Study Finds Chain Dynamics, Not Suspension, Drive Most Pedal Kickback
A new open-access study analyzed on a downhill bike to determine the causes of pedal kickback. The research found that traditional kickback caused by cassette engagement is rare. Instead, the primary feedback comes from chain slap and cassette rotation due to chain line extension. The study suggests that crank-based solutions like OChains are more effective than hub-based devices for mitigating these forces. While the findings challenge popular marketing narratives, experts debate the role of anti-squat and chain growth in high-performance setups.