e*thirteen Grappler Sidekick Flux Carbon DH Rear Wheel - 27.5", 157x12mm, Mini HG, Black

Tested over two grueling World Cup seasons by the world's fastest athletes, the e*thirteen Grappler Sidekick Flux Carbon DH Rear Wheel represents a groundbreaking revolution in gravity wheel technology. This elite Downhill wheel seamlessly combines the massive suspension benefits of e*thirteen's anti-kickback hub design with the engineered vertical compliance of their advanced Flux carbon rims. Designed to put overly stiff, wooden-feeling carbon hoops to shame, it offers hard-charging privateers and seasoned pros an incredibly dynamic, lively, and immersive ride experience on the most technical tracks.

The defining centerpiece of this wheel is the innovative Sidekick Downhill Rear Hub. Utilizing a highly specialized Mini HG freehub driver optimized for short-block downhill cassettes, it features a tunable 12°/15°/18° mechanical deadband system. This architecture completely eliminates pedal kickback by absorbing chainstay growth at the source, allowing your rear suspension to move entirely free of chain tension. By isolating harsh chain feedback and filtering out structural drivetrain shock, it improves small-bump compliance, maximizes tire tracking through rough braking bumps, and allows you to carry more "free speed" with whisper-quiet, nearly silent trail operation.

Laced up to the hub is the gravity-optimized Flux Carbon Rim. Built from a premium carbon layup and reinforced with custom HM (Head Master) nipple washers, it features an ultra-compliant, low-profile depth. This intentional engineering adds vital radial compliance, acting as an integrated layer of chassis suspension that absorbs punishing trail chatter and square-edged rock impacts before they reach the rider. A generous 30mm inner width perfectly frames wide gravity tire profiles to maximize the contact patch, while broad hookless flanges deliver rock-solid tubeless security and extreme resistance against rock strikes and pinch flats.

This 27.5-inch rear wheel features a heavy-duty 32-hole drilling to increase lateral stiffness and wheel longevity under harsh cornering loads and massive G-outs—making it an exceptional choice for highly nimble full 27.5" rigs or hard-cornering mixed-wheel (Mullet) DH configurations. It is meticulously handbuilt to race-level precision with premium Sapim D-light double-butted spokes and secure-locking brass nipples. Outfitted with standard 157x12mm spacing and a dependable 6-bolt disc mount, this 1170g rear wheel is fully serviceable, completely rebuildable, and backed by a comprehensive 5-year warranty alongside a premier Lifetime Free Carbon Rim Replacement Warranty.

Key Features

• World Cup Proven Sidekick Tech: Eliminates pedal kickback and isolates drivetrain vibration, unlocking your rear suspension's true performance potential


• Adjustable Deadband Architecture: Tunable 12°/15°/18° mechanical deadband lets you customize the hub profile to match your specific suspension design


• Downhill-Specific Mini HG Driver: Specialized short-block freehub design built to manage heavy impacts and optimize DH cassette spacing


• Ultra-Compliant Flux Carbon Rim: Signature low-profile carbon height adds terrain-smoothing radial compliance and traction without reducing precise steering tracking


• 30mm Inner Width & Hookless Flanges: Optimizes modern gravity tire footprints while adding massive impact and pinch-flat resistance


• Race-Level Handbuilt Construction: Built with premium Sapim D-light spokes, brass nipples, and HM reinforcing washers for maximum structural durability


• Lifetime Rim Protection: Includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty and a lifetime free carbon rim replacement warranty for absolute peace of mind

Specifications

• Model: e*thirteen Grappler Sidekick Flux Carbon DH Rear Wheel


• Wheel Position: Rear Only


• Size: 27.5"


• Inner Width: 30mm


• Drilling / Spoke Count: 32-Hole


• Hub Spacing: 157x12mm


• Driver Type: Mini HG Driver


• Hub Engagement: 3-Pawl with 12° / 15° / 18° Adjustable Deadband


• Disc Mount: 6-Bolt


• Spokes & Nipples: Sapim D-light Double-Butted Spokes / Secure Lock Brass Nipples


• Rim Hardware: HM Nipple Washers Included


• Material: Premium High-Modulus Carbon


• Rim Profile: Hookless, Low-Profile Depth


• Valve Type: Presta


• Weight: 1170g


• Warranty: 5 years on componentry / Lifetime free carbon rim replacement

A premium, World Cup-refined gravity rear wheel combining high-compliance carbon rims with revolutionary anti-kickback hub technology, built for DH riders who demand maximum suspension sensitivity, quick cornering response, and rock-solid durability on aggressive tracks.