That plastic thing between my gears and back wheel
#1
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That plastic thing between my gears and back wheel
I'm talking about this this transparent plate between the metal part (Shimano) and the spokes (this is not my bike):
I'm not sure how it's held in place, but apparently mine is broken because it's not secured in any way, it's just there and moving around and making noise. What's the point of this thing? Can I just remove it or should I buy a new one and replace it somehow?
I'm not sure how it's held in place, but apparently mine is broken because it's not secured in any way, it's just there and moving around and making noise. What's the point of this thing? Can I just remove it or should I buy a new one and replace it somehow?
#2
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If/when your chain goes over the top of the big sprocket, the plastic spoke protector keeps the chain from cutting and gouging the spokes. That may prevent some people from not knowing and still riding until the spokes break (maybe a crash). It may prevent some people from respoking a wheel, it is a pain.
Most people will now tell you it has no use if your derailleur is adjust properly, so take it off. They are wrong, lots of things can cause the chain to go over the top. Most people take them off. They are even called "dork discs" because they seem so silly. Do what you want, the risk is a bunch of spokes, or a wheel rebuild. Possibly broken spokes in the middle of nowhere, but unlikely.
Most people will now tell you it has no use if your derailleur is adjust properly, so take it off. They are wrong, lots of things can cause the chain to go over the top. Most people take them off. They are even called "dork discs" because they seem so silly. Do what you want, the risk is a bunch of spokes, or a wheel rebuild. Possibly broken spokes in the middle of nowhere, but unlikely.
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Most folks remove the dork disk. I left mine on. Just three weeks ago a stick got between my chain and the gear and forced the chain off the cog to the inside. The dork disk saved my wheel. So I may be a dork, but I'm a dork that isn't out $300 as a result of that disk.
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If it's a plastic one you might be able to just break it completely off with a pair of pliers or something, or remove your cassette to access it. While it has some use I can't stand the aesthetics of one, I have been known to attack friends' bikes and remove them (with permission). In 20 plus years of mountain biking I've not missed one, but I keep my derailleur adjusted well and the occasional broken spoke replacement from trail debris is just part of the price you pay to play...
#5
Still kicking.
The dork disc.
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#6
one less horse
#7
Still kicking.
You don't need a dork disc if:
1: You carry a spare derailleiur hanger with you in the case you are out on a ride and you crash and bend the hanger on the bike, you can just replace the hanger instead of bending the hanger back and further weakening the metal on the bent hanger.
2: Learn how to keep your rear deraillieur adjusted and know how to compromise an adjustment when you crash and bend a hanger and you don't have a hanger.
3: Keep on top of checking the chain for wear. And to replace the chain when it's twisted and/or worn past a safe margin.
4: Carry a chain breaker, half link and a quicklink in your pack in case you do snap a chain and in result breaks the deraillieur hanger you had just put on or if you broke a hanger that isn't replaceable, so you can gheto ss your bike out of the woods.
1: You carry a spare derailleiur hanger with you in the case you are out on a ride and you crash and bend the hanger on the bike, you can just replace the hanger instead of bending the hanger back and further weakening the metal on the bent hanger.
2: Learn how to keep your rear deraillieur adjusted and know how to compromise an adjustment when you crash and bend a hanger and you don't have a hanger.
3: Keep on top of checking the chain for wear. And to replace the chain when it's twisted and/or worn past a safe margin.
4: Carry a chain breaker, half link and a quicklink in your pack in case you do snap a chain and in result breaks the deraillieur hanger you had just put on or if you broke a hanger that isn't replaceable, so you can gheto ss your bike out of the woods.
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Dork disc..
Thats why people point and laugh at me on group rides.
or, is it my reflectors?
Thats why people point and laugh at me on group rides.
or, is it my reflectors?
Last edited by Kendeathwalker; 11-19-08 at 09:41 AM.
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Pie Plate!
Pie Plate!...per the Bike Snob... (https://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com)
Last edited by Shrambo; 11-20-08 at 09:20 AM. Reason: edited -
#10
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Reflectors take the dork factor to another level completely. I don't even ask permission to rip those things off.
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I recall many group rides with friends who had acquired brand new bikes. They would pull their new ride out of its protective blankie and pose beside it. I would ooh and ahh, then ask if I could touch it. After fondling the bike for 3 seconds, I would crouch down beside it - and snap those ****ing wheel reflectors off. The owner would squeal in anguish, everyone else would roar with laughter. The ride could now begin.
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#19
You gonna eat that?
I can't remember the last time I went off the largest sprocket; if I have problems it's always between the smallest one and the frame. I recently got a new wheel and when they put my gears on it, they left the dork disk off. If you want mine, PM me.
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Ah, back in the day, on my first ride, all decked out with reflectors, that was the worst ride of my life, but it brings back memories.
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Lose the plastic thing. It's nothing but trouble. Keep your derailer tuned good and you will never have a problem. If you can't adjust your derailer properly then you deserve to throw your chain into the spokes.
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