kestrel0222

Hi,

I just purchased my new bike on Thursday (Trek 7100), and I really like this bike. The only problem that I haad was when I was going up a hill, I put it into 1st gear to make it easier. What happened next really suprised me, the chain went between the freehub protector (plastic) and 1st gear. It felt like the chain just came off. As a result of this, the tabs that hold the protector to the spokes broke. I took this protector off for now. I called my local bike shop were I purchased the bike from and they said that the protector is not really neded. I said that I would bring it back so they could replace it.

I guess my question is, is this protector reall needed? If so, are there after market ones that are not plastic and would work better?

Thanks,

Tom

masi61

In your case Tom, yes this plastic disk WAS really needed. It prevented spoke damage due to the bikeshop not setting the low stop properly on your new bike.
The little clips that attach to the spokes do break off fairly easily. Since your bike is new, you should take it back to the shop and tell them what happened. They'll need to set the derailleur stops better. If, after this adjustment is done the shifting on the road is fine, you could just run without the disk. These are mockingly called, "dork disks" over in road forum BTW .

So in your case you can relax in the knowledge that "my dork disk did its job". If you've ever seen the damage that a jammed chain can do to drive side spokes in the same incident without the disk, you would be surprised, because one chain jam up can almost ruin all the affected spokes.

Retro Grouch 

+1.

Your shop probably doesn't want to replace it because they don't have one in stock but, yes, they do owe you one. If they had adjusted the rear derailleur properly the incident never would have happened so it's their fault. Ask them which would be cheaper. For them to replace the spoke protector or for them to replace the 8 outside spokes?

kestrel0222

Thank you both for your input and advise!!! As you can see, I'm fairly new to cycling. I have learned ALOT here and will continue to post and read this forum. I have been to other "bike" forums, but they don't seem to be as friendly and accomidating as the people here!!! Thanks again for your advice.

Tom

masi61

Not a problem Kestrel. I agree this is a great forum. Just the right amount of traffic to give you a reply quickly. Moderators are great, advice is good, sarcasm usually not a problem. Humor, hopefully. Heated differences of opinion, definitely! Personal insults - negative.

BTW, I would think the bike shop would have a box full of any number of colors and styles of spoke protectors if you would want a new one. Maybe just a clear plastic one for a while and plan on getting rid of it after you complete some milestone like 1000 miles on your new bike. Since its their fault I'm sure they would give you a new one.

When you go back to the shop you might want to consider investing in a Park Tool hyperglide cassette lockring tool and a chainwhip. These 2 tools combined with a large wrench for the lockring tool will enable you to install and unistall your cassette to your hearts content . You can run different cassettes, clean yours when ever you want, and take your spoke protector off and spray paint it with pink polka dots or world champion stripes, you name it!

kestrel0222

Masi61,

Thanks for the advise on the tools, I'll have to look into them!! I contacted the shop were I purchased the bike and they said to just bring it in and they will take care of it for me.

Thanks again,

Tom