marzzochi's, 02'RS Carbon
Bike Setup:
02'Tracer, XTR, Thompson, King, Easton, RS Carbon
Bottom Line:
I doubt that RS would have given me a new fork if I wasn't the orginal owner. I also think that they have had so much trouble w/ the Nitride finish that they just said f*** it. I would have prefered a new 02' still to match my Carbon.I think if you sell something and it turns out to be crap, then you owe it people to back up your product. I'm giving the fork an overall rating of 3 beacause I got a new 03'. But for what you pay, if MSRP, you shouldn't have to put up w/ any of this BS from RS. Just my .02 cents.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Racer
from chicago Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
Everything-Stiff, smooth action, looks, lock out, dual air compression, great looking blue to mthc the frame. Takes some big hits every once in a while and damn light.
Weaknesses:
None-susrprised at the low rating
Similar Products Used:
Manitou MARS C, Marzzochi Atom Bomb, Atom Race, and good old fashion 4130 chromoly.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100 with all kinds of goodies
Bottom Line:
I love it and is everything I had hoped it would be and I would buy another in a heart beat (then I saw the World Cup Carbon). Phenomenal performance. I've heard rumblings about the gold coming off and also heard that Race Face has replaced them with new ones. I've seen none of that. I like to put a small film of wd40 on the tubes after cleaning to keep them nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnny t
a Cross Country Rider
from illinois Date Reviewed: September 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sedona AZ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000000000000.00
Strengths:
smooth(mostly), very tuneable, good dampening system, mine does not leak ever!
Weaknesses:
(will it ever break in?)stiction, flexy flyer, ti-nitrade coating likes to chip.
Similar Products Used:
I have been a rockshox boy: mag21, judy, sidxc, psylo, sid race, had a whitebros sc90 and tried marrizochi and fox fork.
Bike Setup:
Litespeed toccoa, XTR, crossmax ust.
Bottom Line:
You would think after ten years, the folks at rockshox would get things right. Well they are only halfway there, This fork is a waste, IMHO. Great internals but a junk chassis(scary flexy), unless you are 150lbs that is. And if you are this light weight gambler, avoid the sexy gold coating at all costs. I had my suspicions with Ti-nitrade from past experience and they still hold true, damn stuff won't stay on. Quality control with Rockshox sucks, Every Sid I witnessed (with the exception of my girlfriend's SIDney) has some kind of problem with it. mine seems to have some kind of misaligned bushings or something, as it won't get butter smooth like I have experienced with other sids. There are better forks out there (foxfork) for the money. My stay at rockshox has ended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean-Stephan VOZA
a Racer
from Marigot, St-Martin, France Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
5mn from home
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
TRISPORT NV
Strengths:
None... oh yes, it worked great for 1 ride
Weaknesses:
heavy zero stiffness too light ugmy blue
Similar Products Used:
2000 SID race
Bike Setup:
Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
1 - After a "little crash" I lost 1 inch of travel 2 - The bushings inside didn't last more than 1 ride 3 - Lost oil from the top of the left leg 4 - 1/100 of a turn of rebound adjustment 5 - after each ride the compression damping turn itself 1 click higher 6 - 2 inches on front & back travel, 3 inches when locked out. 7 - this fork is 1/2 a pound heavier than the 2001 SID race. On a digital scale, it wheight exactly the same as the 1998 JUDY SL
Bottom line : if you race and have a mechanic folling you to overhaul the fork every week, that's fine. If you don't, DO NOT BUY THIS FORK ! It's a joke. Buy a MARZOCCHI, it's the same weight and is 10 000 time more reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Astro A
a Racer
from Geneva Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
alps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light, climb'it,works good, tunning, look
Weaknesses:
steering, failed!
Similar Products Used:
sid xc 00'
Bike Setup:
Scott strike limited (carbon frame)
Bottom Line:
It's working really good when it's new (less than 250km), and progressively I had more and more bushings and rings play. With my mecanic (by instruction of rock-shox switzerland and at they charge($)) we've put 2 more rings inside and polish the TiNi coat (they remained the same color). It worked as good as new... but only for 250km again...and the same. I was training in the alps went the play came back, wobbled dangerously, and went quickly on dh as the first time.
