Not too long ago, bashguards were a relatively common sight on many mountain bikes, especially those with longer travel numbers. Over the course of the last decade or so, they have gone the way of the dinosaur and become all but extinct, save for some of the older long-travel bikes that some people are still riding, collecting, or are just collecting dust in people’s garages.
While narrow-wide chainrings and clutched derailleurs have reduced the frequency of dropped chains and the need for chainguides, the risk of bashing one’s chainring and chain hasn’t exactly gone down, and the cost of drivetrain components has steadily increased over time. It’s just as easy, if not easier, to smash your bottom bracket/drivetrain into some rocks as it has always been, and it seems even more common on today’s heavyweight eMTBs.
While there are still some bashguard and chainguide combos available that bolt onto your bike’s ISCG mounts, they are less common these days, and full-on bashguard rings have essentially been forgotten. The folks at e*thirteen haven’t forgotten, however, and they are reintroducing the Turbocharger Race bashguard for eMTBs. The new Turbocharger is an integrated system including a spider, bashguard, and chainring that has been designed specifically for use with e-bikes to protect expensive drivetrain components — and e-bike motors.
“We are excited to reintroduce the legendary Turbocharger to the market. e-bike riders looking for performance, durability, and clean aesthetics now have a reliable bashguard and chainguide solution. The Turbocharger not only provides unbeatable protection but also adds to the bike’s clean, integrated look.” -Dennis Beare (e*thirteen Product Manager)
Turbocharger Race e*spec
This new bashguard system is designed to integrate seamlessly with many popular e-bike drive systems on the market, including Bosch SX/CX, TQ-HPR50, Fazua Ride 60, and DJI Avinox. Since most performance ebikes don’t directly connect your chainring and crankarms, relying instead on direct mount rings in many cases, it’s a little more difficult to install a bashguard directly to your cranks. This kit solves that issue and includes a composite bashguard ring, a forged and CNC-machined 104 BCD spider, and a 7075 aluminum Helix 104 BCD narrow-wide chainring (32T or 34T). It also includes all of the necessary mounting hardware, as well as spacers to run the chainring and spider without the bashguard if needed.
There are actually 4 different forged & machined alloy spiders – each to fit either Bosch, DJI, Fazua, or TQ motor output shafts. And then the chainring and bashguard interface is standard 4-bolt 104mm BCD, so you can easily replace the included ring with one of the many steel or aluminum chainrings available on the market for high-torque eMTB use.
Additionally, e*thirteen offers Turbocharger-compatible upper sliders separately for e*spec chainguides, should you need the utmost chain retention. Regardless of motor brand, all Turbochargers are designed with offsets to maintain a 55 mm chainline. Claimed weights range between 219 and 244 grams, depending on the motor system.
Features and Benefits
- Compatible with Bosch SX/CX, TQ HPR 50, Fazua Ride 60, and DJI Avinox motors
- Complete spider, bashguard, and chainring assembly for comprehensive protection and broad compatibility
- Available in 32T and 34T options
- Compact, integrated aesthetic that complements modern drive systems
- Helix 104 BCD chainrings feature the latest M4 narrow-wide tooth profile for superior chain retention, long wear life, and compatibility with Shimano, TRP, and SRAM 11/12-speed drivetrains (including T-type)
- 104 BCD spider means extensive aluminum and steel aftermarket chainring options
- Turbocharger-compatible upper sliders are also available separately for e*thirteen e*spec chainguides, ensuring unbeatable chain retention
It is worth mentioning that e*thirteen only guarantees compatibility with its own cranks. For non-e*thirteen cranks, the brand urges users to check compatibility information before ordering, which you can do on the e*thirteen website.
e*thirteen Turbocharger Race e*spec: Pricing and Availability
All sizes and configurations of the Turbocharger Race e*spec bashguard system retail for $99.95 (€99.95, £94.95). Additionally, the upper slider for e*spec chainguides is sold separately for $12.95 (€12.95, £11.95) and can be added to your order when purchasing. Bosch, Fazua, and TQ compatible versions are available now with either 32T or 34T rings. The DJI model is not yet available, but will come in 34T only.
Head to the e*thirteen website to learn more or to purchase the Turbocharger bashguard for your eMTB.
