Originally Posted by
Burton
Hi FB - my own experience with these is that the plastic in the majority of them degrades rapidly. UV exposure or what I don't know but they end up shattering very easily. So eventually when needed because of some 'incident' they shatter and provide no protection at all. So personally I prefer to make sure the limit screws are properly adjusted because usually they aren't. Don't know if your experience has been any different.
it's been years since I was in retail, so my experience may be dated. But back then we often saw bikes saved by the protector. I think over-derailling is one of those things most likely to happen when the bike is fairly new. Folks who ride a lot are more attuned and don't seem to have the same kinds of problems as newbies do.
Part of the reason for the move to breakaway hangers is RD's torn off by the wheel taking the hanger with them. Like the spoke protector it's a way of managing a problem that we hope won't happen.
FWIW- I've never had s spoke protector on any of my bikes and in 45 years only put the chain into the spokes once, about 30 years ago. After I laid the bike down to avoid hitting a 3 year old child, I was so rattled that I ended up continuing the trip without thoroughly checking the bike. Since this was before index, I didn't have a trim issue to give me a hint. The next day shifted to low on a climb and whoops. Two years later broke a spoke where the chain sawed it part way through (my only broken spoke DB spoke ever).
Stuff happens. Using a spoke protector is a personal decision and everyone can make it for themselves. But I'd never suggest removing it to someone not experienced enough not to decide for himself. That would make me somewhat responsible should he come to grief.