cassette guard broke off. Is it needed?
 

The cassette guard between the cassette and the wheel hub broke off of my specialized hardrock. Should I replace it? I know that this would keep the chain from jumping toward the wheel.

Is there any product to replace this piece? Where do you even buy it at? I'm somewhat new to working on my bike, so this would be my first try at taking off the cassette.

Thanks in advance for all of your opinions.

You don't need it. It's called a dork disc. Most people remove them.

you dont need that disc, but if you are interested in working on your bike, and want to know how to take off your casette, you'll need these two.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/146...-Guide-Pin.htm (depending on what make of casette you have)
http://www.pricepoint.com/images/sty...5%20SETLR5.jpg


http://www.pricepoint.com/images/sty...5%20SETWH5.jpg

It's just to protect your hub/spokes/derailleur and what not from a wrongly adjusted low limit screw. If you keep your RD adjusted fine, there is no need for it.

I remove it the first time I take off the cassette

Yep, i actually prefer the look without it on. Removing and installing a cassette is so simple and fun. You just need those two tools posted above and your good! I regulary remove cassette for cleaning aswell.

I generally remove it the instant I get the bike to prevent exactly what the OP had happen. I see so many bits and pieces of dork discs littering the trails and roads and I don't wish to contribute more. The only exception is on my roadbike's Mavic wheels where the disc is securely mounted to the hub and not the spokes. Also, it's small enough that it doesn't even show past the largest cog. It's actually useless but I'm too lazy to remove it since it's also harmless.

I do indeed prefer the look without the dork disk on. Glad to hear that it's not needed!

My dork disc is now gone! woohooo. thanks guys