I have an old ATX890 that came with stock SID XC 2001 I think. My LBS said that it needs servicing done. But then, they also said it'd probably be easier to just replace it since servicing costs so much.
I also bought a pair of 2002 MARS Elite w/tcp lockout. I'm planning on spending some money ($40?) and overhaul them myself with new enduro seals.
Now my question is, should I replace the SID with the MARS? I have never ridden the MARS so I have no idea how they feel. They do cost less and are much easier to maintain with microlube..... And they are also probably as light as the SIDs... I dont ride much XC, just do mostly daily commuting (~40km) on very bad road conditions here in montreal.
Or maybe I should service the SIDs myself (though it would cost ~$60 just for the materials, still much less than the $150+ to send it out), but these require more attention for maintenance.

thanks all in advance~
hm... maybe i'm in the wrong section to be asking this sorry

Stay with the Sid.

I would have to suggest going with the Mars instead. The SID is way too high maintenance to be used as a commuting fork.

Although I know nothing about the Mars so if it too is high maintenance than maybe you should go with the SID, but if it isn't go for the Mars.

Stay with the SID.

Swiff, let's put it this way, the manitou mars line was known to blow seals for no known reason, they were also very fragile.

SID. While your overhauling it, stick on some enduro fork seals too. They make the seals for all SID's with 28mm stanchion tubes (post '97).