Same or worse problem. I had a 2012 epic expert brain front and rear. I upgraded it to sworks spec over 4 years. 2017 I built a Ltd edition sworks frame; Brain rear is fantastic. I went with matching fox forks with no Brian and SO happy. Rear brain snappiness is just so good. Fast forward I picked up a 2022/23 Epic HT on whim. Completely forgot why I went away from the brain fork. 3:33 hr ride at night on all the most technical trails in my area and I only get 50 mm of travel. I got BEAT UP. I rode that ride I reserve for my 100/100 epic FSR to see if I’d handle just the HT until I’ve saved up for my next rig (epic 8 or something). It’s sunk into the travel by 50% like wtf ? I’m so gutted. I’ll go for a warranty at the local store. But I reckon I’ll sell the fork on them and buy a new fork SID SL Ultimate and get rid of the brain front. I never need to lockout my fox forks so I don’t think I will on the sid so I also won’t get the remote.
I have a 2021 Epic (I think yours is 2022 but should be the same) and my rubber travel o-ring tops out between the Debonair and Max Travel marks. So thankfully I do not seem to be having this issue. I previously had a 2019 Epic and the Brain Fork was terrible -- the Brain did nothing to keep a firm platform, regardless of Brain Fade setting. It bobbed like crazy. I was so frustrated by that that I had my shop remove the Brain damper and put in a remote lockout so I could have firm fork when I was hammering out of the saddle. But I missed the "automatic" locking that the Brain gave me. (Before that, I had a 2011 Epic with a Brain fork that was completely locked out until activated by a bump.) So I sold my 2019 and got a 2021, which is significantly firmer before the Brain opens. But I am definitely getting nearly full travel when the fork is active.
No matter where your ring goes, this BRAIN FORK is one of the worst. I have to use it always open. Unless you have some speed and ride in a relatively smooth terrain. Otherwise in a steep decent it by the time it hits a big bump (firm mode) you'll body will absord all the impact. And the same goes to the rear brain... end up using fully open all the time, now there are after market yokes. Might to with flight attendant in the future.
Just posting for anyone having a problem with their SID BRAIN, that i have a brand new zero mile 35mm Charger Race Day 2 from a 2024 Sid Ultimate 2 position remote. Its for sale right now on pinkbike. Just for anyone looking for a damper with the lockout issue corrected or wants to get rid of their SID Brain - Fits 2021 + sid 35mm.
Great info! I have same fork and am just now getting to start riding it (injured past year). Can you explain what FADE does? Struggling to set mine up since the fork did not come with a manual and Specialized and Rock Shocks CS can't explain diddly squat and claim there was never a instruction manual for this fork... ugh. Any info would be appreciated. Also I am VERY interested in how the replacement damper works for you.
Update: I went back to look at some race photos and I definitely was using 100mm of travel. The sag ring was in middle of the max travel and the DebonAir. BUT no longe the case. It’s not getting anymore than 90mm at them moment.
I have the same issue with my Brain. My bike is an Epic Pro 2021, comes with Sid SL version, not ultimate like yours, but with the same nobs at the top for rebound and brain. Had this problem around 9 months of use, Specialized shop solved it under the warranty, no parts needed to be replaced, apparently a valve got stuck. Recently, almost 2 years using the bike, the problem happened again. Unfortunately the bike is not under the warranty so I will have to pay for the service... And share the same impression about the Brain fork, too stiff, I don't like it. Just bought a Fox SC 34 and will install in my Epic. I like the Brain in the rear, hopefull this frankstein bike (between Epic and Evo) will handle well.
We are not alone! Lots of fork failures. I solved this issue by going with a race day damper. Then I enjoyed a regular shock an sold my epic for a Scott spark 😂
I have 2018 Epic comp carbon w a Reba RL w/o brain. I always kinda wanted the RS front brain but maybe I dodged a bullet? I have noticed a number of complaints with the front brain. The rear brain has been pretty reliable so far.
I've upgraded the Reba of my 2019 epic comp and never loved a bike so much. A couple of months ago I've gave the brains a full service on a proper shop and they've came back even better. My suspension was like playing video game.
I have the same Epic model as you. My SL does the 100mm of travel it should do, but for that I can't load the positive air camera, with the pressure recommended in the table that comes from the RockShox. I weigh 73kg and on the RockShox SL Brain suspension I put 70 PSI RokShox recommended for my weight is between 85 and 100 PSI
Thanks for feedback. I also put 70psi and rock shox recommends 85-100psi. I am 79kg. I tried it at 85 psi, I thought my teeth would shatter. I’m just disappointed overall with the fork. And especially now that I’m not getting full travel. Even at 70 psi it’s still not what I want.
