Chain Guides & Bash Guards – Optimal Protection and Guidance for Your Bike
Chain guides are your loyal sidekick when trail riding: they keep your chain exactly where it belongs – on the chainring – even when things get rough.
They are especially useful on mountain bikes and on gravel bikes with 1x drivetrains, ensuring reliable power transfer even in challenging terrain.
Bash guards, on the other hand, primarily protect the chainring from damage caused by rocks, roots, or other obstacles.
They act as robust shields and significantly extend the lifespan of your drivetrain components.
want read more.
When Chain Guides Make Sense
Chain guides are particularly recommended in the following situations:
- Mountain biking, trail riding, and demanding fast gravel: For rough terrain and high loads
- Enduro and downhill: For maximum safety during extreme riding maneuvers
- 1x drivetrains: Compensate for the lack of front derailleur
- E-mountain bikes: Reliably handle higher torque
- Competition and racing: Prevent costly dropped chains
Areas of Application for Bash Guards
Bash guards are mainly used in the following scenarios:
- Technical trails: Protection from sharp rocks and root sections
- Downhill tracks: Maximum protection at high speeds
- Bike parks: Robust equipment for intensive use
- All-mountain tours: Durability for a wide range of uses
The Most Important Mounting Standards in Detail
ISCG 05 – The Versatile Standard
The ISCG 05 system offers the widest selection of compatible chain guides and bash guards. With its standardized 3-hole mounting, it is the most common interface for modern mountain bike frames.
Braze-on Mount – Proven and Reliable
Braze-on mounts are permanently attached to the frame and offer an especially stable fixing. They are ideal if the frame does not have integrated mounting points and allow for subsequent installation.
Crank Spider – Direct Integration
Mounting on the crank spider enables a compact design and optimal power transfer. Especially popular among weight-conscious riders and modern drivetrain systems.
High Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount & S3 | E-Type
These specialized mounting standards provide tailored solutions for specific frame and drivetrain combinations. They allow for precise adaptation to respective geometric requirements.