Originally Posted by
Bikey Mikey
I've never had a spoke go into wheel cassette/chain/derailleur, but I did have one break at the hub(old comfort) and who knows what would've occurred had the guard not been there.
There was a post I remember reading where the spoke broke off and went into the chain and destroyed the derailleur. I did a search and this is what I found(see below) but I know I've read it in a post more recent than what I found...or my recall is slipping. I'm not saying this is common...I would think that it is a very, very rare occurrence. More likely it would be the chain going into the spokes. I'm just saying that I see nothing wrong with someone leaving it on and I certainly, if it were my choice to remove the plastic ring, think anything less of the cyclist who kept it on--I certainly wouldn't say or criticize him or her for leaving of the guard on the wheel.
[URL]http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/218305-A-tale-of-two-LBS-%28long%29?p=2892895&viewfull=1#post2892895[/URL]
I agree wholeheartedly.
However, for myself, I have a reputation to maintain.
As a beginner, leave the spoke guard on. If you're mechanically inclined, learn how to maintain your bike and eventually you will probably want to take it off. After all it must weigh a few ounces.