Oh no, try bring it back to your LBS. I had tons of problems with the previous version. But this one should be much better it feels more plush and responsive. Did you try let all the aor out and check if it goes all the way down? If it doesn't go down to the limit it definitely needs to be serviced. Good luck man!
@@MarCheChan I let most of the air out and bottomed the fork out and came out to 90mm. I have not been impressed with the new fork overall. Going to rock the race day damper and see how it goes. If it does not go as planned, going EVO and Fox 😂
How many miles has your bike done?? I've got the exact same bike, but I can notice a lot more marks on mine. It still looks mint condition. Good to know about the shock, I'll have to check mine.
I don’t know if they addressed. 2 friends with s works epics had same issue as well. We all swapped to race day dampers. Really transformed the bike for the better!
@@addictcyclist I’d hate to have to drop more cash on a bike after just buying it. He 15 and his first two mtbs cost more then my first two cars. He’s really gotten into racing and I don’t want his bike holding him back. That’s why we’re upgrading. He’s 137lbs currently racing an alloy stumpjumper at 37lbs. Lol
A friend had that happen. This is totally different. The bushings cause a little free play and a metallic knock or tick. This situation is unique. My fork works just now less travel.
I had the same problem with my Sid ultimate Sl fork. I found out that the Lbs put my shox bottom out rubber upside down. I highly suggest double check the insides specially in the air shaft side
Same or worse problem. I had a 2012 epic expert brain front and rear. I upgraded it to sworks spec over 4 years. 2017 I built a Ltd edition sworks frame; Brain rear is fantastic. I went with matching fox forks with no Brian and SO happy. Rear brain snappiness is just so good.
Fast forward I picked up a 2022/23 Epic HT on whim. Completely forgot why I went away from the brain fork. 3:33 hr ride at night on all the most technical trails in my area and I only get 50 mm of travel. I got BEAT UP. I rode that ride I reserve for my 100/100 epic FSR to see if I’d handle just the HT until I’ve saved up for my next rig (epic 8 or something). It’s sunk into the travel by 50% like wtf ?
I’m so gutted. I’ll go for a warranty at the local store. But I reckon I’ll sell the fork on them and buy a new fork SID SL Ultimate and get rid of the brain front. I never need to lockout my fox forks so I don’t think I will on the sid so I also won’t get the remote.
I have a 2021 Epic (I think yours is 2022 but should be the same) and my rubber travel o-ring tops out between the Debonair and Max Travel marks. So thankfully I do not seem to be having this issue. I previously had a 2019 Epic and the Brain Fork was terrible -- the Brain did nothing to keep a firm platform, regardless of Brain Fade setting. It bobbed like crazy. I was so frustrated by that that I had my shop remove the Brain damper and put in a remote lockout so I could have firm fork when I was hammering out of the saddle. But I missed the "automatic" locking that the Brain gave me. (Before that, I had a 2011 Epic with a Brain fork that was completely locked out until activated by a bump.) So I sold my 2019 and got a 2021, which is significantly firmer before the Brain opens. But I am definitely getting nearly full travel when the fork is active.
I had the opposite! My 2019 was fantastic! My 2022 gave me trouble 😞
No matter where your ring goes, this BRAIN FORK is one of the worst. I have to use it always open. Unless you have some speed and ride in a relatively smooth terrain. Otherwise in a steep decent it by the time it hits a big bump (firm mode) you'll body will absord all the impact. And the same goes to the rear brain... end up using fully open all the time, now there are after market yokes. Might to with flight attendant in the future.
Getting rid of the bike was the best upgrade. I sure do miss the paint job tho
Lol soo true😅
Just posting for anyone having a problem with their SID BRAIN, that i have a brand new zero mile 35mm Charger Race Day 2 from a 2024 Sid Ultimate 2 position remote. Its for sale right now on pinkbike. Just for anyone looking for a damper with the lockout issue corrected or wants to get rid of their SID Brain - Fits 2021 + sid 35mm.
I’m on my 3rd replacement Sid Brain damper. I’m quite sure my 4th one will be the raceday , will be running it as a regular Sid Sl.
Don’t waste time, do it now !
Were the 3 Brain Dampers faulty?
Great info! I have same fork and am just now getting to start riding it (injured past year). Can you explain what FADE does? Struggling to set mine up since the fork did not come with a manual and Specialized and Rock Shocks CS can't explain diddly squat and claim there was never a instruction manual for this fork... ugh. Any info would be appreciated. Also I am VERY interested in how the replacement damper works for you.
