calyco

I just bought my first road bike this year and thought about leaving it on. Adjusted the limit screws and after 2 weeks, I realized I am never in the granny gear anyway so took it off. I like the cleaner look without it.

rjones28 

Dork disk is more fun to say than spoke protector. Cycling is all about fun, so I like the fun term.

gc3

I missed all the post-menopausal ranting, am I too late to join in here?

elcraft

My commuter bike sports both reflectors and a plastic dork disc- really cheap insurance against the absurd possibility that my chain gets thrown over the largest cog. Even though I have my derailleur limit screws properly set, strange things can sometimes be thrown into the chain during the unlit, MUP part of my ride. Imagine trying to wrestle your chain out of the spokes in the dark of an unlit road or path? The reflectors actually add some additional visibility for the scary drivers on the commute. Hey, even the yellow pedal reflectors can add an additional thing for drivers to see. Dorky they may seem, but many people are conditioned to recognize a bicycle by these types of reflectors! If I only rode a road bike during daylight hours, yeah, these "dorky" things would probably be removed......

CharlyAlfaRomeo

Seriously dude get over it and ride your bike. Who cares what anyone calls a bike part?

Roopull

What flavor was the Kool Aid?

CharlyAlfaRomeo

On a scale of 1 to 10 how bad is the butthurt?

Roopull

I'm not the one trashing my bike out of peer pressure.

WalksOn2Wheels

Roopull, if it is a PERFECTLY maintained bike as you insisted, there is zero reason for a chain in the spokes. That said, there are hundreds upon hundreds of bikes that leave legitimate bike shops (and like ALL of them from wally world) that could possible put a chain in the spokes because they were never properly set in the first place. This is why you see so many search results for the problem.

At the shop I work at, it is standard practice for a "make ready" (final check before the recently purchased bike leaves our doors) to include TRYING to put the chain into the spokes. Not just with the shifter, but by actually physically pushing on the derailleur while it is in the granny gear. Once this is done, the ONLY way you could put a chain in the spokes is by bending the derailleur hanger in a minor fall or a simple tip over in the parking lot, or by changing wheelsets where the base of the freehub is slightly more outboard of the previous wheelset. ALL of this can be avoided with simple maintenance, care and common sense. Why do you think it's never happened to you in 25 years?

Yes it is primarily looks, and yes it would be cheap insurance to keep it on. But people who enjoy a sleek road bike tend to appreciate sleek lines and prefer to not have it. Both ways are fine, really. But don't make up excuses. It reminds me of people who rationalize that helmets are more dangerous because of the extra weight your head carries creates more potential energy (I for real read this on these forums). You don't have to wear a helmet, either. I really don't care, but I get flustered when people start making insane rationalizations.

Dave Cutter

I don't think anyone meant to imply that "a PERFECTLY tuned bike" could somehow magically fail without cause. But that road debris (like a small branch or big stick) pulled into the rear derailleur while cycling.... could alter the rear derailleurs positioning. That... might in combination with a bump (or maybe stressed shift) cause the chain to jump the inside cog.

I believe that happens. Not often.... but in real life. I've had my derailleur knocked out of whack in a crash. And I would guess most cyclists have. Maybe I am wrong. But on the bikes I ride daily nether disk is really noticeable. Not really any more than a chains width taller than the biggest cog.... very thin and transparent.

The reflectors are a different story. They are noticeable (and that is why they are there). I can't argue that they are attractive ether. But I ride a lot on urban streets and code does require the front and rear reflector.

That guy that posts about using a kick stand. Well...... that's just wrong. We have to uphold SOME standards!

It doesn't bother me what it's called. I don't even care if anyone (or no one) likes the looks of my bike. I know there are some popular trends with dress, hair, tattoos, and bicycle appearance. I am a pretty accepting guy... I even tolerate people who keep filthy bicycles with ratty handlebar tape.

I also accept that ouchies are a part of cycling that can not be avoided. But I never encourage or advocate behavior that might increase the odds of wrecks.

CharlyAlfaRomeo

When did I ever mention trashing my bike?

Step away from the keyboard, take a few deep breaths and let it go. Seriously.

Roopull

I think we're talking past each other & actually agree...

I did say I don't actually know for certain how this is happens. As for it being a perfectly tuned bike, my buddy literally takes his bike to the shop to be tuned every couple of hundred miles. Fortunately, the LBS owner tolerates him well enough & doesn't charge him for half the work he does. I've had this guy work on my bike, and aside from not tuning brakes to my tastes, he does a great job. It was after one of these tune ups that his chain made it into the spokes. I wasn't on the ride, and I don't know how it happened, but it did. So, it most certainly didn't happen out of neglect or some bozo twirling screws without a clue.

Dave Cutter, the guy who posted directly after you posits some good theories as to some possibilities.


As for what annoys me about the "remove the dork disc" mentality, you hit the nail on the head.

Quote:

Yes it is primarily looks, and yes it would be cheap insurance to keep it on. But people who enjoy a sleek road bike tend to appreciate sleek lines and prefer to not have it. Both ways are fine, really. But don't make up excuses.

That's exactly my point... if someone wants to remove a safety feature because it looks bad to their eye, I get it. That's fine, but don't go telling people to remove it and pretending like it's anything but vanity/fashion/style/whatever. Aside from saving a few grams, I cannot fathom a practical reason to ever remove one of these. At least you & a few others are honest about it & not being condescending. It's the condescending snotty crap that steers so many people away from cycling... this attitude that if you don't do things the way you're supposed to do them, then you're an idiot, even if the way you're supposed to do things is idiotic.




Wait, does this mean I have to take off BOTH my kickstands?

Dave Cutter

lol

practical

Yes, well said and so true.

MattFoley

I think we've solved the mystery....

BillyD

Ok that's enough beating up on one guy. Buh bye!

Hold your ground Roopull . . . basically if the pros used dork disks, they'd be all for it.