So I called RS switzerland because I had a race this week-end in the alps, and they told me that the mecanics from the world cup will be at this race and will change it for a carbon crown. And they did 2days later in 1 hour. And it work really good now but it's new, I'll see later...
So I got a great aftersale service but they should check more their forks at the factory, because lots of the TiNi are going back to it. DON'T BY THE TINI the sl is the best quality/price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Racer
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Dave's Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
Light weight, lockout,nice steering, looks cool.
Weaknesses:
This fork came with my bike so I can't complain, however it weighs .02 lbs less than the SL and costs over $100 more. No one can honestly tell me they can feel the .02lbs weight savings.
I am very happy with the fork. However if you are reading this and intend to buy a fork, I would say go with the SL, it is still a great fork, and buy it while you can. Next year there will be no more SID SL, and you will get stuck with this hefty price tag. I race frequently and can tell you that NO ONE IN THE WORLD CAN FEEL A .02 WEIGHT SAVINGS. save the money, buy the SL. But if you've got the dough, and want this one, go for it, you won't be let down. I'm giving fives because it came with my bike, so I can't complain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Ne, OK, USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Excellent tunability, light.
Weaknesses:
A bit noodley.
Bike Setup:
Duallie, XC-able downhiller. Lots of whirling, shiny metally things.
Bottom Line:
Came on new KHS, partly the reason I bought it. I'm not weight deprived, so it's a little flimsy on a grueling downhill. Tunability is great, but I get a little clunking noises when I dial in lots of compression damping. Worls for me I'm satisfied but we'll see with time. The jury is still out if it's worth the weight savings. It will be if it lasts but I have my doubts...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernie Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Winchester, England Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Experience, better back up now
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z3 Bomber Light
Bottom Line:
I like the finish and the operation of the fork, but I'm heavy at 220 pounds and do tend to put equipment through it a bit. The forks track fine for me though I've heard complaints from other riders. My main complaint is that I have to run 150lbs pos pressure and 130lbs neg pressure which means I have about 40mm travel at most. I will go back to Marzocchi next-they've been building forks for 70-80 years now so I guess they know what they're on about!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Eckley
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon Lake, Ohio USA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
a new one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Phat Tire 12/20/01
Strengths:
Weight savings, carbon crown steerer,climb it control,compression rebound speed adjustment.
I do not believe 85-90% of the reviews posted below!! My gut tells me that they are being posted by a "bunch of pimply faced adolescent kids that have yet to get laid" let alone ride a top quality MTBike. I weigh 180 lbs. ride hard all day long and I have not sensed any sign of weakness from this shock. It handles roots,rocks,climbs,descents,technical trails and fast smooth rollers with ease. The carbon steerer negates any high frequency vibration. Add a carbon bar and you have one very solid steering vibration free bike. This is a TOP SHELF product! Use this shock for cross country riding and you will be impressed. If I have ANY problems with this shock I will repost, until then I will be riding with it every weekend. I'd give the value rating a three or a four, but will post a five in order to make up for some of what I believe to be BS postings and ratings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff kammerer
a Cross Country Rider
from Machesney Park, IL Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rock Cut(IL) Black River Falls(WI)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
When it worked, great ride, great adjustability, smooth bump absorption.
Weaknesses:
Ti coating flaked off!!! Then the fork literally self-destructed! Tore up the bushings and O-rings.
