[Closed] Chain guide recommendations

I have had a e13 xcx chain guide firstly on a rockhopper which was 1x9 which was moved onto a yeti SB66 which was converted to 1x11 Shimano XT still working a treat. They do an ISCG version I'm sure.

Wolf tooth and OneUp are doing very light minimalist 1x guides.

I have an E13 and a Superstar one, there seems very little difference in quality between the two

Just fitted a OneUp one. Very neat and lightweight. Mine is the direct mount one but their ISG ones can be fitted without removing the crank IIRC

Blackspire Trail X is very good, very light. The Taco has come in handy on several occasions.

[img] [/img]

Thanks all. I had looked at the "one up" which i like but prefer the price of the superstar. its just they say its for 9 and 10 speed. Podge are you running it with 1x11?. Cheers

Mine are both 10 speed, cant really see why they wouldn't work with 11.

Chainline is adjustable via washers and the angle doesn't change much so close to the chainring so I would imagine you'd be fine.

My E13 top guide is cracked and the replacement is more expensive than a whole new Superstar guide, I have no second thoughts on replacing the whole lot if / when it dies.

One-up do a combined chainguide and bash protector, and it works down to 28t (Superstar says theirs' go down to 32t). The cost starts to look not so silly if you compare it with two devices. Though the recent exchange rate movement hasn't helped.

[url= http://int.oneupcomponents.com/collections/all-products/products/bashguide-iscg05 ]http://int.oneupcomponents.com/collections/all-products/products/bashguide-iscg05[/url]

Just ordered one, so can't say if it is any good yet.

They are cheaper on CRC than OneUp: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/oneup-components-bash-chain-guide/rp-prod148248

I use Blackspire on my 2x10 - works well

As an aside is a chain guide really needed on a 1x setup ? I thought part of the benefit was better chain tension / retention ?

Don't forget 77 Designs, who have been doing the minimalist guides for a while now.

IIRC the wolftoth one is actually licenced from 77 Designs.

Older E13's can crack if you use the wrong lube. I think they've changed their plastic now.
I got the One Up, which works great , but I wish I got the bash version.
NW chainrings are great for a while until the teeth wear a bit but they're not worn out.

As an aside is a chain guide really needed on a 1x setup ? I thought part of the benefit was better chain tension / retention ?

Depends, many people do without, but I still get occasional chain drops on chattery fast/rocky stuff especially when the chain & rings are a bit worn. Less so on the hardtail than the FS though.

The superstar plasma chainguide is nice and definitely works.

However, they do not sell replacements jockey wheels anymore and I couldn't find any compatible ones elsewhere.

My best solution/bodge was to file the jockey wheel teeth off entirely to create a smoothish surface.

So - limited lifespan. I won't buy another.

As an aside is a chain guide really needed on a 1x setup ? I thought part of the benefit was better chain tension / retention ?

Depends, many people do without, but I still get occasional chain drops on chattery fast/rocky stuff especially when the chain & rings are a bit worn. Less so on the hardtail than the FS though.

I am hoping a minimal guide will do enough to stop this and I won't need a massive dh style roller jobbie.

ETA probably exacerbated by my use of silly small chainrings, no doubt if I was to man up and run a 36t then I would be in a straighter chainline more of the time.

chrisdeve - So - limited lifespan. I won't buy another.

But what do other brands charge for the bottom roller? If its like the top guide and more than a full Superstar guide then you're still better off with the Superstar.