Like bad Enduro Jokes, and 650B envy, 1x drivetrains are suddenly cool. Recent advancements such as narrow wide chain rings, cassette adapters, and silly expensive drivetrains, have allowed the masses to ditch the front derailleur, without sacrificing gearing.
An unexpected outcome of this new technology is the gradual extinction of the full chainguide, because the new stuff works so well, it’s rare to drop a chain when using a narrow wide chainring and clutch equipped derailleur. Of course, when racing or simply out there pushing the limits, it pays to be prepared. For those who desire a little extra security, the Gamut Trail SXC guide is a inexpensive solution, that comes with a minimal weight penalty.
Available for BB, ISCG, and ISCG05 mounts, the guide works with 32-40T chainrings.
Installation is a simple and straight forward process that requires removing the drive side crank arm. On our Specialized Stumpy Evo test bike, which was running Raceface Next SL Cranks, we made use of all 9 washers supplied – plus 4 more sourced around the shop.
This coins stack of washers was required due to how far out the chainring on the ultra light carbon cranks protrudes from the frame.
On the scale, the svelte package weighed a mere 67 g. Claimed weight for the BB mount is 52 g , but the claimed 54 g for the ISCG05 version does not factor in mounting hardware.
The siren red anodized plate and grey polyurethane slider weighed 55 g, while the three flush Allen bolts weighed 12g.
With a few hundred miles on the Gamut SXC now, it’s been through a variety of conditions with no issues, and continues to run silently while preventing any dropped chains. It’s the type of component that when it’s doing its job, you don’t even notice it’s there.
X01/XX1 drivetrains are notoriously silent, and the guide has not intruduced any undue noise, except when the chain is in the smallest cog in the rear. Even then, it only slightly rubs because of the cranks used, and how far away from the frame the chainring sits. There is no added friction to the system, and we have noticed no visible wear on the guide mechanism.
While a system like SRAM XX1 should prevent dropped chains, using a chain guide is the only way to ensure seamless performance in all conditions. Whether you race, or just want 100% confidence in your drivetrain, the Gamut Trail SXC guide is a great piece of lightweight and reliable kit, whcih retails for only $59.99.
Learn more at Gamut
