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Was just about to get a KOM on slightly declined bit of farm track the other day when the chain came off on my well-used 1x9 26" rigid mtb commuter. Don't want to use the old front mech I took off, don't want to spend more than £15 if I can help it, don't want to bodge something with a bit of old plastic pipe (unless it's the best option).
Anything recommended?
Superstar do a frame mount upper guide and BB mount upper guide. CRC do an ISCG full guide, evans do a cheap frame mount chain guide, all are less than £20.
Can't see anything on Evans - and no ISG mount. Superstar XCR Chain Keeper looks about right though. Thanks.
Over budget though...
There are a couple BB mounted double's going now for non ISCG fames... (only slightly a bodge to go to 1x*) and they are £15 as I remember.
*I'm hoping as just purchased one!
getting closer...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RSP-Mino-1-X-Top-Chain-Guide-Band-On-31-8-34-9mm-Black/362264603925
Cheapest one I can see
Not sure how secure it would be (but I am partial to DH style guides personally)
What mount?
I got this, it's ace:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/funn-zippa-lite-e-type-chain-guide/rp-prod156068
I've got three helpers on mine: a Clarks narrow-wide ring (~£15), an N-Gage Jump Stop (~£11), and a bashring (~£10). That RSP one linked above looks a decent choice, too, if you're not going to get the drivetrain caked in turf.
Someone Correct me if I'm wrong but modifying this for 1x shouldn't be too much of a botch ???
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/e-thirteen-trs-dmb-dual-ring-chain-guide/rp-prod82800
Should have said no ISG mount on bike.
Thanks bigyan (I hadn't looked outside of "Chain Devices & Bash Rings") - that looks to be exactly the same as the Superstar XCR chain keeper but £4 cheaper.
Cheap thick thin ring and 10 speed chain, job done ....may be a bit more than 15 I spose
Has it got a narrow/wide? If not, do that first, it's way more effective than a top-only chainguide.
I've got one of these, it's been flaweless and does 2x and 1x.
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.RSP-Chain-Director-Chain-Guide_76633.htm
£13.75
I went narrow wide on my 1x9 and used to drop the chain when the rear took square edge hits on rocks etc. Not dropped a chain since fitting one of the Superstar top guides, and it does look exactly like that (cheaper) Hoy one.
Yeah got the narrow-wide. Still long cage rear mech though, perhaps could remove a link or two from chain, it sometimes comes off down a not quite pot-holed but lumpy-bumpy road if I'm feeling particularly energetic or rushed on my morning commute.
N-Gear Jump Stop. £10.
http://www.billys.co.uk/english/group.php?prod=chng-js
Had one for several years before narrow-wide came along and it worked flawlessly. You can also add a bash ring for extra confidence.
Have NW and 9 speed on one of the boys bikes, they bash that around and it's never dropped - I'd check the chain length first, free to drop a link or two.
The NW should <span style="text-decoration: underline;">probably</span> be enough on a 9sp ... perhaps its the long cage adding to the leverage and a few links???
I rode my 10sp HT lots with the clutch-off* and not a (frequent) problem with long cage and clutch off NW... but with the long cage and no clutch and 40T expander it started to be a problem.
*Actually the clutch wore out... on another bike and this got relegated but ...
I salvaged the med cage from another mech.. and stuck this on... and for other reasons around that hub and the expander and not needing it its running a 36T now and from memory hasn't dropped a chain... and it gets ridden down some steps and a few drop offs... If it was I'd have got round to transferring the clutch from the donor rear mech!