Mountain Biking - Do I need a chainstay protector?

I've noticed that when riding on rougher/bumpier sections of trail, my chain will often bounce around a lot. It doesn't jump to other gears on its own, but it make a heck of a racket. I'm pretty sure it's hitting the chainstay, since it's more noticeable when I use the smallest chain ring up front. Is this normal, or a sign of that the chain is too slack? Would a chainstay protector help reduce the noise?

Doesn't a chainstay protector just prevent your chain from rubbing the paint off the chainstay, anyways? Maybe run a derailer with a beefier spring?

This is purely speculation, though.

I've noticed that when riding on rougher/bumpier sections of trail, my chain will often bounce around a lot. It doesn't jump to other gears on its own, but it make a heck of a racket. I'm pretty sure it's hitting the chainstay, since it's more noticeable when I use the smallest chain ring up front. Is this normal, or a sign of that the chain is too slack? Would a chainstay protector help reduce the noise?

Yes, the chainstay protector will muffle the sound. You can make your own with an old inner-tube and zip ties.

Yes, the chainstay protector will muffle the sound. You can make your own with an old inner-tube and zip ties.

+1. I've always made 'em this way.

Everybody needs chainstay protectors.

ive been doing the innertube and zip ties thing for years glad its not just me, saves your paint , plus the horrible slapping noise ,

paul

Get a lizard skin.

Get a lizard skin.

Old tube wins bay a mile........

Old tube wins bay a mile........

+1. Never even been tempted to actually pay for one.

It would be like me, being a carpenter, paying for a five-gallon bucket or carpenter pencils. Blasphemy!

You should get one of the ones made out of real CF.

I've done both. I have no preference.

I've done both. I have no preference.

thats what she said

When going over bumpy terrain, especially downhill, use your outer chainring. For me, for example, 42x16 is roughly equivalent to 32x12, but the former results in the chain being higher above the chainstay.

A lizard skin, to me, looks better and its $7.00 that helps keep the LBS open.

Ones made out of left over clear-bra material (stuff that goes on your car...); and another I made from a tennis racket grip tape :-) .

Old tube works great. You can also apply to other high-wear areas of the bike, such as the top-tube, if worried about it getting damaged.

Don't get one of those stick-on CF ones. They work like poo, I had one on the CX bike and it peeled off after maybe 3 races.

Using the outer chainring is a good idea too, as it loads the RD spring more, as well as keeping the chain further from the stay.

Lots of good suggestions in this thread!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h28/chelboed/Bike/DSC01311.jpg