Explainer: 2024 RockShox XC Forks and Shock | Tech Overview

27 july 2023, cape town south africa | review of the new rockshox sid mountain bike suspension range as written by myles kelsey and published on bike network

It’s a helluva lot more than a facelift

SID, SID SL, SIDLuxe and TwistLoc – the names are the same but this is a completely new XC suspension lineup from RockShox. A rock-solid lockout for climbing, open for downhills and new ‘pedal’ setting for techy climbs or singletrack. New lowers, new crowns, new oils, bigger bushings, more travel options, new dampers and new air springs. The benefits promised are more tunability, better mid-stroke support, increased sensitivity in the initial part of travel and some weight savings. Here’s a look at what I think are the key features in the new XC range from RockShox.

2024 RockShox SID SL with 3P

27 july 2023, cape town south africa | review of the new rockshox sid mountain bike suspension range as written by myles kelsey and published on bike network
Weight: 1,352g for the 110mm travel

For 2024, the SID SL fork receives a new crown, reshaped lowers and damper units. Travel options are now 100 or 110mm. RockShox is telling us it’s their lightest 32mm damper ever – which pegs it firmly in the weight weenie race segment.

The new three-position damper is really interesting. Through either a bar-mounted remote or a crown adjuster, riders can switch between Lock, Pedal and Open compression settings. Racers are often looking for something in between the fully locked and fully open settings and that’s the exact intention of the new Pedal setting. The idea is to combine watt-friendly efficiency with comfort, traction and control. A two-position damper version is also available – but Nino prefers three… and he is the GOAT. Just saying.

What RockShox has not included in the new forks is the Buttercup technology we’ve seen in their newish Trail, Enduro and Gravity forks. This decision means these new XC forks will have a 100% locked feeling when locked, which maximizes efficiency for racing.


2024 RockShox SID Ultimate with 3P

27 july 2023, cape town south africa | review of the new rockshox sid mountain bike suspension range as written by myles kelsey and published on bike network
Weights start at 1,476g

You guessed it. The SID is also all-new. The crown, lowers, damper units and air spring are completely new. Travel is 110 or 120mm and the stanchion diameter is unchanged, at 35mm.

As with the SID SL, the stouter SID also runs the new 3-position damper meaning riders can switch between Locked, Open or Pedal settings; on the fly.

The two big attractions and what I think will really improve performance lie within the air spring and bushings. By using slightly longer stanchions, RockShox has increased the size of the positive and negative chambers. The impact will be more tunability, more mid-stroke support and better small bump compliance – which is a big plus for endurance riding and racing. The extra bushing overlap reduces side loads and friction which will improve plushability (I just made that a word and you read it here first) and, durability.


2024 RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate with 3P

27 july 2023, cape town south africa | review of the new rockshox sid mountain bike suspension range as written by myles kelsey and published on bike network
Weight: 246g

To keep the system balanced, RockShox has also dropped a new SIDLuxe shock complete with the three-position damping of Open, Pedal and Locked.

The new shock features a revised high-speed compression circuit that reacts faster to help deal with big hits, in both the Pedal and Open compression settings. The bottom-out bumper has also been reshaped to accommodate more aggressive XC riding.


Twistloc Ultimate

27 july 2023, cape town south africa | review of the new rockshox sid mountain bike suspension range as written by myles kelsey and published on bike network

Also new is the grip shifter style remote to switch between the compression settings. It can be run with textured or smooth grips and has two cable routing options which improves dropper post compatibility and aesthetics.

27 july 2023, cape town south africa | review of the new rockshox sid mountain bike suspension range as written by myles kelsey and published on bike network

In terms of local availability, I’m told the first shipment has landed and is in participating bike stores, now. Learn more


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