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Quick question really. Like the look of the e-thirteen. Is the fit and finish and durability up to scratch or is the MRP a better option, for a 32t ring
I went for a straitline silentguide as
a) it comes in a proper 32t version for max ground clearance
b) the pulleys/idlers can make a really annoying noise on other guides
c) apparently the taco's are really weak and not upto being hit on the ground repeatedly, they're designed to break up in a big impact to protect the ISCG tabs and the frame and then be replaced.
Having played with an LG1+, the manufacturing is absolutely superb, from the bearings to the sliders. It is a piece of gear that has been put together with a lot of care.
People have mixed reviews of tacos, but I've never seen one actually broken in personal experience, and you'll find many of the top world cup downhillers ride lg1+'s.
Plus it's lighter than a bash+guide setup usually.
straitline does look good. Can I take the 25g weight penalty!!
I've an LG1. It works flawlessly, was easy to install, and looks great. The jockey wheel makes near to no noise, and adds no resistance.
Only issue is that it's bloody expensive, but they all are.
I have a MRP G2 mini (steel) but using a 36T ring, works perfectly never dropped the chain yet, I ride more freeride/DH so it gets bounced about a bit. Taco hasn't broken either takes a beating!
Have found the MRP guides excellent, until I started using Purple Extreme lube - it's the on at the top of their "DO NO USE" list 'cos it's olvent based. Have cracked a bunch of plastic parts as a result - spares easy to get, mind.
So, in short, MRP stuff is very good, but read and pay attention to the BRIGHT ORANGE leaflet in the box telling you to avoid solvent-based lubes.
By the way, I have an LG1+ that I'm thinking of selling - it's one year old, ISCG OLD (doesn't fit my trance well) a little wear to the taco and a little dirty but just serviced and running super smooth. 32-36t in white.
joebusby At gmail DOT com
Wait for the Blackspire Der guide. Best bits of all the other guides put together by looks of it.
I've ended up going with the Straitline despite the 25g weight penalty. Mainly cos apart from looking good, if/when I whack a double on for long distance stuff I can keep the bash on and just take the backplate off, which means added value in addition to that touch more protection. Just hope it keeps the chainguide on. Also I only want 32t max so I've gone with a specific size.
Cheers for the advice.
I've got an XTR crank with a 32t Straitline Silent Guide ready to go on my AM when I want to run 1x9... but that would mean taking off the HammerSchmidt... and I love my HammerSchmidt despite the weight penalty.
The Silent Guide is a very basic design and I think it would be quite simple to get someone who works in carbon to make a lighter back plate (and bash?). I keep meaning to have a go myself as the AM is ISCGold and my other bike ISCG05: and straitline don't make the back plates available on their own... and I don't want two SG's as my other cranks are M960 XTR so can't take a bash.
Had an LG and it was awesome (as a chain guide can be) the lower arm runs near horizontal so doesn't impact clearance. Only issue with a tacho is that I know Santa Cruz don't warranty ICSG tabs if it's used as all the impact goes through them.
Apart from that expensive to buy but no problems after that
^^ this...LG1+, the manufacturing is absolutely superb, from the bearings to the sliders. It is a piece of gear that has been put together with a lot of care
If you can live with a steel backplate the LS1 is physically identical and about 1/2 the price
Messiah, we have similar taste! I also love the HS, but for now am trying to keep the weight down, we'll see how I get on.
The backplate of the SG would only need machining, carbon sheet in that thickness is readily available for under £30, so it just needs a machine shop willing to mill/drill/cut it really to ISCG. The existing plate would be the template. You could simply bond in some threads.
It would probably only save about 35g or so though so time/effort hassle may not be worth it.
Have found the MRP guides excellent, until I started using Purple Extreme lube - it's the on at the top of their "DO NO USE" list 'cos it's olvent based. Have cracked a bunch of plastic parts as a result - spares easy to get, mind.So, in short, MRP stuff is very good, but read and pay attention to the BRIGHT ORANGE leaflet in the box telling you to avoid solvent-based lubes.
That explains why every plastic part on my Mini G2 disintegrated in a few months 😳
yes solvent based 'dry' lubes are the antichrist for those guides..