Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Chainring guards

The fear of getting their shoelaces caught in the chain/chainring is on many peoples' minds. So why don't more people use chainring guards?

like this:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6383/imgdspaspxfnamecr0400.jpg

I think they look classy and they serve a practical purpose. I ask this because as I put my guard on my crankset this evening, I realized that I may be reducing my bike's cool points with the fixed-gear riders in town.

guards don't help the shoelaces from getting caught on the chain.

then again,
Delivery sack w/ Stainless Metal Weave

The simple model which is not the weariness saw.

Waterproof cloth is used in the lining, The inside of simple enters the baggage hard. Adjustment of the shoulder of course with the one hand OK.


these are the types
http://velo-orange.blogspot.com/2007/05/simplex-chainguard.html
that help with shoelaces.

^ in my experience they do help. They encourage the laces to pass over and around, as opposed to being sucked into the teeth.

My spd's have velcro straps, not laces.

Tuck the laces into your shoe.

Roll up your pants or tuck the leg inside your sock. Or use a strap.

i think they look nice, **** cool points with the fixed gear riders around town.

but yea, there are better ways, at least cheaper ways, to keep your laces and pants in check...

...what bbattle said.

Alternatively, you could try something like this: http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/hikingbikinglacing.htm

Or my modified method which I find is much better suited for MKS-style clips, as the centre portion of your laces is flush against your shoe. In addition it's much cleaner-looking. Fear my paint skillz.

http://www.bikeforums.net//attachment.php?attachmentid=97284&d=1236697122

asymmetrical lacing is another option.

I've never had this issue. I just tie the knot towards the outside of my shoe and my laces don't seem long enough to get sucked into the chain anyway.

Just go clipless or wear velcro shoes ;)

Then theres also the old school "chain gaurd" option?

If you have to have one get one of these for $12.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/

Just tuck your laces into your shoes, unless you want to wear velcro shoes, which do have a certain "short-bus" appeal to them....
It all depends how smart you want to appear.

I ride with a chainring guard on my Mountain/Ice Fixed Gear Bike.

I don't ride with a guard on my ultra-lite, mostly because I have spent so much money trying to make it light. :)

That said, I wish someone would make a practical chain cover for fixed gear bikes so that I could keep my drivetrain cleaner when they cinder the roads.

Mine seems to help a bit. I try to be extra careful after tearing my pants all the way from ankle to crotch and falling down... luckily nobody saw.

If you have to have one get one of these for $12.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/

do you own one? they seem stupid cheap AND a lifetime guarantee?

good find.

If you have to have one get one of these for $12.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/

I have a couple of these. Solid small business and Erin stands by his product. They are a twice as thin as the Salsa ring guard... and to echo a previous comment, this is for keeping the chain on the chainring with 1x9 drivetrains, not for keeping shoelaces out of the way.

I have 3 and 2 more on the way. I have one superlight on my CX bike (for a 1x9 as MIN talked about) and 2 standard ones for town bikes. I think the superlight is half the thickness of the Salsa. My only initial complaint was the hole for the stack bolt was not recessed. This has not proved to be an issue at all.

to echo a previous comment, this is for keeping the chain on the chainring with 1x9 drivetrains, not for keeping shoelaces out of the way.

Sure, they are not designed to keep shoelaces out of the way, but they sure do help. Bash guards are designed to take the beating instead of your chainrings, but they work just as well as a chainring guard to keep the chain on the chainring (and keeping your shoelaces out). Frisbees are made to play a game, but they work as a scoop and a plate.

My solution.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/98/237994535_075e51476c.jpg

^ Those shoes hurt my feet and knees when I actually have to walk around. I have a bad arch, though.