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As above really. My rear mech ate itself at the Ard Rock which I bodged but had to mince a lot of the rest of the race for fear of my chain bouncing off (which it did - lots). I was thinking that as I do a few more races, having that additional security of a minimal, top only guide might save me sometimes in cojunction with my otherwise ace, NW setup.
So, what is there out there? I've had the ten quid Superstar ones in the past which I was pretty pleased with but they needed some work with a file to squeeze under the swingarm on my Five.
What other options are there? Seen some on CRC for £70+ for a top only guide?! Sod that!
New OneUp one looks like value, low weight too
Gamut SXC is nice. simple, light, effective and reasonably priced. Or they do the SXR with built in Taco guard.
The one-ups look like the best I've seen - but I've yet to see one in the flesh so can't say what build is like. I should have mine in the next day or two though as they look the best minimal ones on the market (for the price)
Very similar to the OneUp which is out of stock 😕
http://77designz.com/product/freesolo-iscg-05
Ive got a 77 designs one and their little bash guard as do 4 of my mates. It seems to work well, although I lost my chain at the ArdRock still! I think it was back pedalling a quarter turn through rough bits. I was setting up for a corner in those woods on the first stage with all the big rocks hidden under soft dirt. No top-only guide will stop that but it was a shame.
I have a 77 designs one. It was pretty expensive once including shipping to NZ. It's not 100% effective so I'm also looking for a minimalist top & roller guide.
How much is the One-Up guide? Not actually seen for sale anywhere yet. I cut up a superstar XCX guide to try and improve security a bit but I've yet to see if it works
I'd stick with the usual suggestions e-thirteen, MRP, Hope etc. and if you have isgc tabs use them.
Have tried cheaper Superstar (and other similar) guides, soft bendy horrible things - avoid.
I use an thirteen bb mount one like this on my 5. Need to get into the habit of always peddling forward though to get the chain back on if it does jump off.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/e-thirteen-xcx-chain-guide-32-42t/rp-prod87855