e*thirteen presents the Sidekick Flux wheels, which combine anti-kickback hubs with specially tuned rims. The hubs decouple the drive from the suspension and offer tool-free adjustment of the freewheel angle. Three model series cover trail to downhill: The lightweight Optimus wheels are designed for short suspension travel, come exclusively in carbon and weigh just 1595 grams. The all-rounder Sylvan and the DH/Enduro set Grappler each come in one carbon and two aluminium versions. Prices start at 599.90 euros for the cheapest aluminium models and range up to 1649.90 euros for the carbon models.
What is the freewheel angle anyway?
The sidekick hubs form the centrepiece of the Flux wheels, decoupling the drive from the suspension and thus reducing the so-called "kickback" effect, in which the chain pull forces influence the suspension. The freewheel angle indicates how far the rear wheel has to turn before the drive engages again after you have stopped pedalling. On the Sidekick hub, the freewheel angle can be adjusted in three stages without tools: 9, 13 and 18 degrees. The hubs are also said to be virtually silent.
Freewheel angle: What the settings do
- 9° = quick intervention - the chain engages again after a very short wheel rotation
- 13° = centre path - Balance between reaction and kickback absorption
- 18° = maximum kickback absorption - More "free travel", the suspension is less influenced by the drive
Concave instead of convex rim shape
The new wheel series builds on the recently expanded Sidekick hub line and combines it with Flux rims, which are designed differently for the front and rear wheels. The rims utilise a concave design instead of the traditional convex outer shape. This design is intended to act as additional suspension and absorb high-frequency vibrations from the trail. All rims come with a 30 millimetre rim width (inner width). The front rims are designed for maximum compliance and traction, while the rear rims are designed for impact resistance and power transmission.
Three model series for different areas of application
The Optimus series is aimed at weight-conscious riders of bikes with short suspension travel. The lightest wheelset uses Flux 33 rims at the front and Flux 43 at the rear. The Pro Carbon version weighs 1595 grams in 29-inch format. The Sylvan series for all-mountain bikes and e-MTBs uses Flux 43 rims at the front and Flux 54 at the rear. Here, the Pro Carbon version weighs 1685 grams, the Pro Aluminium 1910 grams and the Aluminium version 2035 grams. The Grappler series for Enduro and Downhill uses a mixture of Flux 54, 55 and 66 rims. The weights are 1990 grams for Pro Carbon, 2145 grams for Pro Aluminum and 2250 grams for Aluminum. All Sidekick Flux wheels are approved for Class 1 E-MTBs.
The most important facts
Technical highlights
- Concave flux rims with 30 mm inner width
- Sidekick hubs with 9°, 13° or 18° freewheel angle (adjustable without tools)
- Virtually silent freewheel due to released pawls
Weights (29")
- Optimus Pro Carbon: 1,595 g
- Sylvan Pro Carbon: 1,685 g | Pro Alu: 1,910 g | Alu: 2,035 g
- Grappler Pro Carbon: 1,990 g | Pro Alu: 2,145 g | Alu: 2,250 g
Prices per wheelset
- Sidekick Flux Aluminium: from 599.90 euros*
- Sidekick Flux Pro Aluminium: from 799.90 euros
- Sidekick Flux Pro Carbon: from 1,649.90 euros
Guarantee
- Carbon & Pro aluminium rims: for life
- Sidekick hubs: 10 years
- Hub bearing: for life
- Normal aluminium rims: Crash replacement
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
