FAQ
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.
While it is technically possible to run an oval or elliptical chainring with your TRS or LG1 Chainguide the chain retention capability of the guide is diminished. This is is due to the gap which opens at the slider location as the narrow part of the ring passes thru the slider.
One should also note the max ring capacity of the chainguide will not be the same as when running a round ring. A guide with a 34t max capacity may only be able to accomodate a 30 or 32 tooth ring depending on the profile of the ring.
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For most of our guides the backplate is the bulk of the cost of the guide, so we don't offer replacement backplates for all guides. Check your guide's service parts diagram to see if backplates are available for your guide. In some cases it may make sense to get a new complete guide.
It’s no secret we make chainguides - accordingly, we are pretty enthusiastic about keeping chains on. For the best chain retention with a minimal weight penalty, we still recommend a guide with an upper slider like our TRS+ guide, narrow-wide notwithstanding.
As a new drive train ages, several factors can reduce the retention capability of the narrow-wide rings including chain wear/stretch, ring wear, and rear derailleur clutch friction deterioration or failure.
For everyday riding, narrow-wide rings like our UL, SL and Helix direct mount rings provide an exceptional level of chain retention when used with a clutch derailleur. Come race day, a 70-150g weight penalty for a chainguide is a small price to pay for absolute peace of mind.