RockShox SID Select Charger RL Fork [Rider Review]

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There are few things you can upgrade on your mountain bike that'll have as large of an impact as slapping on a new suspension fork. This single component upgrade can bring new life and performance to any bike with high mileage. In this review, one of our valued customers shares their thoughts on the RockShox SID Select Charger RL fork. Check it out!

Overview

I needed to buy a 120mm fork for my Kona Honzo CR and was excited to see that RockShox had just released a new version, the SID Select Charger RL with 35mm stanchions vs the 32mm on the older models. I’ve used a 2014 Sid World Cup and a 2018 Rockshox Pike RCT3 in recent years. I hoped that the larger stanchions would make the new Sid as stiff and solid as my Pike, but come in a lighter package. After riding the new fork a handful of times I think RockShox has accomplished this. I trimmed the steerer tube and installed a crown race and star nut myself. A nice feature on this fork is the press in front brake hose cable holder so there is no small bolt and clamp to fiddle with. There were some small and somewhat tricky to install bolts for the fender that came with the fork. This fender is nice because it is a sleek fit that also covers the holes in the back of the arch of the fork lowers so no mud will get stuck back there. I used the RockShox’s Trailhead online fork tuner to get recommendations for the air pressure and rebound settings.

These settings seemed about right after riding it a few times, but I’ll experiment with the rebound setting soon. There were no bottomless tokens (volume reducers) included with the fork, but apparently you can run up to 3. There is an almost full lockout when you turn the lever all the way which is nice for road and smooth gravel sections. I haven’t felt the need to use the lockout when riding trails because the fork seems to have a really supportive midstroke and doesn’t feel like it’s going to dive.

The initial part of the stroke is very smooth and active over small bumps and it seems to ramp up quickly to stay supportive and keep from bottoming out.

I’ve had to use volume reducers on the previous forks I’ve owned to try to achieve the progressive feel that this fork has. I actually haven’t been able to use the last 5-10mm of travel in my first few rides so it’s possible that I have slightly too much air pressure. This is no low-speed compression adjustment for this fork, but I honestly could not get a good feel for what that adjustment did on my Pike so I don’t think I will miss it. The axle is a “Stealth Maxle” so you have to tighten it with a 6mm Allen wrench. I’ve used these axles in the past and don’t mind it them, but having a regular quick release Maxle ultimate is nice because you don’t have to get any tools out.

Final Thoughts

Overall I’m very pleased with my new fork. I didn’t have the budget to get the Ultimate version of the fork with the Race Day dampener, but I’m not sure if there are any performance benefits to that dampener other than its lightweight.