Why don't we all just use chainguards...
#1
Thread Starter
flaneur
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: ankle deep in the gowanus canal
Bikes: IRO Mark V
Why don't we all just use chainguards...
...instead of rolling up our pants like teenage girls from Orange County?
(seriously, though. i've never seen a chainguard on a fixie. is there a good reason for this?)
(seriously, though. i've never seen a chainguard on a fixie. is there a good reason for this?)
#2
you have it backwards.... the teenage girls on o.c. are rolling their pants up like the rad bike peeps...not the other way around... ive been cuffing my pants since before those girls were born... sadly thats not even an exageration
#3
Riding is Praying
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Bikes: Jamis Nova, Fisher Tassajara, Indy Fab Crown Jewel; Titan NOS fixed
My whole reason for building a fixed was to make it stripped down, simple, and pretty. chainguards just junk up the look of my bike.
#7
King Among Runaways
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,215
Likes: 1
From: MKE
Bikes: 2004 Bianchi Pista, Cannondale Track, Soma Pake, Schwinn Breeze
don't most chainguards need special attachments on the frame in order to be, well, attached? I know all the old Schwinns I've restored have special brackets on the frame for the guards.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
Anybody remember pants clips? They still sell them. Also the velcro straps that keep your pants away from the chain. You can get away without a chain guard. I think most people don't like the look of any extra parts added to a nice fixie, I don't.
#9
Bow$$
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 0
From: Bodymore, Murderland
Bikes: Surly Instigator '02, Schwinn Traveler fixed conversion, '02 Fuji Track
oh man...
I think this might have to be an option to try to get brazed on to the strawberry frame I'm gonna order, muhahahahahahaha....
I think this might have to be an option to try to get brazed on to the strawberry frame I'm gonna order, muhahahahahahaha....
#10
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 347
Likes: 11
Works fine with (and definitely improves the looks of) a road crank with the chainring on the inside, but how many track/ss/fixie cranks have a place for a chainguard? I have thought about this myself, but right about that time Miche Primato cranks started popping up all over ebay at prices I couldn't resist.
Besides, if you wear shorts, there's no rolling up to do- the only thing you have to worry about is your laces... easy enough for someone living where the temperature rarely drops below 40 degrees or so...
Besides, if you wear shorts, there's no rolling up to do- the only thing you have to worry about is your laces... easy enough for someone living where the temperature rarely drops below 40 degrees or so...
#11
antiquarian
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: favorite color- where you at
Bikes: ?? Volkscycle converted 53/20
The problem with pant clips is they eventually climb up your leg as you bend your knees and then the pants poof out over the clip. That poof gets in the chain and you just provided the formula for a spectacular dismount.
#12
King of the Hipsters
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,128
Likes: 2
From: Bend, Oregon
Bikes: Realm Cycles Custom
I wear shorts, knickers, tights and use those velcro straps with trousers, and so have no issues with chains and cuffs.
That said, I have an issue with dirty chains.
We have a lot of volcanic grit and dust here, and even though I use a dry lube my drivetrain gets very dirty and requires too much maintenance.
When I do the maintenance I go faster, easier and quieter; so I do the maintenance.
In that vein, I have often thought that a chain enclosure, like on some Harely-Davidsons, would keep my chain and gears clean.
Maybe someday they'll make an invisible chain enclosure that doesn't weigh anything and I'll put it on my bike.
That said, I have an issue with dirty chains.
We have a lot of volcanic grit and dust here, and even though I use a dry lube my drivetrain gets very dirty and requires too much maintenance.
When I do the maintenance I go faster, easier and quieter; so I do the maintenance.
In that vein, I have often thought that a chain enclosure, like on some Harely-Davidsons, would keep my chain and gears clean.
Maybe someday they'll make an invisible chain enclosure that doesn't weigh anything and I'll put it on my bike.
