Chain retention on most 1x chainrings is usually enough to keep the chain from dropping. Usually. For those who can’t afford a dropped chain or just want more peace of mind, chain guides are making a comeback. But they’re also undergoing constant improvements to make them lighter, more compact, and drag free. The new guides from OneUp will help keep your chain in place and may just save your chainring…
For a lot of riders, something like the new Low Direct Mount Guide for S3/E-Type mounts could be the perfect amount of protection. Weighing in at just 20g, the tiny little guide sits at the top of the chainring and guides the chain without rubbing. Should the chain bounce off the ring, it will hit the sides of the guide plate and you should be able to pedal it back on. Built to fit 26-36t chainrings, depending on the size you’ll need to use one of the three included range backplates (28-32, 32-34 and 36T). Once the backplate is installed, chainline adjustments are made with the included shims which sit between the guide and the back plate for easy installation. Boost and Oval chainring compatible, the guides offer 5.5mm of total chainline adjustment and include both black and green reinforced nylon guides with stainless hardware for $32.
If you’d like a little extra protection along with your chainguide, OneUp is now offering their ISCG 05 Bash Guide. Essentially their lightweight upper guide mixed with a lower skid plate, the upper guide is adjustable from 28-36t while the lower bash guard includes three different size plates for the different chainring sizes (87g 28-30T, 102g 32-34T, 105g 36T). Available in ISCG 05 mounting only, the Bash Guide has the same specs as their Low Direct Mount Guide with 5.5mm of chainline adjustment with included shims, black and green nylon upper guides, and stainless steel hardware with a 7075 aluminum back plate and sells for $79.
