which bashguard do i get?
 

i have a 2007 trek 4500, all stock..i want to put a bashguard on it and leave all 3 rings on...the big ring is 42t, so should i get the 42t bashguard? or get the 44t bashguard? http://www.bbgbashguard.com/Mountainbike.html thats what i am going to get..i am just looking for a cheaper one, so these will work fine..

44 jic

Can you have a bashguard like those and still keep all 3 chainrings? I didn't think you could, but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.

I'm pretty sure you must remove the big ring with a BBG bash guard, I can let you know for sure in a few days when I get mine. I ordered it on Tuesday.

From BBG's home page:

"Hello welcome to BBG bashguards. This is a light weight but strong bashguard that is designed to replace the big ring on your mountain or cyclocross cranks."

However, there appears to be pretty generous relieving around the crank arm area on all of them; so it may be possible to do an outboard mount anyway.

Also: Blackspire still makes big ring protectors that let you keep three rings; plus you can still find Girvin Rock Rings and Tooth Fairy Engagement Rings online occasionally.