gryffinwings

Wondering if anybody is running a chain guide setup on a trail bike or xc style bike? Specifically hardtails?

If anyone has done this, what would be the preferred chainring to run?

Also If anyone is running a setup like this, please post a picture of it.

scrublover

Tons of people do it/have done so.

Ring size depends on how you ride and what your trails are like.

What is the size of the ring you spend most of your time on now? If it's too hard, go smaller. If too easy, go bigger.

Bash and guide or not again depends on trails and how you ride. What's your existing setup, and how much would you like to spend on this?

gryffinwings

Trying to figure out if it's the setup for me, I'm not doing anything crazy right now, I'm planning on doing the easier trails at a faster speed, maybe a better derailleur like the newer Deore Shadow would be a better thing do to, then consider doing a chain guide, for the most part I think I spend most of my time in the middle chain ring, but if I go up something steep I tend to need the small chain ring.

Lew.

I run a normal chainring (not single specific), with a Super Star chain guide, they work fantastic.
I run a 34 chainring and a 32-12 cassette on a 2009 Stumpjumper (hardtail alloy).
If you need the granny ring for much (those who use large cadences), consider a tiny front ring, like a 32, I'm not sure how small they go. And I've seen cassettes like 34-12, that should be enough teeth, right?
I don't recommend running a single setup without a chain guide, I tried it before I got my SuperStar guide and the chain came off every other jump and bump.
As for bash guards, I personally don't use them, with a single set-up the chain is always on the largest ring so will protect it from most stuff.
Finally, if you ride a cassette larger than 9, I imagine you'll manage to get a cassette with enormous tooth ratios, I run 1x8 and have found stuff as large as a 34.

gryffinwings

So I have a Specialized Hardrock Sport. I'm seeing a lot of ISCG which I've heard I can't use. What are my options? I saw the MRP Long Range Patrol, would that work?

ncw

On my Giant Trance - which also does not have ISCG tabs - I'm using a Blackspire 32T chainring. The guide (definitely a necessity around here) is an E.13 XCX. I ordered the low clamp version first, but had a clearance/fitment issue so I returned it and got the high clamp. (It's at an odd angle because of the seat post tube, but works just fine.) I've had this setup for several months with no issues at all.

Before I committed to a single ring, I rode my local trails using only the middle ring. I didn't really need the small ring as much as I thought I did.

gryffinwings

I think I may be using slightly incorrect terminology for what I am asking for. Yes I think I'm asking about chain guides, but I think I may be asking about chain guides with chain tensioners specifically.

I think I would rather keep 2 chain rings instead of going with just 1, I did not realize that you could get one for 2 ring setup.

Sorry for the slight shift in topic, I'm having to relearn some things.

gryffinwings

I just started looking at the blackspire stinger model, pretty cheap, they say that it works with dual ring setups, I'll be looking at this model. What do you guys think?

Lew.

I'm sorry if this question is completely stupid... If you're looking at a 2x(whatever) setup, surely with a front mech and rear derailleur, you don't need a chain guide?
The whole reason I went single ring was to save weight and generally cause my mech looked ugly as hell and I didn't use it.
What's the benefit from going from a triple to a double? Other than that is what the guys in magazines are riding nowadays, or has that changed again?

gryffinwings

Yes, I can understand the confusion when I went that route. But that had to with incorrect terminology from what I was thinking.

My idea was to use a chain tensioner system to prevent chain slap against my chain stays (?). From what I've heard, the Specialized Hardrock does have this problem, someone correct me if I'm wrong. So I figured I needed a chainguide system which typically comes with a tensioner, which is incorrect. What I plan on running is a chain tensioner system, I think I'll be going with the Blackspire Stinger which can accommodate 2 chain rings.

Sorry for the confusion.

Ferrous Bueller

On bikes with two derailleurs, the chain guide is the front derailleur, and the tensioner is the rear. If your chain is clanging on the frame, you can wrap the chainstay with something like this.

gryffinwings

Sure I could do that, but those can where out and don't fix the problem. I also am going to imply though I may be wrong is that you failed to include the fact that a rear derailleur is a variable tensioner, so when you go over bumps it can swing very erratically, that tension was only useful for reducing slack in a chain, a second tensioner, specifically a fixed tension will fix this problem much better especially having a second tensioner at the side of the crank.

Lew.

Any chance of a link or pic of said tensioner? Do you mean the types that single speed riders use that are static and don't move? I don't see how you'd mount that with a rear derailleur, but I'm sure there are ways.
(Not my bike or image; https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/...5498cb.jpg?v=0 )
I use lizard skins chain stay protectors... Mine is yet to wear or show any signs of giving up soon.

gryffinwings

Single speeds don't have this problem, because they have no where near as much chain slack to be hitting the chain stays.

Anyways here is a link to the blackspire stinger for dual chainring setups.

https://www.blackspire.com/qs/product/83/5947/263221/0/0

This picture is a representation of the setup I want:

Zephyr11

Or you can use an old bike tube wrapped around the stays. Pretty much free since you'd be throwing out the old tube anyway, durable enough, and you can just put a new one on if it does happen to get ratty.

Agreed on if you have a double up front, you can get by with the front derailleur.