Sidekick Hubs

Pedal kickback degrades suspension performance even when you can't feel it. Chain tension from suspension movement pulls against the pedals, robbing traction and adding fatigue. Sidekick's pusher-activated magnetic pawl mechanism fully decouples the drivetrain from the rear wheel during coasting, eliminating kickback rather than just damping it. Pinkbike named it Innovation of the Year, calling it "the most elegant take on chain-force mitigation we've seen to date."

With the drive mechanism disengaged from the 60T ratchet ring, drag drops to nearly zero, at least 55% less coasting drag than competing hubs in controlled tests. The hub spins like a front wheel, carrying more speed through rough sections without losing momentum. And instead of the angry-bee ratchet of a conventional freehub, you hear your tires and the trail. Riders consistently call the silence one of their favorite features.

The Design & Innovation Award recognized Sidekick for delivering "noticeably more responsive suspension, fewer vibrations, and significantly reduced rider fatigue." BikeRadar found it made "a marked difference to suspension performance" with "seemingly more time to think about your lines and body position." MBR said it feels "like riding chainless" with the rear wheel tracking better under braking.

The Sidekick 2 lineup offers three rear hub tiers. Sidekick is the core platform with sealed cartridge bearings, a 17mm 7075 alloy axle, and adjustable deadband at 9°, 13°, and 18°, available in Boost and Superboost spacing with XD, Microspline, and HG drivers. Sidekick Pro upgrades to EZO driver bearings, TPX hub shell bearings, and nickel-plated steel pawls and pusher for lower friction and longer service life, in a dual black and sterling silver anodized finish. The Sidekick Pro SP is the lightest rear hub in the lineup at 275g, with straight-pull spokes for a stiffer, lighter wheel build. Sidekick GR offers the broadest driver compatibility (XD, HG, Microspline, integrated 7-speed cassette, and Mini HG) with a 12°, 15°, and 18° deadband range tuned for its mechanism.

Every rear hub pairs with a matching Sidekick front hub for a complete, race-tested wheelset. The Pro Front features EZO and TPX bearings at just 154g, with the same dual-tone finish as the Pro Rear. Standard front hubs are available in both 110x15mm and 110x15/20mm Boost with a dual end cap system, so one hub fits both fork standards.

World Cup proven across multiple seasons. Fully serviceable and rebuildable. E-MTB compatible. ASTM 5 rated at 150kg. 10-year warranty.