Chain 'gravity' guards

tooorangey4crows

So far loving the community spirit, forgiving nature of newbies and VERY helpful advice around these parts so thought I'd ask another one...

Recently noticed two chaps with VERY expensive looking dual-suspension bikes (knew one definately was as it was an Orange Five) last weekend with red devices attached to there chains just behind the chainring... anyway after asking then some nosing around the interweb I established that these ingenius devices are called chain gravity guards? Now, after 3 of my fellow riding pals suffered from broken chains and I like the thought of the chain not swinging down just aching to be ripped apart, I started looking around the usual Evans and Reaction there seems to be many iterations of these things so I guess what info I'm after is...

A. Do many riders use these?
B. Do they actually serve a valid purpose or are they just another new toy to kit out your bike with?
C. If I were to purchase one, which exact one would I need for a Hardrock? (usual price range, cheapo to pricey, links?) and if so
D. Take it into Evans to fit right? looks like a Son of a B**** to attach and requires new tools

Thought these were pretty decent, thoughts?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=10009
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=58566
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=54360

Yours confused

cooldad

They are chain tensioners (Gravity is a manufacturer).
They are normally either for single or double chainrings. They don't stop the chain breaking.
What bike do you want to fit one on?

tooorangey4crows

Thanks Cooldad, a Specialized Hardrock... mine has 3 rings, no go?

Worth having???

cooldad

No go and doubt you need one.

cooldad

ps they stop the chain bouncing off when you are doing gnarly downhill type stuff.

ilovedirt

Those three devices you linked to are all totally different bits of kit.

The first is for use on a single speed bike (SS XC bike or usually a jumps bike of some sort) for keeping the chain tension so the chain doesn't come off.

The second is a chain guide, for when you run a single chain ring and no front mech, to keep the chain on. Tension is provided by a rear mech. Usually used on downhill bikes, not much point on an XC bike (though i run single front ring on my XC bike)

The third is a bottom only guide for a gravity oriented bike with a dual ring setup up front, just for security really.

Do you really want to run dual and bash or singlespeed up front? If the answer is no, then don't bother with any of the above.

Cooldad - yes, Gravity is a brand, however they don't make chain guides.

The Northern Monkey

ilovedirt
No, Gravity don't make any sort of chain guide what-so-ever...

I am still 100% sure that they don't make any chain guides...