Tucked away on a display bike at SRAM's official 2x10 launch at the Sea Otter Classic was something no one was looking for: a 100/120mm convertible-travel RockShox SID.
The new SID RLT will sport a 15mm Maxle thru-axle for extra steering precision relative to the current 80/100mm SID as well as a revised and sleeker looking magnesium casting with smoother lines and a proper disc brake hose clamp that doesn't require an unsightly zip tie.
Power Bulge lower bushing reinforcements are still included as well and the 32mm aluminium upper tubes are again emblazoned with permanent sag gradients for easier setup.
Internal architecture looks to be mostly carried over from the current SID with a Dual Air spring system on one side and RockShox's highly successful Motion Control damper on the other. The compression dial is now indexed, though, and the rebound dial is notably easier to grab and rotate.
RockShox product manager Sander Rigney wouldn't reveal the new fork's projected weight but it's logical to assume that it will slot in between the current SID Team's 1,485g (3.27lb) and the Reba Team Dual Air's 1,620g (3.57lb) figures. Likewise, Rigney declined to comment on steerer tube configurations but 1 1/8" straight and 1 1/8"-to-1 1/2" tapered seem like fair bets.
Finally! RockShox has ditched zip-ties with this clean-looking proper clamp on the revised arch
We also spotted a revised Monarch RT3 rear shock, which has abandoned its predecessor's clever swivelling air valve in favour of a simpler angled one, thus removing a potential point for leakage while also slightly increasing air volume for a flatter spring curve. The aluminium air can shape has been revised, too, presumably with the same effect.
As with the SID RLT, the new Monarch RT3 again carries over the proven Motion Control damper design with externally adjustable rebound damping and platform settings. The range of motion on the rebound dial has been reduced substantially, however, and is easier to turn as well.
RockShox has made some revisions to its Monarch air shock platform for 2011, including a simpler angled air valve and a smaller range of motion on the rebound dial for easier setup