[m85476585]

I found a SID XC Hydra Air from sometime around '99-'01 for sale for $50, and I'm wondering if it would be appropriate for my bike and the kind of riding I do. I've read that this fork is flexy, so I'm wondering if it would make more sense to save my money for a newer air fork? I weigh about 140lbs and I have a Specialized FSR XC with a Tora 302 fork. I guess the kind of riding I do would be called XC. I mostly try to stay on the ground and not do jumps or anything like that.

I've read that disc brakes are not necessarily a good idea on this fork. I have BB7's with 160mm rotors, would that be alright, or too much stress on the fork?

So would this fork be an upgrade compared to what I have? I'm mainly looking for something lighter and air sprung. Does it make sense at all to get the SID, or has technology improved enough in the last decade that I would be better off getting a newer fork?

I realize the SID will probably need some maintenance, and I am prepared to rebuild it and replace the seal kit.

 

[mtnbiker72]

They are very flexy compared to current forks including your Tora which is quite stiff for a qr fork. Not sure how many rebuild kits are in existence any more, it seemed like they needed service often. They are also nowhere near as smooth as the current crop of air forks. So really, the only "advantage" is dropping a couple pounds.

 

[m85476585]

Well, I went ahead and bought and installed the fork. I figure I can always sell it for $100-150 if it doesn't work for me, or return within the next 3 days. Installation was a piece of cake, and I didn't even have to adjust my disc brakes!

The right valve isn't holding air. I'm going to get a schrader valve tool tomorrow and see if that fixes it, otherwise I guess I'll have to replace the valve or return it. I know it's the valve because if I leave the pump on it, it works fine (though I wouldn't know it if it had a slow leak out the seal or something like that. Anyone know where I can get a new valve, if they are even available?