[MrEconomics]

Heh folks. I have a 2023 Epic Expert coming with Sid Brain (I think it's SID Select). I've never ridden a bike without a 'brain' fork (I've only owned Epics since 2003). I'm thinking of swapping out the brain fork for the SID Ultimate SL, mainly because my friend will sell me a new one for $300. I think I could sell the brain fork for that amount so it's a wash.

For those that have done this, is this truly an upgrade? Is there a big difference?
My primary motivation is move away from proprietary parts and improve bikes performance.

Thanks for input.

 

[WR304]

The Rock Shox Sid SL brain fork is a Rock Shox Fork with a Specialized Brain damper cartridge replacing all the internals in the damper side of the fork leg.

It’s possible to remove the brain damper and fit a Rock Shox damper in the fork instead. Price wise that’s $269 USD + labour though if you ask a shop to do it for you:

Charger Race Day Damper Upgrade Kit - FS-UPK-CHRD-A1 - RockShox

Charger Race Day Damper Upgrade Kit, FS-UPK-CHRD-A1, RockShox. Our lightest production damper. Ever. Performance packed with a rock-solid lockout to power up climbs and smash through sprint finishes....

www.sram.com

If you can get a complete Rock Shox Sid Ultimate fork for $300 USD, and it’s in good condition, then there’s no saving from swapping dampers however.

The main advantage of a fork without a brain damper cartridge is that it drops a lot of weight. Removing the fork brain saves 200g+ off the fork weight!

One consideration is the front and rear suspension balance, how the suspension feels when hitting repeated bumps. On my 2021 Specialized Epic Expert I thought the Sid SL brain fork was quite well matched with the brain rear suspension in how the bike rode. It wasn’t as though the front and rear suspension were doing different things.

I changed the fork on my bike for a 2022 Fox 34 Stepcast, so not the same as a Rock Shox Sid Ultimate fork, but then never really got the fork and rear suspension working acceptably together after that.

 

[Bikeworks]

Best thing I ever did was remove the Brain and add a Raceday Damper. Lighter, firmer, and less rattley

 

[EdSawyer]

I did the same on two brain forks and did not regret it. Race day damper is better IMO.

 

[upstateSC-rider]

I realize this is an older thread but is that all it takes? Using that Race Day charger cartridge?
I have a 2015 Sworks Epic that I'm doing brain surgery by using that yoke adaptor and removing the Brain shock and now researching removing the Brain from the fork. I initially thought about installing a 100mm step cast but I already have this thing, figure I'd make it more reliable.

 

[zepper]

Hi All,

Just posting that i have a brand new zero mile 35mm Charger Race Day 2 from a 2024 Sid Ultimate 2 position remote. Its for sale right now on pinkbike. Just for anyone looking for a damper with the lockout issue corrected or to do lobotomy on their current SID brain. Fits 2021 + sid 35mm.