Bash Guard Advice Please.

Blind Danny Johnson

Hi Guys,

Does a bash guard need to be the same size as the outer ring? Ie my outer ring at the moment is 44 and so does a bash guard need to be exactly the same size? Also I'm just planning on not changing up to where the outer ring used to be as apposed to making any other changes with my gears at the moment is this how it works or do I need to do anything else?

Thanks.

cooldad

Nope as long as its equal or bigger than the middle ring. (smaller would look a bit silly and defeat the object)
Also just need to adjust the limit screw, takes a second and saves you the embarrassment of trying to shift into bash ring, because we will laugh at you when you do.

rockmonkeysc

If you are ditching your big ring to get a double & bash set up you will need a bash to suit the size of your middle ring.
They are sized by the number of middle ring teeth but you can go bigger with no problem.
I run a 36t middle ring with a 38t bash guard.
You can adjust your front mech limit screw to stop it going past the middle ring & prevent any accidents.
You might want a larger middle ring, most people I know who ride with this set up run a 36t or 38t just to get a bit more before you spin out.

cooldad

Isn't that basically what I said?

ilovedirt

Yep.

It's worth noting that the bigger the bash, the less ground clearance you have, obviously. So it's worth getting one as small as will allow. That said, unless you ride gnarly downhill and have a fairly low BB, personally I don't think there's much need for a bash guard, just unnecessary weight/precaution. Most trail bikes have high-ish BB's and if you're running just middle and granny rings or just middle, then your middle ring is going to be fairly small, giving you a fair amount of ground clearance. Downhill racers run them because downhill bikes have very low BB's, bigger chainrings and generally ride much rougher/rockier stuff. Hence why I don't think it's necessary on a trail bike. Not once have I hit my chainring anywhere near hard enough to break it in the time that I ran a chain guide without a bash on my old fully (a good while, year or so?)

Blind Danny Johnson

Thanks guys.

The Rookie

Personally I opted for a 36T sized bash when I went to double as although I had a 22/32 inner middle combo I always intended to go 26/36 (on 22/32 I never use the granny and could do with more top end at times) at some point (should get them in about a week now), no pointing buying twice!