RockShox refines SID platform for modern racing

RockShox SID platform has decades of heritage in cross country racing but, over that time period, what cross country racing looks like has changed. The new SID forks and SID Luxe shocks are designed to meet the needs of more technical courses, but courses that still have punishing climbs and sprint finishes. While the new SID group looks very similar to the last generation of SID, its what’s on the inside (mostly) that makes a difference.

2024 RockShox SID and SID SL: What’s new?

RockShox already split the SID line into a purist SID SL, focused entirely on maximizing race speed, and the tougher, 35mm stanchion SID, for more comfort on days spent outside the race tape. That division remains in the new SID line, but with more refined capabilities.

Both SID forks get RockShox new Charger Race Day 2 damper, which offers the option of a three-position remote compression adjustment. This takes the simple lock-out lever and adds a middle-ground “pedal” setting. That lets RockShox keep the locked-out setting rock hard, for starts and sprints. The “open setting” is wide open for confidence and speed on descents. The middle setting is designed for when the tarmac turns to dirt and you need the suspension to be firm and efficient but also want a little movement for traction and to smooth out roots and bumps while you’re hitting the pedals hard.

To go with the Charger Race Day 2 damper, RockShox adds a new, three-position Twist-Loc Ultimate remote lever. Both the SID and the Twist-Loc come with the option of a two-position (lock/open) damper. Both 3P and 2P can be operated by a lever on the fork crown if you don’t want to add extra controls to your bars.

If you already have a SID or SID SL and want to upgrade to the three-position function, RockShox is offering the Charger Race Day 2 damper on its own. It’s backward compatible with existing SID forks (at least back to 2021). If you want to remote lever option, you will have to upgrade that as well since there are now three positions, not two.

RockShox also adds the DebonAir+ air spring to the 110 or 120mm travel SID (but not the SID SL, it stays with the DebonAir spring). The larger-volume spring is intended to add more mid-stroke support without losing the initial fork sensitivity.

Grams still matter, especially in cross country racing. RockShox has further refined the SID and SID SL crown to cut a little extra weight where possible without losing the steering precision needed on more challenging sections of trail.

2024 RockShox SID Luxe

To match the new SID forks, the three-position compression option also arrives on the SID Luxe line of shocks. Like the forks, the new three-position damper also has the option of a remote lever to control the three positions.

There are additional small refinements to the SID Luxe line. RockShox says the new shock is more responsive in the Open and Pedal compression settings. That’s thanks to increased oil flow in the damper that allows it to activate faster when you hit bumps. RockShox also uses a taller and tapered bottom-out bumper on the SID Luxe. This adds a bit more control and a little less harshness when you do reach the end of the shock’s travel.

2024 RockShox SID SL Ultimate in black

The new blue of RockShox SID SL Ultimate

And the SID Ultimate, with more travel and without the cut-outs on the fork lowers

2024 SID and SID Luxe

RockShox offers four models each of the SID and SID SL. The SID comes in 110 or 120mm travel, with the new three-position SID Ultimate starting at USD 1,000.00. Select+, Select and standard SID options will also be offered, though only Select pricing is currently available (USD $790).

The SID SL also comes in four models. The SID SL Ultimate shaves grams but also dollars, starting that line at USD 900.00. Like the SID, pricing is only available for the SID SL Select, which is USD $690.

RockShox only offers the SID Luxe Ultimate on its own, with prices ranging from $439-509 depending on options. The SID Luxe Select+ also exists but only as part of complete bike builds.