Recognizing the innovation and performance of Sidekick's patented design.
The Design & Innovation Award gave the Sidekick rear hub a 2025 award in Components (Offroad).
The DI.A describes itself as the only award that involves real product testing rather than judging from a stand. The jury rides what it judges.
What they found
Their summary calls Sidekick the first hub to eliminate pedal kickback, and says that in their testing it delivered noticeably more responsive suspension, fewer vibrations, and significantly reduced rider fatigue.
They say the problem is addressed directly at the source. That's the distinction between removing kickback and damping it after it has already reached you, and it's the entire reason the mechanism lives inside the freehub.
They also called out the adjustment: the engagement angle changes in just a few steps. No workshop required.
Their closing line: “the result is a solid, confident ride that boosts your confidence and saves you energy, especially on demanding trails.”
Our take
Saving energy is the least glamorous benefit this hub has, and the one you notice furthest into a long day.
The hub they tested was the first generation, listed on their page at 452g. The current range is lighter. Sidekick 2.0 is lighter, down to 275g in the Pro SP, and adds a faster 9 degree engagement setting.
Sidekick rear hubs start at €249.95.
