The teeth on my middle chainring are kinda worn out and after replacing my chain the other day, I occasionally experience what's known as "chain suck". It really doesn't happen very often, in fact only in rare cases. But when it does, it's a mess.

Later this month, I'm departing on a 700 mile tour and am for the most part going to try to stay out of the middle ring. I don't know if I can budget a new chainring. So in the case that I do use the middle ring, I would like the assurance that I'm not going to damage my frame.

I've heard of some people using zip-ties on the chainstay. But I'm wondering, does the zip-tie method just protect the frame? or does it help prevent chain suck from being a big issue altogether(keeping the chain from getting stuck)?

Any other advice on what I should do?