The RockShox SID family covers all wheel sizes and a travel range of 80 to 120mm. It tops out with the XX versions that feature carbon crowns and hydraulic lockouts, but this RCT3 is the most cost-effective model.
It uses recessed (60mm) lower legs with a lattice-backed crown and a scooped, lipped crown to keep the weight race-low. Power Bulges to accommodate bigger bushings and a Maxle Lite 15mm axle mean they’re accurate even in the longer 29er format; there are quick-release versions, but they’re vague and flexible in 650b and 29in formats.
Setting up the Solo Air spring is easy thanks to the pressure gauge sticker on the fork leg and sag markers on the 32mm stanchions.
The three-position RCT3 compression lever gives clear settings: open, the pedal-oriented threshold, and lock. The rebound damping for the first part of the stroke adjusts with a removable knob; the second part uses faster, factory-set damping dubbed Rapid Recovery.
Despite its sophistication, the overall result stayed rubbery and uninspiring no matter what tuning time we threw at multiple sets. It does its job consistently and diligently with minimal maintenance though, and the inclusion of the spares for your first service and a shock pump is a nice touch.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
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