My bike currently has a plastic "bash guard" on the chainring (this is a single speed bike with a single chainring). Assuming that I don't try to ride with long pants, is there any practical reason to have that guard? It's on the "outside" of the ring only, so it doesn't really "guide" the chain. It looks like a kludge to me, but I'll leave it alone if it serves any practical purpose. This is NOT an off-road bike, so the likelihood of the chain ring suffering any damage is nil. Further, I keep a spare chainring in the parts bin, so no problems even in the unlikely event of damage. I don't tour, and any long-distance riding is done with a cell phone so my better half can come get me in case of bike trouble. So, to the question: Do I really need the bash guard?

Thanks - FH

i've never used anything but a single chain ring. no chain-guard, no chain catcher, nothing. as long as i keep tabs on my chain-tension (about every 500 miles or so), i never have any problem. and some chain-rings are typical late-model road chain-rings with ramps and cut-down teeth.

last time i lost the chain involved a combination of hammering at the base of a steep a hill, a flimsy frame, and a too loose chain. i know it was too loose, because i put it back on without having to loosen the rear wheel.