I always rode it one to two clicks from open. Was best balance. Until the damper broke and went with traditional damper. Was best upgrade I did
Update: I went back to look at some race photos and I definitely was using 100mm of travel. The sag ring was in middle of the max travel and the DebonAir. BUT no longe the case. It’s not getting anymore than 90mm at them moment.
I have the same issue with my Brain. My bike is an Epic Pro 2021, comes with Sid SL version, not ultimate like yours, but with the same nobs at the top for rebound and brain. Had this problem around 9 months of use, Specialized shop solved it under the warranty, no parts needed to be replaced, apparently a valve got stuck. Recently, almost 2 years using the bike, the problem happened again. Unfortunately the bike is not under the warranty so I will have to pay for the service... And share the same impression about the Brain fork, too stiff, I don't like it. Just bought a Fox SC 34 and will install in my Epic. I like the Brain in the rear, hopefull this frankstein bike (between Epic and Evo) will handle well.
We are not alone! Lots of fork failures. I solved this issue by going with a race day damper. Then I enjoyed a regular shock an sold my epic for a Scott spark 😂
And that color is gorgeous so you gotta keep that look
Totally! Race day damper ordered
I have 2018 Epic comp carbon w a Reba RL w/o brain. I always kinda wanted the RS front brain but maybe I dodged a bullet? I have noticed a number of complaints with the front brain. The rear brain has been pretty reliable so far.
You are not missing anything but a headache and a upper back ache 😂
I've upgraded the Reba of my 2019 epic comp and never loved a bike so much. A couple of months ago I've gave the brains a full service on a proper shop and they've came back even better. My suspension was like playing video game.
I have the same Epic model as you.
My SL does the 100mm of travel it should do, but for that I can't load the positive air camera, with the pressure recommended in the table that comes from the RockShox.
I weigh 73kg and on the RockShox SL Brain suspension I put 70 PSI
RokShox recommended for my weight is between 85 and 100 PSI
That's the way, I'm 70kg. and I put 65 psi on mine. Otherwise it's a very harsh ride feeling and it won't use the whole travel.
Thanks for feedback. I also put 70psi and rock shox recommends 85-100psi. I am 79kg. I tried it at 85 psi, I thought my teeth would shatter.
I’m just disappointed overall with the fork. And especially now that I’m not getting full travel. Even at 70 psi it’s still not what I want.
Oh no, try bring it back to your LBS. I had tons of problems with the previous version. But this one should be much better it feels more plush and responsive. Did you try let all the aor out and check if it goes all the way down? If it doesn't go down to the limit it definitely needs to be serviced. Good luck man!
@@MarCheChan I let most of the air out and bottomed the fork out and came out to 90mm. I have not been impressed with the new fork overall. Going to rock the race day damper and see how it goes. If it does not go as planned, going EVO and Fox 😂
@@addictcyclist to be honest I'm using sid ultimate 120mm now 😂 way better and Fox well that's another whole new level!!!
How many miles has your bike done?? I've got the exact same bike, but I can notice a lot more marks on mine. It still looks mint condition.
Good to know about the shock, I'll have to check mine.
575 miles
I’m about to buy my son a 2023 epic expert. This video has me concerned. Do you know if they addressed any of these issues with the latest model
I don’t know if they addressed. 2 friends with s works epics had same issue as well. We all swapped to race day dampers. Really transformed the bike for the better!
@@addictcyclist I’d hate to have to drop more cash on a bike after just buying it. He 15 and his first two mtbs cost more then my first two cars. He’s really gotten into racing and I don’t want his bike holding him back. That’s why we’re upgrading. He’s 137lbs currently racing an alloy stumpjumper at 37lbs. Lol
Take a look at a spark. More versatile bike and can control the suspension. I own 2 now and one back in 2015. Love them!
I’ve heard the bushings go bad on Sid ultimate
I’ve got the 2021 Sid ultimate 120 on a Santa Cruz hardtail I’m worried about it
A friend had that happen. This is totally different. The bushings cause a little free play and a metallic knock or tick. This situation is unique. My fork works just now less travel.
What about volume spacers? could that be preventing it from using all of the travel?
No, not when there is no air in chamber. Plus this fork does not come with any volume spacers installed. The brain damper took a $hit
I had the same problem with my Sid ultimate Sl fork.
I found out that the Lbs put my shox bottom out rubber upside down.
I highly suggest double check the insides specially in the air shaft side
It was my brain damper. See video. czcams.com/video/HxGP4_6tLJE/video.html