I may have a chance to pick up a one year old Stumjumper Pro which comes with all XT/XTR, and a Rock Shox SID Team fork (80mm travel, adjustable rebound, lockout, and alloy steerer).

What i'm wondering is how that front fork would compare with the 2005 Stumpjumpers Fox F80RL fork, (80mm travel with internal adjust to 100mm, air spring, rebound adjust, compression adjust with lock-out, alloy steerer tube).

I appreciate any help!

Fox F80RL would rule over the Rock Shox SID.

I would say that the SID Team is going to be a few grams lighter, A bit noodlier (I am told), not as durable over the long run. Maybe more worthy for race duties due to its weight.

I have that fox fork (04) and I love it. Stiff and smooth. Durable enough for every day xc abuse and still race worthy. I don't have anything negative to say about it.

I haven't ridden the SID team enough so I can't comment on the ride qualities

Get the fox.

Im riding a SID team 04, very nice fork. i love the ride qualities and you can adjust it for almost any conditions (where this fork is appropriate of course)

The Fox will be much more durable and more plush, but at a weight penalty.

The SID isnt as weak as some say though, its not ment for drops/jumps yea but you can definantly ride hard with it

Depending on the prices of both bikes. I wouldn't let a SID stop you from a good deal.

I love my SID, and I can't see what others are saying about the fork being flexy...

Ming

Same here. I realize there is some flex, but at 2.9 pounds or whatever it is i would expect some. But its not so much that its bothering. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages if your using it for the intended purpose

The one year old 2004 Stumpjumper Pro would cost appx the same as a brand new 2005 Stumpjumper (base model). The advantage of the 04' would be XT/XTR components vs the 05's LX/XT. Better wheels on the 04' as well. Sounds like the main benefits of the 05' would be that its brand new, and it has the Fox fork?

Is the 04 used or new??? If new at the same price, I'd personally go for the 04. Test ride both and see which you like better. ..

Oh also, how heavy are you? I believe that the SID has a very maximum weight limit of 170 or 180lbs.

Used ..... its owned by one of the LBS techs kids.

Used ..... the current owner of the bike is the son of one of the LBS sales/tech employees. I stay between 165-175 lbs.

In that case, I'd go for a brand new bike. You dont know how kids ride their bikes...

I'd still go with the 04 - I doubt you'd really be able to tell the difference between the XT/XTR components and a better/lighter wheelset is more noticeable on the trail.

I'll just have to try both out, and see if there are any significant differences. Unfortunately my LBS has no Stumpjumpers in stock, and is not sure when they will be getting them in. The owner doesn't like to take too many higher end mountian bikes as the $500 range is what mostly sells around here. I had really hoped he could get a 17" and 18" as those are the two sizes I should be between?