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when/what types of bikes need them?
Currently looking at short travel full sussers, which all dont seem to have any, is it only when you get into full boucy bikes that you need them?
I know stupid question, just wundrin like as Ive never had a full suss before
tensioner or guide?
i don't think it has any relevance to suspension or not suspension - simply down to the riding style. I tend to smash my bikes into everything I see, so have one on both my ht and my full sus bike
maybe I mean a guide then?
When your rear suspension compresses, your chain slackens does it not?
Doesnt a chanin tensioner or guide do something to fix that?
Clearly see I have no idea what I am talking about 😆
Most good suspension designs extend the chain with suspension travel - the rear wheel moves in an up and rear-ward path.
The quicker you go over lumps the more the chain has to go back and forth and is more likely to jump off. Same story for hardtails, no chain growth but less suspension to counter the bumpiness.
If you find you get bent links after a ride or you keep losing the chain you need a chain guide - something like a Blackspire Stinger or the one that Superstar Components do.
You can always change gear to Front big/rear big for decents as you'll probably not be doing to much grinding and this will keep the chain tight. Not a great solution though.
No idea about the new 'cluth' rear mechs about, apparently they work.
chain growth is pretty minimal on most suspension designs - less than a couple of links either way. the rear mech takes the slack out - a chain tensioner just holds it 'round' the chainring a little more