The new RockShox SID Flight Attendant are better than you: prices, models, and novelties

The Flight Attendant technology arrives in the RockShox SID range. These are the new ultralight SID SL ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT forks of 100/110mm, the versatile SID ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT of 120mm with 35mm bars, and the SIDLUXE ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT shock absorber.

RockShox SID Flight Attendant: electronics come to the brand's lightest suspensions

The Flight Attendant technology is not new, it was released almost 3 years ago and we had the opportunity to test it, but it wasn't until now that it made the leap to the SID collection, the lightest of RockShox where we find two of the brand's most popular forks: the SID SL ULTIMATE of 100/110mm. Additionally, it arrives improved thanks to the new algorithm that is able to accumulate more information and instantly optimize the suspension to maximize its performance.

1325 changes in 90 minutes and 96 seconds faster

RockShox's official cyclists have been using the new Flight Attendant suspensions for months, which has been the best testing ground for the brand, but also the best presentation.

For example, at the last Lenzerheide World Cup, 10-time world champion Nino Schurter set a new record for victories in this competition in front of his fans. He mounted the new Flight Attendant suspensions on that circuit and his data was astonishing. The Swiss rider's suspensions made 1,325 changes in the just under 90 minutes that the race lasted. Something unthinkable if done manually.

The brand ensures that the system is on average 1.8% faster compared to the manual system. Translated into time, this means an advantage of 96 seconds for a standard 90-minute race in the World Cup.

Nino Schurter's statements about the new Flight Attendant leave no room for doubt: "It's on another damn level"

It's faster, but how does it work?

As we mentioned, the Flight Attendant has been in the RockShox catalog for about 3 years, but this new lighter version arrives optimized thanks to a new algorithm that not only takes into account the terrain, but also adapts to the conditions and the rider's fitness level.

It all starts with the AXS ecosystem (SRAM and RockShox's wireless system), which collects an overwhelming amount of data every fraction of a second. Flight Attendant analyzes this information and adjusts the suspension settings ideal for each moment.

It consists of the Flight Attendant shock absorber and fork with the Flight Attendant cartridge plus a sensor in the pedal area that can be combined with SRAM's own potentiometer. All of this, along with the rest of the AXS components mounted, communicate wirelessly to choose the optimal configuration multiple times in 1 second.

3 Compression Positions and a Natural Change

The Flight Attendant shock absorber and fork have three compression positions, which automatically switch from a firm lock (Lock) to an efficient pedaling position (Pedal) or to an open configuration (Open) to absorb large jumps or impacts.

The transition between positions is smooth and natural without interfering with the rider's pedaling sensations. And although now we will see that one of the great novelties of this new version is that it can get to know you better than you know yourself. The system has the Bias Adjust mode to allow the rider to adjust the behavior of the Flight Attendant in Automatic Mode, being able to make the Flight Attendant lean towards an Open or Lock position, depending on your riding style and terrain. In our test, you can read more about these adjustments.

The new Adaptive Ride Dynamics "reads your mind" and elevates electronic suspensions to a higher level

If until now, the Flight Attendant seemed like a suspension system far superior to any other, the new Adaptive Ride Dynamics tool elevates it even further.

This new function collects data from your previous sessions to accurately calculate your intensity zones and the algorithm updates automatically according to your fitness level. It combines this with terrain data plus your Bias choice, and the Flight Attendant makes the best choice in each situation. It could be said that it is able to read your mind and anticipate:

• When your intensity reaches your Sprint zone, Adaptive Ride Dynamics favors the system to tend to lock the suspensions.
• When it detects that you reach your High-intensity zone, Adaptive Ride Dynamics tends to make the suspensions more efficient.
• As soon as it detects that your intensity drops to your Medium zone, Adaptive Ride Dynamics tends to balance comfort and efficiency.
• In your Low-intensity zone, when you ride relaxed, Adaptive Ride Dynamics tends towards comfort and sensitivity.

SRAM AXS: the app that controls everything

Although the Flight Attendant has a simple adjustment control on the fork, it is through the SRAM AXS mobile app that, in addition to configuring and interconnecting all SRAM and RockShox wireless components, you can review and configure the Adaptive Ride Dynamics function.

RockShox SID SL ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT Fork of 100/110mm: price and features

The RockShox SID SL ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT fork was presented as the lightest on the World Cup circuit and now it also stands out as the "smartest" thanks to the new Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant three-position cartridge. It adds just 130g more than its mechanical version and combines rigidity and lightness with electronics.

• Cartridge: Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant
• Preload: DebonAir
• Wheel diameter: 29"
• Travel: 100/110mm
• Bars: 32mm
• Offset: 44 mm (29")
• Machined crown
• Color Blue Crush or Ultimate High Gloss Black, with new Pearl White Flight Attendant stickers.
• Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube oil: longer lasting, reduces friction, and improves fork performance
• DebonAir air chamber
• Battery compatible with AXS components
• IPX7 sealing
• WEIGHT: 1,1480 g
• MSRP: $1,349, 1,499 €, £1,339

RockShox SID ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT Fork of 120mm: price and features

The most popular and versatile fork of the brand becomes electronic. The RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant with 120mm of travel, features 35mm bars and the new Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant electronic cartridge with three hydraulic compression positions (3P), Open, Pedal, and Lock, all at your fingertips. There is no doubt that it will be one of the forks we will see the most in the coming months.

• Cartridge: Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant
• Preload: DebonAir+
• Wheel diameter: 29"
• Travel: 120 mm
• Bars: 35mm
• Offset: 44 mm (29").
• Machined crown
• Color Blue Crush or Ultimate High Gloss Black, with new Pearl White Flight Attendant stickers.
• Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube oil: longer lasting, reduces friction, and improves fork performance.
• DebonAir+ air chamber
• Battery compatible with AXS components
• IPX7 sealing
• Compatible with RockShox short fender (included)
• WEIGHT: 1,624 g
• MSRP: $1,449, 1,599 €, £1,429

RockShox SIDLUXE ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT Shock Absorber

The SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant shock absorber completes the range for the fastest and most efficient cross country, and does so with the new three-position hydraulic cartridge: Open, Pedal, and Lock. High-speed hydraulic compression in Open and Pedal positions.

• Cartridge: RL3 Flight Attendant
• Preload: SoloAir or DebonAir+
• Superlight design
• Color: Signature Blue Crush Flight Attendant
• Battery compatible with AXS components
• IPX7 sealing
• Weight: 349 g
• MSRP: $849 | 918 € | £819