Chain Guides

[ghixon]

I've got a dumb question for some of the techies out here. I've been riding the newTrek Fuel 8 for a month or so and I'm have a terrible time keeping the chain in the middle ring on faster downhill, bumpy trails. The chain usually just drops to the small ring and I have reshift it to the middle ring. I've tried shortening the chain and not using the big ring, adjusting the B-tension screw on the rear DR and it still drops off.

I'm not opposed to losing the big ring for a bash guard, but I want to keep the granny and middle rings. I've done a little research on the internet about guides, but I can't seem to get a straight enough of an answer to make an educated decision. Are there guides out there where you can run two rings or am I missing something?

I'm running a Shimano LX crankset which uses a standard E-type bottom bracket. I looked at the Blackspire Dewlie but I'm open to any suggestions and input.

[allison]

I am far from a tech guru, but you could look into the e13 DRS (dual ring):

http://www.e13components.com/product_drs.html

My only other suggestion is to call up the Path tomorrow and talk to Tani or Brian and find out if that'll work. They most likely have them in stock. At the last sale I heard two guys in awe of their chain guide selection.

[autoduel]

It shouldn't be happening on a normal setup.
Check your chainline. Chain in the middle ring and in the middle cog.
The chain should be parallel with the frame and not skewed.
You may have to change your BB spindle width to adjust.

[jamesdc]

My friends have had bad luck with the drs, I would look at the mrp lrp, I have heard its good but I dont have any actual experience with it.

[Dino Brown]

Doesn't get any cheaper than the Blackspire Stinger (chain tensioner). $19.98 @ Pricepoint! While not 100% perfect, it could be worth a try!

[project_d]

Get the LRP system from MRP.


I've been using this system for years, and it works wonders! I recently lost the roller (after quite some time) and I kept dropping the chain like crazy on my next ride. It reminded me of exactly why I was thankful I had the system.

My personal opinion, don't get the E13 version. This LRP is stronger.

[ghixon]

Originally Posted by autoduel

It shouldn't be happening on a normal setup.
Check your chainline. Chain in the middle ring and in the middle cog.
The chain should be parallel with the frame and not skewed.
You may have to change your BB spindle width to adjust.

I checked the chainline and it seems to be fine. I sighted it with a laser transit and it only varied by a few microns end to end. That's one of the reasons it was driving me nuts. I couldn't figure it out either.

Originally Posted by project_d

Get the LRP system from MRP.


I've been using this system for years, and it works wonders! I recently lost the roller (after quite some time) and I kept dropping the chain like crazy on my next ride. It reminded me of exactly why I was thankful I had the system.

My personal opinion, don't get the E13 version. This LRP is stronger.

Any issues with spacing off the bottom bracket?

[project_d]

Originally Posted by ghixon

Any issues with spacing off the bottom bracket?

When using guides, you may need to get a bottom bracket with a wider spindle. On my bikes, they suggest using a 113mm spindle with the standard 3-ring setup, but I need to guy 118mm spindles so that the chainrings don't rub against the chainguide itself.

[CalEpic]

You can use a Heim 3 guide and keep your big ring. If you want want to lose the big ring and run a bash guard I would second the Blackspire Stinger. Just make sure you get the one that mounts between the bottom bracket cups and the frame unless you have ISCG tabs on your frame (doubt you do)

[denmother]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

You can use a Heim 3 guide and keep your big ring.

Is it this one? Where did you get it?

[autoduel]

Originally Posted by ghixon

I checked the chainline and it seems to be fine. I sighted it with a laser transit and it only varied by a few microns end to end. That's one of the reasons it was driving me nuts. I couldn't figure it out either.

Play with your front derailleur to get the cage as close to the chain and big ring as possible without rubbing and still get it io shift without hassles. Failing that I'd try different chainrings before going straight to a guide unless you are going 1x9.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by denmother

Is it this one? Where did you get it?

Yeah, that's it. I bought one of those several years ago directly from Heim. The bracket is really flexy, and you don't dare pedal backward (such as entering a turn or trying to avoid a rock with your pedal) - the chain will jump rings. It's really not that bad, but I've been less than excited with mine.

Although I've used it in a triple-ring setup, here it is on my VPX with a double-ring setup:

[CalEpic]

I'm running the Heim on my 5 Spot with 2 rings + bash guard but instead of the Heim roller, I'm using the stepped MRP roller. I bought it from Price Point if I remember correctly.

I haven't had any issues at all with mine.

C

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by denmother

Is it this one? Where did you get it?

$56 at Pricepoint. http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/134...hain-Guide.htm

Dean

[Torque Wrench]

The Heim bracket is thin enough not to mess up your chain line. That combined with the soft material of the MRP roller makes for a very quiet system that back pedals well.

[strobelite]

just ordered a bs dewlite will let you know when installed.

[tkblazer]

been running a blackspire stinger for over a year with no problems... can't beat it for the price.

[Cableguy]

Also look into Wicked Racin:

http://wickedracin.com/wickedracin/default.htm