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-Works FSRxc
Bottom Line:
When it worked, it was great! When the Ti coating flaked of, it fried the innards, especially the bushings and rings! Wobbled dangerously! It went down-hill QUICKLY! That is it self-destructed very fast as soon as the Ti coating came off! DO NOT BUY THIS FORK! I did get a virtually new fork after rock shox rebuilt it and even gave me an '03 carbon crown, and new stanctions minus the Ti coating! SRAM seems to be improving the customer service!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marzocchi fan
a Cross Country Rider
from so. cali. Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
light weight
Weaknesses:
every thing, other than the light weight
Similar Products Used:
manitou, marzocchi,
Bike Setup:
da bomb
Bottom Line:
the negative reviews below pretty much sum it up. on one bike i have an old marzocchi XFly with many thousands of miles and (other than a once a year oil change) ZERO maintenance. And unlike the SID, you can actually use it for mountain biking--i.e. you can ride fast on fun trails that have technical sections. i don't understand why weight fanatics continue to buy this crappy rock shox product. At least the RS psylo is halfway decent and reliable...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Drexel Hill, PA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Lets see where I should begin. Well after one ride, lost pressure in the positive air chamber. RockShox sent parts to bike shop thinking the problem might be a bad valve. Well after one ride in the street same problem.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
Bike shop has been great. Doing everthing to get me a new shock from RockShox or replacing with a Marzocchi Marathon S. Can't wait to ride the bike. My suggestion to anyone who is purchasing high end bikes - purchase them from a strong dealer with a great service, becuase if problems like this occur, that take care of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brock
a Cross Country Rider
from Pisa, Italy Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$540.00
Strengths:
Only thing good about this shock is the weight.
Weaknesses:
Wouldn't lockout as advertised. Couldn't get any travel out of the shock.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Xl C, Judy DH, SL
Bike Setup:
Full XTR
Bottom Line:
This shock sucks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashland Oregon Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$539.00
Strengths:
Lightweight, Locks out easily, It has a nice ride on the long distance fireroads around here. The adjustments on this model actually work allowing it to be fine tuned.
Weaknesses:
The cheapo rebound adjuster stripped out shortly after I got it dialed in. I don't expect Rock Shox/Grip Shift to help as thats not good for the bottom line. See ya. .soon. I weigh 130 and it still wanders in the rough stuff. Wheres the beef?
Similar Products Used:
2000 SID SL with broken rebound adjuster.
Bike Setup:
Trek OCLV
Bottom Line:
Forget about this thing if :
You weigh over 150 lbs
You forsee any gnarly high speed stuff, SID won't like it.
You want over 75mm of travel. Yes, its broken in.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this product, I bought it to work on marathon fireroad epics and it has never let me down. It has a very plush ride and I only notice the flaky handling on technical downhill stuff for which this was obviously not designed. I can't imagine a better unit for a lighter persons cross country hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Jaffe
a Cross Country Rider
from Scranton Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, butter smooth and very good adjustability.
Weaknesses:
rigidity
Similar Products Used:
A bunch
Bike Setup:
Fuel 100 lightened up to 23.5lbs
Bottom Line:
If you are in the weight range(under 170)this is a great fork. Otherwise, you will notice the lack of rigidity. Though, I don't notice it as much on trails as I do when braking heavily on the road. I have 250mi on the fork and the ride is different than when I bought it. The suspension performance is better; smoother and more travel. The rigidity of the fork seems to be loosening up though, or maybe I'm just becoming more of a bike snob. It requires servicing regularly, just like any expensive bike part, but performance is to gain. I'm giving it 4 Chili's because it's a great fork, but it's not carbon. Is the carbon noticably stiffer?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Chandler, Arizona Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bike World SLC
Strengths:
Lighter than most XC forks, very little stiction, infinite adjustability. best for riders under 170lbs
Weaknesses:
Travel(40?-80mm) is unpredictable out of the box. Very flexy on rough, rocky terrain
Similar Products Used:
98 SID, '02 Psylo SL, '00 SID
Bike Setup:
Salt Cycles Magnesium, 9.0SL, Easton carbon, white industries wheels
Bottom Line:
