Mountain Biking - Bashguard Question

Hey guys, I have a 2006 Spec Hardrock Pro, it has a double chainring with a Bashguard. The bashguard got broken some and part of it fell off. I have no clue how it happened but wondered if the bike is still ridable? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Picutre of the bashgaurd on a new bike just like mine.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/razrcide/Bashring.jpg

I"d take it off and buy a new one. Oh yeah keep on riding it, I"d just remove it before it catches on a log or rock crossing.

5 mm allen wrench and a special tool by Shimano (or a wide flat screwdriver) is all you need to remove it!

How old is it?

I'd try taking it back if not too old. Those things are pretty durable and shouldn't break unless you overtighten the chainring bolts.

The Truvativ bashring is notoriusly brittle. As long as it's not broken where the chainring bolts attach you should be okay.

FYI, if you remove it you'll have to use shorter chainring bolts (or some spacers, I guess) to reinstall your chainring.

Thanks very much for the info. It is possible that I did overtighten the chain ring bolts sometime back. However I might just remove that sumufagun.

On another note, another board that I frequent has a guy named Rico, he's from ATL but I thought it was funny to see Rico reply to my post. Thanks again.

Well it's official I hosed myself up, I overtightened the chainring bolts. I got some washers and made them work out, I had to grind an edge on 4 of them but I am straight now.