Cyclocross - dork disc? spoke protector? what is it?

I just bought an 08 tricross sport and I love riding the thing around town, trails, etc. My snobby roadie friend stopped by and goofed on my "dork disc". I never even cared to notice the thing was there in the first place. What does it really do? spoke protector? from what? My roadie friend insists it needs to be removed to avoid the dork factor...but I figure if the company put it there, they must have a reason, no?

Am I embarasssing myself by continuing to ride with this in place? Or is it another "roadie-weenie" generated rule like you have to remove your reflectors to "save weight" ? The thing looks like it would be a pain to remove anyway. Any thoughts?

spoke protector? from what?

The chain; its not really needed if your rear derailleur is adjusted properly. (in particular, the limit screws)

I think you're freaking out about something that isn't particularly important. Just my opinion.

No, it isn't needed unless you've been messing with your limit screws.

But think of the GRAMSSSSSS!!!! You'll easily save 3-4 grams by taking that lead weight off your bike!!!

No really, if it doesn't bother you leave it.

They are fairly easy to remove, you'll just need to remove the cassette first and it will come right off.

Honestly though if your roadie friend makes that big of a deal out of it, I'd leave it, just to piss him off... :D

Ok..I feel better now. I may even wear cut-off jean shorts the next time I ride with my roadie friend with his matching gear!!

That's the spirit, Radda!

There are more than a couple ways to put your chain/derailleur into the spokes (some involve crash-related trauma). Just nicking the drive-side
spokes seriously compromises your rear wheel's integrity.

The plastic "dork disc" is there for a good reason: It gives manufacturers a first line of defense against the liability and damage a misadjusted (or bent-in-a-crash) derailleur can cause...

Having said that, you'll notice that most riders end up removing them.... Just like your style-conscious buddy; some roadies are simply way-too-cool to be seen with them. Also, over time, the plastic gets pretty filthy and discolored from grime and chain lube. Finally, the protector will eventually get chipped, warped or cracked, which can cause it to make annoying noises as it rubs other parts while you ride.

I'd say to keep it on as long as it's not annoying you...

A recent shipment of Cannondale (I think) bikes were recalled because they were missing the unimportant plastic rings. Before long, it will get yellowed, cloudy, full of dirt, and ugly as sin.

Just because the roadies call them ugly doesn't mean that they aren't. :D

I "falls right off" with a screw driver. : o)
... or maybe a cassette tool & chain whip.
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It's called a pie plate. http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2008/04/pie-in-sky-world-without-spoke.html

While the plastic ones are pretty nasty, the steel ones on 30 year old bike-boom bikes are cool looking. I think I want one made from titanium with F - R - E - D anodized into it for when I build my next set of wheels. The sight of melted styrofoam padding oozing from beneath the helmets of the indignant will be well worth it.

I plan on auctioning mine off for advertising space.