RockShox SID SL Review
If you thought there wasn’t much room for improvement with the SID SL, 2025 will prove you wrong. RockShox has made significant tweaks to their race weapon—with a new chassis, a fresh air spring, and even an electronics upgrade for the tech freaks. We’ve taken a closer look at this XC lightweight.
DebonAir+ – What does that mean?
Apart from the casting, RockShox also worked on the internals of the air spring. The new air spring is called DebonAir+ and has been borrowed from the regular SID and Pike. In plain English: more sensitivity thanks to a larger air chamber and better support in the mid-stroke area – this was especially noticeable during our test on rough downhill sections. Anyone who previously thought XC forks were just stiff and harsh will be proven otherwise here.
Light as ever: 1,361 grams
Despite the chassis update, the SID SL remains a featherweight: The Ultimate version with 110 mm of travel tips the scales at just 1,361 grams, keeping it the lightest 110-mm XC fork on the market—and still playing in the top league.
For comparison: The Rock Shox SID (non-SL) weighs 167 grams more in the Ultimate version with 120 mm of travel. We even weighed the SID Flight Attendant at 250 grams more. The Fox 32 SC comes in slightly heavier at just over 1400 grams. Even the DT Swiss F232, at just under 1500 grams, doesn’t come close to the value set by Rock Shox with their new SID in the Ultimate spec.
Three versions – for every taste (and budget)
RockShox categorizes the SID SL into three main models:
- SID SL Ultimate Flight Attendant ($1,499 MSRP): Electronic control, Open/Pedal/Lock, all automatic.
- SID SL Ultimate (2P/3P) (1.079 € MSRP): Mechanical control via remote or fork lockout – Open/Lock or Open/Pedal/Lock.
- SID SL Select (2P/3P) (€819 MSRP): Same air spring, but with a simpler Charger damper.
Advantages of the new SID SL
- superlight
- Improvements also aim at durability
- better performance
- Clearance for 2.4-inch tires
Cons of the new SID SL
- Stanchions remain very thin at 32 mm
- Rebound adjuster is flimsy
Conclusion – what sticks?
The new SID SL remains what it has always been: the top choice for XC racers and marathon enthusiasts who count every gram – now with better responsiveness and more technical finesse. Price-wise, the top model is below the prices of comparable competitors. We believe: For lightweight riders, the SID SL is now a significantly better option than before. For heavier riders, we still recommend the SID with 120 mm travel and 35 mm stanchions.
Flight Attendant - now available for hardtails
The electronic suspension system by RockShox, Flight Attendant, is now available as a fork-only upgrade—perfect for all hardtail racers. Previously, the system was only available for full-suspension bikes. If you want to learn more about this system, you should definitely read our comprehensive test on it. Exciting: In Auto mode, individual suspension modes such as “Pedal” or “Lock” can now be specifically deactivated. The “Lock” deactivation is already available, and for “Pedal,” it is expected to be ready by the end of 2025.
Plus: If you’re riding a SID or SID SL from 2021–2024, you can upgrade with the Flight Attendant upgrade kit (€649). This turns even an older model into a digital trail sniper.
