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I am fairly new new to mountain biking, I have already broken a few teeth off the big chain ring, I hardly use it so I plan to take it off and get a bash gaurd to protect the middle and bottom one, do I also need to replace the front mech and shifter on the handle bar or is there enough adjustment to stop it moving past the middle ring. Thought I'd ask before I start and create problems for myself.
Nope leave it as is. You can tune it to work. You may want to consider increasing the middle ring size by 2 or 4 t though.
Just chuck a bash ring on. Certainly no need for new mech and shifter.
I have done exactly what you are proposing except that I changed my middle 32t ring for 36t which gives me sufficient range for my local terrain. I simply tighten the front mech adjuster screw to stop the mech moving over that far which also prevents the bar lever from clicking to the third position.
Thanks for the advice
Or buy a half bash and keep all three...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/race-face-triple-half-bashguard-protector/
Although in fairness if you have already broken the teeth off the outer it'll be cheaper to buy a normal bash!