diff --git a/backup-node.sh b/backup-node.sh
index 4a4ac19c..db043eaf 100755
--- a/backup-node.sh
+++ b/backup-node.sh
@@ -157,8 +157,15 @@ for key in $keys; do
     folder_size_gb=$(printf "%.0f" "$folder_size")
 
     if (( folder_size_gb < 1 )) && [[ "$FORCE_SMALL" != true ]]; then
-	echo "FATAL: existing datadir too small for backup (${folder_size_gb}G at $source_folder); use --force if intentional" >&2
-	exit 1
+	# The torn-backup floor applies to the MAIN data volume only (key == compose
+	# basename). Sidecar volumes (eigenda-proxy, configs, ...) are legitimately
+	# tiny — a 0G sidecar aborting the whole backup left no manifest and blocked
+	# the refresh lane on every ronin bench-retire (4 cycles, 2026-07).
+	if [[ "$key" == "$(basename "$compose_name")" ]]; then
+	    echo "FATAL: existing datadir too small for backup (${folder_size_gb}G at $source_folder); use --force if intentional" >&2
+	    exit 1
+	fi
+	echo "NOTE: sidecar volume rpc_$key is ${folder_size_gb}G — allowing small backup (floor guards the main data volume only)"
     fi
     
     timestamp=$(date +'%Y-%m-%d-%H-%M-%S')