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Chain Guides: Fit For Purpose?
I converted to a single chain ring a while back and then during an XC race found I needed a chain guide to keep the chain on at speed over the bumpy stuff.
Due to the fancy suspension system I contacted my bike’s manufacturer who said the only chain guides that work successfully are certain models by MRP and e.thirteen. I bought an MRP because it was lighter.
After about 3 months the chain guide upper (the bit that looks like a front derailleur) crumbled and fell apart. I went to my LBS who quoted me $50 plus freight and 4 weeks delivery for the part - so I bought two units online, delivered the next week from USA for $47 all up.
The replacement parts came with a fluoro orange warning sheet saying not to use certain chemicals including citrus chain cleaners because they will damage the plastic. Now they tell me?!!??!
I replaced the part and rode on using only hot soapy water to clean the chain.
The new part lasted another two months and is now cracking, as is the bottom guide/roller. It turns out that chain lube too will damage the plastic!
What I want to know is - who markets a chain guide where you cannot use chain cleaner or chain lube? WTF?
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You sure its the chemicals? Could it be UV sensitivity? White plastics in particular can sometimes get very brittle very quickly.
In any case SHOCKING choice of materials. That's freakin ridiculous.
I'd be looking for money back. That's just stupid.
I'm now considering starting a company making the exact same parts using a non chemical sensitive plastic.
Here's the (recently added) warning on their web site.
And my alternative e.thirteen is no different - here's their approved chain lube guide and note they specifically state that their warranty doesn't cover damage caused by any other chain lube or chain cleaners.
What do they mean that Loctite isn't an approved lube, now what do I do?
Seriously though it's a bit crap, I've seen that same issue with chain cleaners. Kind crazy given it's guaranteed to be in contact with chain lube and cleaning fluid. FWIW I've been using a MRP and e13 guide without issue using Rock'n'Roll lube
CSIXX is all you need to know
http://www.csixx.com/
Yep, I had one of those Bio Blue or BluBike (or whatever) on-the-bike chain cleaner machines and degreaser kits from T7, and two weeks after first using it with the degreaser it came with, it fell apart in my hands like little fragments of safety glass. Grrr.
You'd think they'd be smart and use Delrin or fibre-filled Nylon or similar for the chain guides.
Some solvents and cleaners also dissolve "O" rings and rubber seals. It is possible to "overclean" your bike.
If you are just riding XC, you should get a widgit.
Get rid of the chain guide and get a Widgit. Never have a problem again and save weight.
a widget is heavier than a MRP 1.x guide and an alloy chainring as it uses a stainless chainring. But yes they're good unless you want to change your front chainring size
I'm running a 38t chainring so a widget won't do the job (they only go to 36t).
Also, with the riding I do I've found the chain lifts off the top of the chain ring so a little cage up there is what I think I need.
The c.sixx is $189 - thats a lot of $25 replacement parts for the MRP - but yes, it looks like it would do the job.
I just don't understand why the other manufacturers would make their chain guides out of a material which cannot survive chain lube or chain cleaner.
I've been running the MRPX.1 on two of my bikes for years. Still on the original guides with no issues. Can't say I have ever heard of that, I've found mine to be bomb proof.
Use an MRP mini G2 on my DH bike and again, never had an issue and it appears to be made of the same plastic.
Get a XTR Shadow Plus derailleur and be done with it. Works a treat.