Are those bash guards worth replacing when they break. Both me and the wifes cheap plastic guard on our treks cracked and eventually fell apart. The LBS guy said he wouldn't worry about it but I wonder why they are there then...Thanks

Could you show us a picture of what you are talking about?

If you have a component that you call a "bash guard" that broke, what do you think would have happened if it wasn't there?

If it's cheap plastic, it's not really a bash guard. A true bash guard's purpose is to protect the chainring from impacts. The plastic ones are really only to keep your pant cuffs from becoming entangled in the chain.

This.

I always remove them if the bike came with one. I'd rather cuff my pant leg to keep it out of the chain, rather than waiting for the plastic to break.

I have used toothless Metal chain guard discs to insure I Don't have an over shift past the outer chainrings, But..

A proper bash guard is thick and substantial enough to support the whole weight of bike and rider,
For when you high center crossing a fallen log on the single track gnarly woods ride..


but "bash guard" is rather generalized..

wouldn't have any weight bearing on some , like of Carbon fiber sheet for cyclocross race bikes in their single chainring mode.


And I have fitted a few in place of the outer chainring when using a double crankset on my IGH Bikes...

and have been glad I had outer chainring tooth protection when I had to drag my loaded touring bike down and up stairs,

when I could not find the ramps to go from where I was to the other train platform via underpass accessible by stairs I could see..







....

My guess is that if your bike came with a plastic guard it was more meant to keep pants and hands from getting dirty from the chain, not chainring protection. If you need to protect the chainring then get a metal one.

I've gotten 2 or 3 from this company and have been plenty satisfied.


https://bbgbashguard.com/

Those are too thin for real "bashing".. its Using aluminum sheet, Thickness is similar to a normal chainring ..

32special.jpg

I downloaded this from google. I don't know what would have happened it the guard wasn't there. I don't know if it is needed or not. Seems to be a difference in opinion if they are necessary. What I don't like about mine besides being plastic is that when they break the little screws back out of the hole and make the chain slip in certain gears. They are on there for a reason.

those look pretty good. Aluminum is light weight too....Thanks,,I may order one up.

The term "chain ring guard" would be more correct, I'd say. Protection from chain ring teeth and pants cuff getting caught. Also prevents chain derailment and adds a nice finished look. I'd guess not many riders need/use a bash guard for actual bashing... I know I don't. And since the OP's original unit was plastic, aluminum will last much longer.

Assumptions fully engaged..

Do you assume the OP (and his wife) are log bashing their chain rings? I don't.

Seems 1st was the plastic one attached to most consumer shimano cranksets..

based on but nothing offered clarifies that..

9th one should be substantially thick polycarbonate, to take real off road down hill big air, abuse.





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The assumptions you make are for the most part are correct. After reading the replies my assumption is I should opt for one of the aluminum ones.