I love everything about this fork. Gets ridden 4-5 times a week in the AZ desert, and raced a few times per month. No maintenance problems whatsoever--just take it easy on the first 4-5 rides and the bushings will seat and allow the fork travel to increase to the 63 or 80mm setting. Keep the wiper seals clean, and put finish line 'wet' lube on the nitride when not riding--it keeps the travel smooth. Checking the travel right out of the box can be a discouraging experience. My only wish is that it was as light as the '98 SID--but RS says a 2.5lb fork is unlikely in the near future. Buy this fork if you're under 170lbs and you don't want bike weight to be the reason for your buddies beating you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TheTitans
a Racer
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Chakra Cycles
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
Poor quality control
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
S-Works FSR XC
Bottom Line:
3 days old and it died. Travel was limited to about 50mm out of the box. After my 3rd day, travel was gone and it bottomed out. The positive pressure dropped and the negative pressure chamber went up to 180psi. I assume one leaked into the other as mentioned below. My shop is great and he's sending it back. Does anyone check these things before they leave the factory?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
b_dot
a Racer
from lincoln, ne Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came stock on s-works m5
Strengths:
light weight cool looking ti nitride coating on stanctions
Weaknesses:
48mm of positive travel (in the 63mm setting)
Similar Products Used:
Manitou MARS, X-Vert Super and Black Super Air, RockShox SID Race (2000 model)
Bike Setup:
'02 s-works m5 hardtail
Bottom Line:
After deflating both air chambers completely, I was able to get 52mm of travel at maximum compression, which is a far cry from the claimed 63mm travel. With the fork inflated to proper psi (125 positive/120 negative), I can only get 48mm of travel out of the fork. This is insufficient, and speaks to an overall lack of quality (or truthfulness) at RockShox.
I will be switching the fork out to a Manitou ASAP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rico Petrochelli
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Cycle 360
Strengths:
light, semi++ stiff, color and design, responsive and finally reliable. set up at 80mm of true travel.
Weaknesses:
it did not work properly at first but the LBS fixed it asap. it was leaking air and the travel was set at 63mm instead of my desired lenght of 80mm.
Similar Products Used:
99 sid xc
Bike Setup:
mt tam, xmax ust, michelin jet s tires, xt/xtr.
Bottom Line:
i like it. it looks very nice and it is responsive to my demands. i hope i do not have further problems with it because if i do, i will be very pissed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Orem, UT Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, very adjustable, plush ride
Weaknesses:
durability
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars Elite
Bike Setup:
Stock 2002 Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
My fork failed right away. It was due to what the folks at Rock Shox are calling "air bypass". It is when the positive air chamber leakes into the negative air chamber causing the fork to compress and elimintaing travel. RS said it is fairly common. We sent it in and within two weeks my fork was returned working very well. It is true that a warranty job includes a complete rebuild.
Fork works great now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RG
a Cross Country Rider
from TEXAS Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light weight, matches paint on bike, adjustability, lock out
Weaknesses:
It's broke
Similar Products Used:
All of them!
Bike Setup:
2002 Fuel 100 without the bontranger stuff! I am using the wheelset to try out the tubless setup.
Bottom Line:
The fork did not leave me stranded, but started leaking oil on very first ride on my new bike. (BUMMER!!!) The fork however did feel awesome! My LBS sent it to RS,they say they are going to do a total rebuild on it. I do like the adjustability of the fork. Hopefully when I get it back I wont have any more problems. Things happen, so Im not going to bash the fork too bad right now , but if it happens again....&$#@*(!---
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Gallagher
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC, USA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
This is an update from my earlier review. After less than 100 miles on the fork the bushings failed. Well, failed might be a little harsh; they developed a huge amount of play. The shop sent the crippled fork back to Rock Shox and, from what I'm told, replaced damn near everything except the stantions, no lie. To their credit, Rock Shox was as good as could be expected. They were prompt in accepting the warranty repair and turned it around in a reasonable amount of time. That's worth something. The fork is now as good as new (as it should be it IS new). This fork came stock on my s-works m5 hardtail and I'm now quite suspect of the fork's ability to withstand a few races much less an entire season without self-destructing. I hope they have worked out the initial manufacturing bugs and now have a fork worth the price tag because a light weight fork that can't hang ain't worth dookie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg weiss
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, co usa Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
colorado trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
dean
Strengths:
light, fairly plush lockout rocks house!
