Do I need this bit!?

[ScottyB]

The clean plastic round thingy which I think protects the wheel side of my chain and chainset seems to have broken - one of the plastic clips has snapped.

Do I need this bit, will my chain be filthy without it or can I purchase a new one - and fit it myself?

Thanks!

 

[Peteaud]

No you dont need it, but make sure the rear mech is set right.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Do I need this bit?!

Nope, as long as your limiter screws are correctly set just bin it.

[EDIT] cross posted with Pete, must type faster

 

[Peteaud]

Nope, as long as your limiter screws are correctly set just bin it.

[EDIT] cross posted with Pete, must type faster

Great minds and 2 correct replys will give the OP the confidence they require.

 

[ianrauk]

no...

 

[Profpointy]

No you don't need it; bin it. I have never had one on any of my bikes

That said, you do need to be marginally more diligent in adjusting the gears so they don't jump off the inside end. That said, you'd be pretty unlucky if they actually go in the spokes

 

[Tanis8472]

I always thought they were there to keep the oily crud off the wheel!!

 

[02GF74]

I always thought they were there to keep the oily crud off the wheel!!

nope, common error is to cover the chain in oil/grease which only results in dirt and grease sticking to it making it wear quickly. all the surfaces on a chain should be dry except those that move, namley the rollers. after lubricating a chain, run it through a cloth toi remove the excess.

 

[Tanis8472]

nope, common error is to cover the chain in oil/grease which only results in dirt and grease sticking to it making it wear quickly. all the surfaces on a chain should be dry except those that move, namley the rollers. after lubricating a chain, run it through a cloth toi remove the excess.

That I do know Its amazing how many cruddy chains I see

 

[Titanium]

I'd agree, you don't need it. On the other hand, if you don't mind it being there, visually or whatever... it does provide just that bit more insurance that the chain won't mash the spokes if it happens to de-rail off of the largest sprocket. If the rear mech and shifters are correctly set up, the chance of the chain getting thrown towards the spokes is tiny - but it's still possible. I wonder if if it's ever happened in the Tour de France or similar? There's a subject.

 

[Davidc]

Think of the weight saving when you take it off!

 

[SomethingLikeThat]

Even with that plastic thing on the derailleur could still go into the spokes if it was incorrectly adjusted.