Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Is a broken chainring guard a big deal?

I was out on my ride today and when I was down shifting I felt something on my leg. I looked down and my chainring guard was broken and leaning against my calf. I was a pretty good ways from home so I just rode home like that I don't think I'll have any mechanical problems due to the exposed chainrings, but I wonder if I should get in touch with Trek and tell them about it since I've only had the bike since May. I've never taken the bike (a 7.2 FX) off road or abused it in any way and can't for the life of me figure out what would've made it break. Is it something I should be worried about? Should I call Trek and get a new one or just forget it?

I was out on my ride today and when I was down shifting I felt something on my leg. I looked down and my chainring guard was broken and leaning against my calf. I was a pretty good ways from home so I just rode home like that I don't think I'll have any mechanical problems due to the exposed chainrings, but I wonder if I should get in touch with Trek and tell them about it since I've only had the bike since May. I've never taken the bike (a 7.2 FX) off road or abused it in any way and can't for the life of me figure out what would've made it break. Is it something I should be worried about? Should I call Trek and get a new one or just forget it?

Call Trek, if they will replace it under warranty then go for it, if they will not, then just remove what is left remaining and leave it. Most of these guards are like the dork discs you find between the largest gear and spokes, plastic, and it breaks quite easily. The only really effective protectors I have seen were on my 1976 Sekine, which was made out of a thin steel plate, slightly larger then the largest chain ring with the edge rolled. so touching it would not cut anyone. Most modern bikes in North America don't have chain-ring guards.

It's unnecessary equipment. If it's broken, then take off what's left of it, tighten the bolts, and keep riding (unless your LBS will replace it under warantee and you really really really want to have it back.)

I wouldn't worry about it, it's not going to hurt anything if it's not there.

Just don't wear your dress slacks to go riding in the future.

That's what I was thinking. Thanks a lot folks!

As long as you don't wear long pants or a dress, it can be a problem, but other wise it is just extra weight.

Back when they were fairly common on road bikes, my friends and I used to remove them deliberately to save weight. Also made the bikes look more "pro."

Whatsa chainring guard? :D