Insights

What is the Pedal KickBack (or Pedal FeedBack) in MTB?

A technical topic that has returned to the fore with High Pivot bikes.

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August 1 2022

Another method to eliminate the Pedal KickBack is Ochain, an entirely Italian invention.

The Pedal Kickback, as the name implies, is nothing more than the behavior of the crank arm when the wagon compresses and pulls the chain. The chain pull, counteracting this compression action, causes the cranks and consequently the pedals to rotate slightly backwards.

A technical topic that has returned to the fore with bikes with a high fulcrum (High Pivot) because these bikes promise to solve this problem that almost all bikes on the market have and that we are used to living with.

The Jekyll with its high pivot cushioning scheme

CAN THE KICKBACK PEDAL BE ELIMINATED?

To date, there are 2 solutions: either you equip yourself with a bike with a high chain/axle transmission or we find the O-Chain system on the market which, through an elastomer, absorbs and reduces pedal kickback. Essentially the crank remains stationary while the suspension compresses. Take a look at the video below to understand how Ochain works and to get important information about Pedal KickBack.

The Ochain system was patented by an Italian and the inventor is Fabrizio Dragoni.

EXPLANATORY VIDEO OF KICKBACK PEDAL

FURTHER LINKS

In this article:Shock Absorbers, Pedal Kickback, Suspensions, Technology, Tutorial

Written by David Finetto

[email protected] I am a fan of everything that has 2 wheels: at a young age I practiced road and track cycling (Italian Allievi champion). At the age of 18 I passed into the cross country competing at national/international level as an Under23. Past Elite, I made the choice to take things more lightly from a training point of view, and my love for gravity disciplines was born, training me as an FCI MTB instructor and guide. Now I have made passion my profession by managing 2 MTB centers on the island of Elba (Bike Center Elba and Elba MTB), creating the FANTAmtb and telling in an ironic but professional way everything that revolves around MTB thanks to 365mountainbike and 365TV (YouTube'PULITI dentro BIKER fuori').