We recommend that everyone tests their Sidekick hub in all deadband settings, to find the perfect set up for their bike, personal riding style, and terrain. 

Shorter travel bikes in less extreme terrain may suffer less from pedal kickback and prioritize the improved pedaling efficiency in technical climbs of a shorter deadband. Longer travel bikes,

especially in steep, rough terrain often exhibit higher levels of pedal kickback, therefore benefiting most from the longer deadband. 

Inversely, in most suspension systems, bikes with kinematics prioritizing a high level of anti-squat (resistance to compression during pedaling), will also have higher levels of pedal kickback. This makes sense as anti-squat works by using chain force to extend the suspension, countering the squatting motion. Anti-squat in bicycles is about enhancing pedaling efficiency and maintaining traction. So, many bikes that are designed to pedal exceptionally efficiently, will often experience more pedal kickback when traveling at low to moderate speeds, over rough terrain. 

The Sidekick hub seamlessly switches between reducing or eliminating pedal kickback and providing the designed amount of anti-squat, without the rider even knowing. 

“In terms of deadband, I use the middle setting which is 15°. To me it’s a good compromise between less kickback, lots of comfort and traction, but also good reactivity if I have to throw a pedal-kick before a drop or anything like this.” 

– Remy Metailler (Freeride Legend)