to bash guard or not to bash guard that is the question!

wonderturtle

wonderturtle

Well-Known Member
is a bash guard necessary?

dont do super technical stuff, the worst that might happen is mashing the chain into a log....am I missing something or is a bash guard basically unnecessary?

thoughts?
 
it depends on where and what you like to ride, skill level, and how far you are willing to push the envelope.
 
wonderturtle said:
is a bash guard necessary?

dont do super technical stuff, the worst that might happen is mashing the chain into a log....am I missing something or is a bash guard basically unnecessary?

thoughts?
Click to expand...

More context/what kinda setup?

I just switched (like rode it first time today) to a bash and 2x9 on my FS bike and honestly, it's one of the best mods I've done yet. For me, it's the ground clearance gain and the fact it just slides right off whatever you're rolling over. It's probably less than an inch overall but such a difference. I love it.

On the ss bike, where the front ring is already so small, I wouldn't bother.
 
I'm pretty sure that you don't need a bash guard Wonderturtle. Personnaly, I couldn't imagine riding without one. It's all about where you ride and riding style.
 
If you're the type that normally walks over logs and thru technical rocky areas, then no, you definately don't need one.
 
setup - on my singlespeed bike.

I have a bashguard - I'm thinking I'll put it on the bike that I am converting to a 1 x 9 (help keep chain in place on the outside). so, I would need to buy a new one if I want a bash guard also on my singlespeed.

I certainly hop smaller logs but taller ones I get off (so mashing into logs is not something I usually do). and I dont ride places where mashing into rocks is an issue.

I also like the non-bash guard look 😉

so I think my decision is made. thanks for the input.
 
let me just add this- if you're running one of those really expensive q-rings (like i am) then you'll not want to be bashing that thing on rocks and such. i ride pretty clean (IMHO 😀) and i still ding it from time to time.

i leave it on with both my SS set up and my 1x9.

i know you made your decision but hopefully that helps a bit.
 
If you have the bashguard on and have been using it, see how smooth the metal is. If its mangled leave it, smooth toss it.
 
Blair said:
If you have the bashguard on and have been using it, see how smooth the metal is. If its mangled leave it, smooth toss it.
Click to expand...

why that's a practical approach 😉

I dont have a crazy chain ring (Surly stainless steel) so if it gets bent no bid deal.
 
my big ring is my bash guard. Totally not necessary unless you find yourself hitting the big ring on rocks and logs a lot.
 
Find the extra clearance with a bashguard instead of the big ring helps in clearing step ups etc.

Also if I mess it up and hit the log/step up etc it's more forgiving in terms of momentum maintanance than a big ring.

Never used the big ring anyway so there is no downside.
 
On my XC bike I down-sized the big ring to ~8 teeth larger than my middle ring - I rarely use it, but is a few more inches if I want it, and takes up more chain slop on down hills. The one downside to this is you can fold the teeth over which creates added complications.

I'd say if you never use it put as small a big ring as you can find, or just get a bash ring...

Tom P.
 
one piece crank said:
On my XC bike I down-sized the big ring to ~8 teeth larger than my middle ring - I rarely use it, but is a few more inches if I want it, and takes up more chain slop on down hills. The one downside to this is you can fold the teeth over which creates added complications.

I'd say if you never use it put as small a big ring as you can find, or just get a bash ring...

Tom P.
Click to expand...

I've actually thought of this as well. I'm runing 22/32/44 on my 29er. I'm debating going 1x9, but I actually use the FD more for catching the chain when it falls off on the inside 😛

I'm thinking of doing 22/32/36 as I have a front ring that size. At least I know it doesn't sound too crazy now 😛
 
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