Sidekick Architecture
Conventional hubs create drag and noise while coasting. The Sidekick Hub stays fully disengaged until you pedal, letting your suspension move freely.
The Pawl Pusher
Our patented Pawl Pusher keeps pawls retracted while coasting, unlike traditional hubs that keep them engaged with springs. When you pedal, the Pawl Pusher lifts the three main pawls into engagement with the ratchet. A low-force timing pawl is the only continuous drag in the system. Engagement only happens when needed, removing unnecessary contact and drag.
Defining Deadband
The "Deadband" is the intentionally designed range of free rotation the freehub can move through before the Pawl Pusher begins to engage the pawls with the ratchet. This controlled, preset arc of rotation—adjustable to suit your bike's kinematics and your personal preference—allows the drivetrain to remain momentarily disengaged. As a result, the Sidekick absorbs chain tension generated by suspension compression, reducing feedback and allowing the suspension to operate without interference from the drivetrain.
No springs or resistance hinder movement through the deadband. Suspension stays free, managed solely by your shock’s damping circuits.
Drag and Silence
Engineering for performance often yields elegance as a byproduct. Because the primary pawls are retracted while coasting, the Sidekick operates with significantly less internal friction than a standard high-engagement hub.
- Faster Coasting: Reduced parasitic drag translates to better momentum retention in technical terrain.
- The Sound of Performance: You won’t hear a frantic swarm of bees. You will hear your tires searching for grip and the controlled movement of your suspension—the soundtrack of a bike working in perfect harmony with the trail.
The net result is mechanical efficiency and lasting durability. Sidekick redefines what quiet, composed performance means for your bike.
*US20240157728A1 Hub system, method and device with adjustable deadband