Bash Guard or No Bash Guard

[mango12]

Just wondering how many run a bash guard compared to those that do not, and the reason why? As for me, I do, seen the scars on a few legs from chainrings

[A1an]

I don't run one. There aren't many obstacles around here that create an issue with a little 32t up front.

[SkiNBike]

I have a 34T ring with a bash guard for now. When I jump up to a 36T next mid summer, the cranks I'm getting wont be able to accept one. I'm probably not going to miss it here in S.E. Michigan.

[phsycle]

Too many rocks while running 4-bolt. I run one so I don't have to walk back to the car.

[Bike Whisperer]

Lots of log crossings where I ride that would contact chain, to reduce the risk of damage I run a bash.

[fryed_1]

Run over a lot of logs and no bash guard on 34t... no issues.

[jmmorath]

I run one and on top of everything already said, I like the clean look it gives my bike, honestly.

[monzie]

That's funny jm, I have one and aesthetically I like it more without but practically I like having it because of all the rocks and log-overs in my area. I don't often hit my bash guard on stuff but the few times I have I was glad it was there.

[max-a-mill]

with proper technique you don't need one.

[Help]Help with riding/jumping over stuff - MORE Forums with riding/jumping over stuff - MORE Forums[/url]

i always at least try to use proper technique i haven't had one in years. even with some infrequent contact between my rings and various logs and rocks i have never knocked a ring out of round.

unless you ride some freaky gnar gnar i see them as a fashion accessory. run one if you want but if your using it all the time and really slamming it into stuff i'd bet your technique could use some improving.

[mtnbikej]

Don't run one......don't like the way they look. The teeth don't protrude through the ring, so it's not s safety issue. Don't need it for getting up and over obstacles.

[AlexCuse]

My chainline is better without one. Plus the mounting bolts that came with the new ring I got wouldn't accommodate, and the crank I was moving the old ring onto needed longer bolts.

Currently have one sitting in my garage, not sure if I'll be putting it on or not now.

I ride over quite a few logs, and I mash the ring on some of the bigger ones occasionally but never had a problem resulting from it (knock on wood)

[LIV2RYD]

We have a lot of rocks and logs here in New England. I know a lot SS riders and the ones who don't run them eventually walk there bike out of the woods at some point. I've seen quite a few bent chainrings. I have been riding SS for 6 years and wouldn't run w/o a bashguard. Spot brand makes a nice, lightweight one for cheap $$ that works great.

[dubdryver]

I use a Rotor Q-Ring, I think I'd have to make it myself if I wanted one to work..and it would inevitably look really clunky with the shape. Unless I just ran one that was a bit bigger than the chainring. Not a lot of log rollovers where I live, but with higher BB, and smaller chainring on my SS..its never really a problem and I usually pop my back end over stuff anyways. I don't think its really needed for that application.

My Tallboy is a different story with a 38T chainring and low BB, but again I use a Rotor ring...so not really something that's available.

[chestercospinner]

I don't run one and we have tons of large rocks and downed trees.

[wv_bob]

I run a BBG bash just because it's cheaper than a chain ring if I ever do slam one into something. FWIW I bent a cheap Spot bash at one time here on something. I got home, and there it was. Apparently it was just part of riding, not a huge hit or anything. The BBG would never bend like that thing did.

As for seeing scars on a few legs from chainrings, if you think that's bad try some flat pedals. Or for that matter, whack your shinbone on a SPD just right. I don't see the chainring being the major risk down in that area of the bike.

[stremf]

I run a bash as well. Mine's heavy. Anyone got a good suggestion on a lightweight model?

[ranier]

I run a bash because it came with the crankset. It also looks better. Yeah, vanity...

[OneBadWagon]

As for seeing scars on a few legs from chainrings, if you think that's bad try some flat pedals. Or for that matter, whack your shinbone on a SPD just right. I don't see the chainring being the major risk down in that area of the bike.

The bad scars are generally from an incident in which you're riding in the small/middle ring and your leg gets intimate with the teeth of the big ring.

[wv_bob]

I run a bash as well. Mine's heavy. Anyone got a good suggestion on a lightweight model?

http://bbgbashguard.com

They're light enough, they're strong enough, and doggone it, I just like them!

[henrymiller1]

Years ago, everyone used a "Rockring". Now most logs seem to have twigs ect,, in front and on back side of them. Not really needed anymore. Maybe i need to find some rougher trails. I'm better now and I also place front wheel on top of log and then push front/lift rear over. Smaller logs, get hooped over. I only have one on to keep my Chain from dropping off that side. In any event, enjoy your next ride.

[Sandrenseren]

My SS came with a flimsy, plastic bash guard that will probably break first time it hits anything. I keep it on because I'm too lazy to remove it.

[bluevagrant]

I run one because it looks good on my cranks. It's also usefull for getting over downed trees and such without unclipping.

[SlowPokePete]

Have always had one but no more.

Modified xtr 960 on my ss = nobody makes one, and I have been fine. I'm a bit more careful about stuff, as the bashguard on my other bikes have definitely taken some hits.

SPP

[stremf]

SlowPoke, wondering if that's something you can do yourself. Not sure if places like BBG in the link above would send you just a blank guard with no holes. Then you can drill it out to 102bcd. Shouldn't make a difference if you're not 100% centered as its just the bash guard.

[Cygnus]

i like the clean aesthetic of no bash ring (chain guard). pure simplicity.

you may need shorter (bmx) chainring bolts without a chain guard..

and without a chain guard, you have the option of mounting your chainring inboard or outboard..