The Sidekick Hub by e*thirteen is a revolutionary rear mountain bike hub designed to enhance suspension performance by eliminating pedal kickback and filtering chain vibration. It took some time and prototypes to get to the final result but here it is, e*thirteen’s Sidekick Hub.  

Main purpose of the hub is to eliminate pedal kickback. This occurs when the distance between the chainring and the cassette grows as the suspension compresses. This pulls on the chain and causes the front pedal to kick upwards, creating resistance against your pedalling. This reduces the efficiency of the rear suspension, decreases grip, and uses up additional energy as you have to counteract the sudden pedal movements. Almost all suspension designs are affected by pedal kickback, some more than others.

The Sidekick freehub mechanism disengages the drivetrain from the rear wheel when coasting, and an adjustable engagement deadband filters kickback and chain vibration before it reaches the pedals, isolating all pedal feedback from the suspension. Check out the video below on how this technically works.

Advantages of the Sidekick Hub:
– Improved suspension performance. With pedal kickback and chain vibration isolated from the suspension, your bike and rear shock act as they were designed, smooth and predictable in any terrain, at any speed, even during heavy braking.
– Free speed. Freehub pawls are disengaged during coasting minimizing drag. With your suspension working more efficiently and the lack of drag from the freehub pawls, there is a noticeable increase in how speed is carried through both smooth and rough terrain.
– More comfort. As your bike works more efficiently to absorb bumps and impacts, your legs and body work less, control and comfort increase, and fatigue is reduced.
– Reduced vibrations and chain slap. With chain tension filtered within the Sidekick freehub’s deadband, expect less vibration to be transferred to your feet, meaning a quieter, more comfortable ride.
– Adjustable deadband. The adjustable pawl-pusher allows the deadband in Sidekick hubs to be easily tuned between 12°, 15°, and 18°, for customization to personal preference, bike kinematics, and the terrain you’re taking on.

Weight: 450 gr.

Price*: € 499,95 (e*thirteen Sidekick Rear Hub, 6 holes,12x148mm Boost, XD, black/sterling silver

More information: https://ethirteen.eu/pages/sidekick

*Manufacturer price, this could vary by country, pls check your local supplier

Images/video: e*thirteen