Background:

Our lower rollers found on LG1 and Vario chainguides were developed for DH use before high-pivot enduro bikes were present on the market. Because DH applications are much less pedal intensive than enduro applications, the rubber compounds we selected for them were prioritized to reducing noise and chainslap, rather than long wear life on a more pedal intensive application.

Problem:

With the advent of trail, AM and enduro high-pivot bikes, lower rollers seeing pedal intensive use, extreme conditions and over preloading of the roller can see accelerated wear rates. 

Solutions: 

• Short term: 
  • Ensure chain length is correct.
  • Ensure lower slider position is correct for chainring size. A lower slider positioned "high and tight" for a smaller ring size than is actually being used, can cause accelerated wear.
  • Riders experiencing accelerated wear can reach out to us via our support page and we will provide a discounted rate for replacement rollers. 
• Long term:
  • e*thirteen will offer a lower roller with a compound that exhibits better wear characteristics for high-pivot, pedal intensive applications in the near future.