Utility Cycling - Hebie Chainglider Pics

The way I build up my bikes is to purchase a piece at a time and put it in a bin, when the bin is full, I have a new bike. My current build is going to be an upright touring bike, and I believe in minimal maintenance so I ordered an Hebie Chainglider from Urbane Cyclist out of Toronto.
It arrived today and here is a very limited review. I have one hand in a cast so the pics are a little shaky, sorry.

The Chainglider is made of a flexible plastic, and is intended to ride atop the chain. This one is for use with the Rohloff Speedhub with a cog that has with 15-17 teeth and a 42 tooth ring in the front. It's going on a bicycle that is still incomplete and I have not installed it as yet. Since I banged up my Giant, I'm in need of a heavy hauler, so in the meantime I'm going to temporarily turn my SS mountain bike into an aberration, and make it more street compliant. I'll give installing the chainglider on it a go and let you know how it performs in a few days.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Chainglider/Box.jpg
As it came once I took it out of its packing box.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Chainglider/Apart.jpg
It peels apart into four parts.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Chainglider/Peel2.jpg
Peeling apart the 2 main halves and showing the flexibility of the plastic.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Chainglider/Aft3.jpg
The aft end has grooves so its overall length can be adjusted.
It also has markings telling you what side faces inward so you don't misassemble it.

My Chainglider came in today. It would have been here sooner, but the local post office misplaced it. I'll take pics and wright a more full report this evening or tomorrow. It's made of a softer and more flexible plastic than I would have guessed, and I think (haven't tried to fit it to a bike yet, still at work) it "glides" on top of the chain and does not attach to the frame of the bike proper. More to come.


I asked Urbane about this. When I asked my LBS about it, he commented that he thought it would make a racket because it indeed rides on the chain

the (very helpful) lady at Urbane said it "floats" on the chain more than drags. She promised silence. Can't wait to hear what you think. It'll be a month before I have my bike together.

Wow, it doesn't attach to the frame at all?

The way I build up my bikes is to purchase a piece at a time and put it in a bin, when the bin is full, I have a new bike.

Great advice. :beer:

Simple and effective. :)

The way I build up my bikes is to purchase a piece at a time and put it in a bin, when the bin is full, I have a new bike.
I take it you have some Bin Elves that put it all together for you, right? ;) Let us know your thoughts on the Chainglider when they've finished assembling your bike. I'm curious to know how well that thing works.

^^^
The Bin Elf is quite a bit larger and harrier than your average cobbler type elf, and lives in the back of the LBS instead of a tree. But he does have lace wings and has been know to wear a tutu.

I asked Urbane about this. When I asked my LBS about it, he commented that he thought it would make a racket because it indeed rides on the chain

the (very helpful) lady at Urbane said it "floats" on the chain more than drags. She promised silence. Can't wait to hear what you think. It'll be a month before I have my bike together.

Well, it's finally all together. I love the Nexus 8 Hub. The gear range is perfect for me with a 38t x 18t setup. Shifting while stopped rocks.

this thread is about the chainglider. The chainglider DOES make some noise. It is tolerable but if a silent bicycle is your goal, look elsewhere. It is a faint but audible dragging sound

When I got it back from the bike shop, the chainglider added noticeable drag/friction to the drivetrain. It was a deal breaker. Once I got it home, I lubed the heck out of the chain. Now it is much more acceptable. You have to have a lot of lube to keep the chainglider from robbing your efficiency.

I like it overall, but it isn't perfect. A bit of noise, and a tiny bit of drag once it is properly lubed

Well, it's finally all together. I love the Nexus 8 Hub. The gear range is perfect for me with a 38t x 18t setup. Shifting while stopped rocks.

this thread is about the chainglider. The chainglider DOES make some noise. It is tolerable but if a silent bicycle is your goal, look elsewhere. It is a faint but audible dragging sound

When I got it back from the bike shop, the chainglider added noticeable drag/friction to the drivetrain. It was a deal breaker. Once I got it home, I lubed the heck out of the chain. Now it is much more acceptable. You have to have a lot of lube to keep the chainglider from robbing your efficiency.

I like it overall, but it isn't perfect. A bit of noise, and a tiny bit of drag once it is properly lubed

Thanks for the review.

Would you mind telling us what kind of chain you're using? 3/32" or 1/8" internal width? Does it have a master link? Hebie's specifications say not to use a master link that measures more than 9mm externally (my master link measures about 10.5mm externally....so I would have to replace it if I wanted to use a Hebie).

Thanks to all for posting the great info and pics here. Jeffbeerman2, nice job. I just bought a Surly Crosscheck frame and am gathering up parts to put it together. I'm going to install a Nexus with 38x20, with moustache bars instead of drops. I just ordered the hub, will build up the wheels after it arrives. I'll have to think about the chain cover, doesn't rain much in my area but it would be nice to keep the sand out of the chain.

Thanks for the review.

Would you mind telling us what kind of chain you're using? 3/32" or 1/8" internal width? Does it have a master link? Hebie's specifications say not to use a master link that measures more than 9mm externally (my master link measures about 10.5mm externally....so I would have to replace it if I wanted to use a Hebie).

I have no idea. that is why I hired my LBS to do it. I don't want to deal with the mechanical aspects of it. Now you have me wondering if the LBS knew this. That thing had a LOT of drag before I oiled the !@#$ out of it. I'll ask them next time I'm at the shop.

I have no idea. that is why I hired my LBS to do it. I don't want to deal with the mechanical aspects of it. Now you have me wondering if the LBS knew this. That thing had a LOT of drag before I oiled the !@#$ out of it. I'll ask them next time I'm at the shop.

Yeah, I know how you feel. Unfortunately it's often the case that if you want something done right then you have to do it yourself.

Please post back when you get the answer from your LBS. Remember, chain master links like these, http://www.jensonusa.com/product/featured/dept/ch/CH409Z20.jpg, are out of spec (too wide). Both 1/8" and 3/32" internal width chains are supposed to be ok, but I wonder if a 3/32" chain would have less drag (since it would also be externally narrower).

In all likelihood I'm guessing you probably have a 1/8" chain without a master link.