Blue forks are faster!

Standing for ‘Superlight Integrated Design’, SID has long been the acronym for RockShox’s high-end XC line-up. This year, alongside the release of a redesigned and even lighter race fork, the family has diversi ied to include a burlier model for aggressive cross-country riding, plus there’s a new rear shock too. Sid Ultimate SL

Weighing a mere 1,330g, this could be the lightest XC fork on the market. With 32mm stanchions and 100mm of travel, the SID SL is pared back to a minimum with intricately machined lower legs and crown. Inside is RockShox’s all-new Charger Race Day damper, which weighs next to nothing and is tuned specifically for speed. The Ultimate SL costs £779, but a more a ordable Select model is available for £579, with a Charger SL damper instead of the Race Day one.

SID Ultimate

Upping the stanchion diameter to 35mm and increasing travel to 120mm is the SID Ultimate. If you don’t see yourself as a thoroughbred racer but still want to climb and descend fast, this could be the fork for you. It still features the Charger Race Day damper, but is a little heavier at 1,610g. With this comes the benefits of increased sti ness and capability on tougher trails though. It’s priced at £869, but again there’s a cheaper Select version for £679.

SIDLuxe

Complementing the new SID fork range is an XC-focused rear shock. Designed to work with RockShox’s TwistLoc remote so it can be switched in an instant from uphill to downhill mode, the SIDLuxe’s small air volume is designed to provide a ride that’s supple o the top but ramps up fast. Again it’s featherlight at 253g (185x47.5mm size).