Since the beginning of the year SN-designs have been working on their product "The Rattlebone" and the current MKIII represents the final version of the design.

“Back in early March the initial design was produced using 3D CAD to check fit to the bike frame and generate 2D drawings for part production,” explained company Co-founder Steve Bodiley, “we knew from the outset that the idea of BMX sidehacking was going to be popular from the public reaction wherever we went, but it took us several revisions to get a design that we were happy to release.”

“Early prototypes were used to check handling and riding characteristics,” explained business partner Nick Hides, “but we also had to consider, ground clearance, brake configuration and gear ratios to get the best performance.”

The company are now producing what they are calling the MKIII Rattlebone sidehack. A universal bolt-on hack which can be added to any standard BMX bike frame.  SN Designs are committed to establishing Sidehack racing as a main event on the BMX race calendar for the 2011 season.


Sidehacking is a team sport where competitors work in pairs to win a race. The team is made up of a pilot who rides the bike and a Monkey who rides the sidehack.

Sidehack racing requires different skills to solo riding. With sidehacks, there is less need to perform jumps, but instead the races are won and lost on the corners.

The Pilot and Monkey must work together to win a race. The Monkey has a key role as they must lean out from the Sidehack to give the fastest cornering speed as well as help push and propel the bike along. The pilot is responsible for steering, brakes and pedalling.


Fitting a Sidehack to your BMX is not a new idea, it was a popular racing medium in the USA during the BMX heydays of the ‘70s and ‘80s. However it never really took off in the UK mostly due to a lack of supplied commercial frames and parts, meaning only DIY hacks were ever seen at the track.

‘The Rattlebone’ is not a retro copy of 1980’s hacks but a freshly designed version, designed for today’s bikes and tracks. The frame is made from carbon steel, seam welded and cross braced for strength. Particular attention has been given to balance and tracking of the Sidehack to ensure that it rolls efficiently alongside the bike, a lot of energy can be wasted by a “scrubbing” tyre.

BMX Frame geometry has changed a lot over the years and so what used to fit the majority of BMX frames no longer works, this is the reason many U.S. suppliers now only supply the Sidehack welded to a bike. The Rattlebone concept is designed to be as universal as possible. Having a bolt on version has significant advantages in terms of transportation, storage and flexibility. It allows a rider to own a single racing bike and to compete in both solo and Sidehack racing.


We offer three options to purchase. You can have a Sidehack, a Sidehack with a bike, or even just an unpainted frame to finish yourself. All the prices are on the website. www.sn-designs.co.uk

If you'd like more information about this product please call Nick on 07932 488328 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Nick & Steve
SN Designs