Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 7,342
Likes: 3,204
From: NW Oregon
Bikes: 1982 Trek 930R Custom, '91 Diamondback Ascent w/ XT, XTR updates, Fuji Team Pro CF road flyer, Specialized Sirrus Gravel Convert, '09 Comencal Meta 5.5 XC, '02 Marin MBX500, '84 Gitane Criterium bike
that chain guard is RIVETED in place.. so no, you can't simply remove it.
the biggest problem is the small ring clearance or contact At The Chain Stay... if it hits, it will eventually Eat Right Through the Frame.
the chain guard issue can be remedied by slightly raising the derailleur, and re-aligning, resetting it.
the Clearance between the Sm., Ring and Chain Stay tube will require a longer BB spindle or entire BB Assy, in this case... is this the bike you were struggling to thread a BB into?
1/4" is the minimum Sm. ring-to-Frame clearance i advise... some try to get away with about 1/8"(3mm), but that depends on the Rider, plus the frame and crank's overall stiffness.
Last edited by maddog34; 11-12-25 at 01:04 PM.