Mountain Biking - Bash Gaurd + Second Chain Ring...

I'm considering getting a bash guard. My understanding is that you need to remove the largest chainring. A couple of questions come to mind:

Should I replace my second chainring with a larger ring?
I realize that it should be harder to pedal, but how much difference is it between 32 and 34 teeth?
Should I go bigger then 34?
Also, should the small ring stay the same if I change the middle ring?

If someone could help me with these questions, I would appreciate it.

thanks,
Draft

If you normally ride a big ring on most rides by all means go 34. It does add more torque. Just make sure the bashgaurd is big enough to be bigger than the 34 toother :)...

I ride middle 99% of the time so for me a 32 is more than enough :)

you can get bashrings that let you keep your big ring.

I ride the middle ring most of the time. How much harder will a 34 ring be to pedal?

Does anyone know where to get a bash gaurd to cover the big ring as well?

Thanks,
Draft

Yes there is but there greatly reduces your virtual bottom bracket height. I don't see it as being useful...

It won't take long for you to adapt to pedalling a 34 tooth.

Ok, thanks. Now, should I go with a larger small ring? Thanks in advance.

I think instead of getting a crankset, I think that I'm going to get a set of crank arms then get a bash gaurd and custom size rings. Thinking Race Face for everything.

Draft

I don't think it matters about the small chainring. I like it small because I sometimes need that extra torque on these trails...but it really depends on your preferecne...if you find you don't use it much you might as well get a bigger one. I actually do use the easiest gear at times...

RACEFACE RULES!!! (as I smash a beer can on the forehead screaming it like a beast)

I wouldn't worry about the small ring.

The difference between a 22 or a 24 is minimal, you can notice, but really it's only like a single gear shift difference (without going into gear ratio's and gear length conversations).

There are also cranks like this that come with a bash guard already: http://pricepoint.com/product420.html

L8R

With that setup, you can't put a 34 ring on it. You need a five arm crank in order to use the Race Face 34 ring.

If I rairly use the lowest gear with the smallest ring, I could go with the 24, right?

Thanks,
Draft

For those times you use the big ring, you will just pedal faster, no big deal, you just will be a LITTLE less efficient, keep your small ring small, and thank yourself, you will want it sometime when you need quick momentum for a wheelie drop, or need to get your bike up a steep hill

You can get chain tensioners for 2 ring systems too. I just got the MRP Long Range Patrol system, and it works great- goodbye chain suck and slippage!

Pedals backwards fine too