Advice on Buying Chain Guides

Bash rings - Advice & Help Guide

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Chainguides
What is a chain guide? Chain Guides are usually used by downhill mountain bike riders and freeriders. Chain guides stop the chain falling off and there are several different types you can buy to suit different riding styles and bike setups. Normally a chain is kept in place only by the gear mech and chain rings. Sometimes over very rough ground the two are not enough to keep the chain on so additional chain tensioning is need along the chain at various points.

Chain Guide / Frame compatibility
Chainguides are designed to be universal but fitting them can sometimes prove quite testing! Some frames just won't adapt and other times you need to modify the device slightly so that it stays clear of suspension. There are one or two that will fit both type of frames. Type1's are designed for a a bike with a raised chainstay - type2's are for low swing arm /chainstay. Most chain devices are attached to the bike via the bottom bracket shell but newer ones use different fixtures and fittings depending on the frame and the chainguide.

Types of Chain guide - which one?

Triple ring Chain devices
This are usually mounted on the bottom bracket and ad tension to at the chains least tensioned spot. Apart from being noisy and sometimes affecting the gears slightly they do a pretty good job of chain tensioning on the whole.

Dual Ring Chain Guides
Freeride mountain bike riders might need a more rugged chain guide for all those hards knocks and jolts - the dual chain device addresses this. It has a top and bottom roller and keeps all in place pretty effectively.
Single Ring Chain Guides
Keeps the chain on the single front ring with several options ranging from average to very effective. There is the cheap top and bottom guides or the twin plate / roller types used by downhillers and more agressive bike riders. Twin plate chain guide setup is the bomb proof version if you absolutely must keep your chain on at all times. Call your local bike shop or call us for more info on this type of setup if ou think it's for you.

ISCG (International Standard Chain Guide)
ISCG fitting is the new standard fitting for pretty much all chain guides available.

ISCG compatible frame
A suitable frame for ISCG has 3 threaded attachments around the bottom bracket shell.

A few Notes to watch out for when Fitting a Chain Guide
Bottom bracket length is all important when fitting a chainguide. You will need extra room for the chain device plates so generally you will need a bottom bracket slightly longer than normal - but not too long either. If you need more help and advice you can always call us.

Need More Chain Guide Help?...
Read the chain guide advice above first but call us if you have any queries on purchasing the right chain guides from us - Contact Bonthrone. Also see bicycle bolt circle diameter guide.

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