Test: The Rockshox Sid has been in the Rockshox portfolio since the 90s and has been an important reference for suspension components for XC and marathon bikes ever since. With the 2024 model year, the SID received another makeover and we were able to test the fork extensively.
With a component like the Rockshox SID suspension fork, you often wonder what else can be improved. Rockshox presented an extensive update for the fork at the end of last year. We already have the changes for you in one News article compiled. You can do this Read read it, now we had the opportunity to get an impression of the fork in practice.
Rockshox Sid Ultimate 2024 in the test – the first impression
For our test we had the Sid in the Ultimate version with 35 mm chassis, Charger Raceday 2 damping and 3-position compression. The fork is available in high-gloss black and “Blue Crush”. We were provided with the blue version, which is a nice reference to the classic SID blue, but still doesn't look too gaudy but rather simple and modern, with a portion of understatement that takes up tradition.
For the test, the Rockshox Sid suspension fork was installed on a Specialized Epic Evo, which perfectly suited the fork's intended use. In addition, the bike was equipped with the identical previous model, so we could easily make comparisons between the evolutionary stages during installation. The new fork makes a much higher quality impression than the previous model. The newly designed crown of the fork makes a major contribution to this. Here the milling machine has been placed more strongly, which not only saves weight but also ensures an even more valuable appearance. Our fork was equipped with the 3-position remote on the fork crown. This is also beautifully milled and easy to use with your fingers. During installation, we were also able to check the factory weight specification and confirmed this to be 1.480 g.
Rockshox Sid Ultimate 2024 in the test – on the trail
After the first positive impression, we were very excited about the first impression of the practice. The previous fork struggled somewhat with sensitivity to smaller hits and progressiveness. Therefore, special attention was paid to this. As part of the update, the fork received the new DebonAir+ air spring with 50% more negative and 16% more positive air volume. This update was already noticeable in the first votes. The new SID tended to have one less volume spacer. And so they quickly found a setup in which the fork was both sensitive in response and had enough reserves for harder hits. The extended standpipes also brought a noticeable improvement. While the previous fork had a slight breakaway torque, the new fork has a very sensitive response. This was clearly noticeable in winter temperatures with frozen forest ground and therefore small impacts from below. The collaboration with Maxima Racing Oils may also come into play here. A special lubricant has been developed to maximize the performance of the fork.
With the 3-position compression stage, the Sid has gained another option between open mode and complete lockout. This is a welcome addition for not-so-technical uphills or rolling on forest roads. For maximum development, an appropriate damper and a remote function for the fork would have been ideal, which is available but which we did not take into account in our test. Even so, we were able to get a good impression of it and it is definitely a useful expansion, especially since you can drive the open mode in a more comfortable manner without having to suffer any losses on easier terrain.
Rockshox Sid Ultimate 2024 in the test – conclusion
Even if it is always surprising, Rock Shox has once again achieved a clear revolution. The classic Sid has been specifically developed and adapted to the increasingly tough requirements in the XC scene. The price is also reasonable for a high-end XC fork. If you currently compare online prices, the new model is around €250 more than the previous model. We would definitely invest this as there has already been noticeable progress here.