Weaknesses:
expensive, no booties, high maintenance
Similar Products Used:
rock shox sid 98, rock shox judy race, rock shox mag 21 and mag 21 sl ti
Bike Setup:
dean ti hardtail, sun ringle 0xc wheels, rock shox sid race, 9spd xtr group
Bottom Line:
light, fairly plush and cushy, soaks up the small bumps very well, very adjustable and i love the lockout feature! definately expensive and i am wary of the no booties issue due to a bad exp with the 98 sid, but so far so good, sharp looking electric blue with gold tubes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Racer
from Lewisville, Tx 75077 Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Fuel 100 Stock with Eggbeaters and Hutchinson Pythons.
Bottom Line:
Last year, I had the Sid on my S-Works M5 and the fork failed on my second race of the season with blown seals. I just bought my Fuel 100 three weeks ago and raced this weekend. I expected my fork to fail because of rumored failures with this fork. The Ti-Nitride coating on the stanchions are flaking off. Seems that there was a bad batch out of the factory. Earlier this week, there were two fuel 100's with the new SID race shock getting turned into a LBS due to failures. My friend had his fork fail two weeks ago also. Other rumored failures in the Dallas area on these forks. My shock failed over the weekend at the TMBRA season opener in Smithville. I am only 170lbs and this was only the 5th ride on this bike with about 100 miles on the fork. Luckily the Climb-it control allowed for me to lock it out.
I love this fork when it functions properly. It's weight and adjustability with the Lockout make it a good fork. I hope RockShox can get a quick turn around before Lajitas!
Last year when my fork failed RockShox did a wonder job of repairing it. I hope I get the same great customer service with this failure as I plan on having the new SID next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Gallagher
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC, USA Date Reviewed: December 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
uhwarrie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Paul's Schwinn Cycling & Fitness
Strengths:
tunability, lockout, weight, plush
Weaknesses:
some flex and deflection
Similar Products Used:
judy xc
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works M5 xt/xtr, crossmax UST, chris king headset, xtr brakes... I weigh 165 lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork. It soaks up the small stuff while easily handling big hits. I have noticed some flex (mainly in hard cornering), but the weight savings far outweigh the flex issue(no pun intended.) The positive and negative air chambers have allowed me to tune the fork to each particular trail that I ride which is very cool. The adjustable compression/lockout works well and gives yet even more tuning options on the trail. Call me old-school but I would rather have fork boots and less maintenance than no boots and frequent maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Fruita, CO USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Still looking
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light weight. Good ride, soaks up small bumbs.
Weaknesses:
Too weak. Failed early.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Atom Bomb.Rock Shok Judy XC. Marzocchi Z-1.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100, XTR, Stock Sid Race Fork.
Bottom Line:
Sid came with bike. I weigh 220 and thought the SID was not a good choice for me, bike shop thought it would work, I was right.
Only had 100 miles on it and it would not hold air. After a bump the SID would get stuck down. The cure was to let all the air out and pump it up again, this would last only a couple of minutes. Rockshox tech support doesn't recommend this fork for anyone over 180 lbs with good reason.
When the shock worked I was impressed with the ride, it really soaked up the small bumps and got progressively stiffer with the harder hits, and didn't seem too flexy. Incidentally, the SID set to 80 mm really only gets about 64 or 65mm of motion.
I had been quite happy with my 4 or 5 year old Marzocchi Atom Bomb until riding this fork. If the ride of the other air forks is as good as the SID, it would be a great way to go. I like the way you can set the negative pressure to soak up small bumps, and still have enough progressive resistance to stop the hard hits. In talking to Rockshock tech support they do not recommend any of their air forks for riders over 180 pounds, that certainly leaves me out.
Dealer, Brad at Bicycle Outfitter, was nice enough to give me a new fork, Thanks Brad. Ater experiencing SID ride I wanted to stay with an Air fork. Fox looked like good product, they recommened it for my weight, but I was concerned about this being their first year of production. Marzocchi tech support recommended their Marathon fork, supposed to be bullet proof. My Atom Bomb has been a very good fork, good ride, no problems at all. I hope the new Marathon is as painless a fork as the Atom bomb has been.
If you are a racer or a light rider I think the SID Race would be a great cross county fork. If you are heavy, pick another fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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