#16
F*** Corporate Beer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage
Bikes: On-OneIROOlympiaYetiLeMondZanella
I have one on this bike: https://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/may/Dave2.htm
I have to run it fixed...I haven't found a good source to get brake pads for the rod lever brakes.
I have to run it fixed...I haven't found a good source to get brake pads for the rod lever brakes.
#17
Changuards (and cases) can be attached with specially brazed on hangers or you can use clamps that clamp around various frame tubes to support them.
There are designs that circulate the chain through an oil bath. I believe old Raleighs did this, providing you with an oil port on the top of the case. It's not really that useful though, because once you fully enclose the chain, it stays pretty clean all on it's own. Hit it up with a good dose of heavy, sticky wet lube when you assemble the thing and you won't have to touch it for years and years.
There are designs that circulate the chain through an oil bath. I believe old Raleighs did this, providing you with an oil port on the top of the case. It's not really that useful though, because once you fully enclose the chain, it stays pretty clean all on it's own. Hit it up with a good dose of heavy, sticky wet lube when you assemble the thing and you won't have to touch it for years and years.
#18
The Sogreni chainguard looks like it would fit just about any chainring/crank/frame.
I wonder how well it actually works, though.
https://www.sogreni.dk/Chainguard.php#
baker
I wonder how well it actually works, though.
https://www.sogreni.dk/Chainguard.php#
baker
#21
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: NoVa
Bikes: Tour Easy recumbent, Giant Boulder SE with an Xtracycle attachment
Originally Posted by daveIT
I have one on this bike: https://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/may/Dave2.htm
I have to run it fixed...I haven't found a good source to get brake pads for the rod lever brakes.
I have to run it fixed...I haven't found a good source to get brake pads for the rod lever brakes.
Why on Earth did they run the rear brake linkage that way? Why not along the top tube?
#22
pAIYILI
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania, PA USA
Bikes: Specialized Crosroads Sport (Hybrid)
Originally Posted by griffin_
what do you even attach a chain guard to? the frame?
#23
DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,655
Likes: 0
From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
Originally Posted by daveIT
I have one on this bike: https://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/may/Dave2.htm
#24
Good Afternoon!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,352
Likes: 0
From: Rural Eastern Ontario
Bikes: Various by application
You could try to retrofit a gaurd from one of these Flying Pigeons. It'll take up to a 48 tooth.
With some solid dremel work and paint you might be able to make it pretty on a modern fixie but it's probably as much effort as starting with nothing but tin snips.
With some solid dremel work and paint you might be able to make it pretty on a modern fixie but it's probably as much effort as starting with nothing but tin snips.
#25
Originally Posted by bbaker22
The Sogreni chainguard looks like it would fit just about any chainring/crank/frame.
I wonder how well it actually works, though.
https://www.sogreni.dk/Chainguard.php#
baker
I wonder how well it actually works, though.
https://www.sogreni.dk/Chainguard.php#
baker
my thought was "really? ye olde bicycle maker hates computers? modern technology stops with the gear?" man.. i hate people like that.. in the grand history of time.. the bicycle and the computer are the same thing to me.. its all technology.. the bicycle led to the airplane.. etc.. made me hate his bicycles all of a sudden.. but oh so weird.. he has a web page..hmmm.. i remember noticing that on the card i grabbed right after he chucked me that attitude.. i should have said that "wow.. thats weird.. then whats this web address for? is this where you talk about the evils of computers? or sell your crappy bike? "
sorry.. rant over.. that chainguard is so super ugly.. youd have to be wearing a boda bag full of chianti and antique wire rimmed specs to use it... but i love the idea of a super nice chainguard.. something like and old schwinn with the bike name on it.. orange crate.. lemon peeler.. etc
edit: on second thhought.. maybe they are cool after all https://www.sogreni.dk/Images/the_mountaingoat_stor.jpg
puleezee... ha.... they shoulda called that one the burning man..omg.. they are so wacky, crazy AND original!
Last edited by sloppy robot; 09-17-05 at 11:49 PM.




