I am in the process of buying a XL 2001 gt i-drive 3.0, and I have an opportunity to buy brand new Cane Creek AD12 at a great price, I have heard rave reviews of Cane Creek shocks and it is a big upgrade from the current 2001 rock shox sid dual air shock that is on the bike now and I was wondering:

Has anyone else already installed a cane creek shock on an idrive?
Is there anything difficult to set up?
and can you still follow the stock setup for air etc?
Can it be done at home using the bolts that came with the rock shox shock?
Is it a vast improvement?

I checked canecreek.com and discovered that the shock is compatible with my frame, and I found this sheet on their site as well:
http://www.canecreek.com/site/product/shocks/info/pdf/AD12_5_worksheet.pdf
can I just fill out the first page and then canecreek will fax me back what to do on the second page?? (also I am 6'1" 215 lbs)
Thanks

It was easy to install and set up. I don't remember filling in the form you mention. I simply told them what model (XCR 4000) and they sent me the right shock. This was a similar deal to what is offered now. Have had zero problems

FD

I got the Cloud Nine a few months back, 04 Model and it was the best upgrade to my GT XCR iDrive since I put a Psylo "U-turn" fork. It even gave me a bit more travel since the shock is able to compress a bit more due to it's design. I'd recomend getting the Cloud 9 only cause it's so much more adjustable than an AD12. Makes a HUGE difference being able to fine tune your suspension and getting the right feel for your type of riding. If you're more of a smoother XC type, the AD12 should be a nice upgrade regardless but if you do a bit more rough, technical and jumps, then go for the Cloud Nine. I got mine through their shock upgrade program for like $250 and it was money well spent. No regrets here.

The shock was very easy to replace, took about 25 min. to swap the shocks cause I had a hard time lining up a mount bolt. Make sure you follow the instructions from Cane Creek as far as the air pressure and sag settings. Their shocks will feel more plush so make sure your sag is not too limited since these shocks offer that a bit extra travel in case you do happen to compress it enough. The compression adj. feature is nice on the Cloud Nine since you can set it so it doesn't bottom out on you. The rebound also adj. works nicely too so you can set it depending on your ride. I believe the AD12 doesn't offer these features but I've personally riden bikes with AD12's and they're a very nice feel. I think though, for a guy your size and weight, the Cloud Nine will be the better choice. Bottom line, AD12 or Cloud Nine, you can't go wrong, they're a much better shock than a SID in every aspect and either one will sure make your rides a lot more enjoyable. Cane Creek shocks are easy to maintain and their staff also offers great customer service and I'm sure if there's ever a problem, they'll take care of it pronto.

Just thought I'd let you know... my GT i-Drive frame cracked last week and I'm selling the Cloud Nine I had on it. It's posted the ad on Ebay if you're interested. CHEAP! Item #3692043679 I just bought a Giant VT1 frameset and trasfered all my past over so I'm left with the original Rock Shox SID (dual air), WTB Comp Headset, an XT front deraileur and an i-Drive unit in case you're also intersted.