FAQ
Answer: Our current ring designs are compatible
Compatible Rings:
GUIDERING UL
GUIDERING SL(*Please see below for specifics)
E*SPEC DIRECT MOUNT CHAINRING
Incompatible Legacy Rings:
GUIDERING M (All styles: Direct Mount, 104BCD)
2X SHIFTRING
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Long Answer:
In 2019 Shimano® launched new 12-speed XTR®, XT®, SLX® Mountain bike groups. These 12-speed groups use a chain with a different shape than previous 12-speed chains.
We updated our chainring designs early in 2019 to be compatible with these new chains. 100% of Guidering UL are compatible with these new chains.
* The Guidering SL design has been updated for compatibility in 2019, however there may still be some older incompatible Guidering SL in retail locations. You can determine compatibility by looking for the laser etched version code on the inboard side of the ring in the form of "Vxx" where xx are the version numbers. V31 or V40 are 12s compatible. V30 or lower are not compatible.
Super boost compatibility requires one of our cranks with the adjustable chainline feature (such as the current Generation 3 alloy cranks or the current Generation 4 Carbon cranks). You would then use one of our UL (-5mm offset) rings with the ring in the outermost postion and the 3mm of chainline spacers placed inboard of the ring.
e*thirteen cranks without the adjustable chainline feature such as XCX and older generation carbon and alloy cranks are not super-boost compatible.
The telltale sound of a worn front ring is often a grinding noise which in some cases can be felt at the pedals under load while climbing in easier gears. So, how long should a ring last? That's not a really easy question to answer. Read below for more.
There are a large number of variables that go into how long a chainring will last. This makes it difficult to give a specific number of hours or miles before needing replacement. Some of those variables include riding conditions, chainring size, and drivetrain maintenance.
With the advent of modern 1x drivetrains, chainrings do need to be replaced more regularly than when 3x or 2x systems were the norm. This is due to wear occurring only on 1 ring rather than being spread out over 2 or 3 rings. Additionally, smaller 1x chainring sizes are also common which also increases wear speed - a 28T ring will wear about 15% faster than a 32t.
Also keep in mind that with smaller front chainrings, there may be cases where you will need to replace your ring due to wear before your chain is worn to a point requiring replacement.
The best thing you can do is keep your drivetrain clean & well lubed and regularly check the chain for wear.
Bolt circle diameter or BCD is the imaginary circle that passes through the center of all the chainring mounting holes. Most e*thirteen chainrings, bashguards and cranks use the most common BCD for mountain bikes, 64/104. We also make guiderings specifically for 120BCD SRAM cranks. Since measuring the actual BCD can be tricky, use this chart's B dimension to measure two adjacent bolt holes.
Click below to download
We optimized the chainline of the Guidering M to work best on e*thirteen cranks, but the 104bcd version will fit any 104 bcd crankset without inner chainring tabs.
Quick Connect rings feature an e*thirteen specific spline and are only suitable for e*thirteen cranks.
Click below to download
Guidering M technology increases chain retention on 9, 10 and 11 speed systems. However, due to the larger gaps between the plates on 9 and 10 speed chains, the level of retention is reduced when compared with 11 speed chains.
Adding a clutch rear derailleur will provide the best chain retention without a chainguide.
For 11sp XX1 or XO1 drivetrains we recommend Sram’s XX1 or XO1 chain. For 10sp drivetrains we recommend high quality Shimano chains such as XT or XTR.
Wear and tear on a Guidering M is highly dependent on riding conditions and bicycle maintenance. If you keep the ring and your chain clean, it should provide excellent life.
Replace your chain based on your chain manufacturers recommendations, as your guidering M will wear considerably faster when used with a worn chain.
Like any ring, if you start to see a loss in it’s chain retention properties it’s probably time for a new one.
Guiderings are designed to be run as a single front chainring, as a result they do not have shift features that will allow your chain to move from one ring to the other. While they will fit on most 104mm BCD cranks they are only intended for single front ring use.
For 32 tooth rings and larger, you will need chainring bolts with a 5mm T nut.
28 and 30 tooth chainrings should be installed with chainring bolts at least 6mm long.
Yes, all of our cranks and chainrings are 9, 10 and 11 speed compatible.
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, Guidering M notwithstanding.
As a new drive train ages, several factors can reduce the retention capability of the Guidering M including chain wear/stretch, ring wear, and rear derailleur clutch friction deterioration or failure.
For everyday riding, the Guidering M provides an exceptional level of chain retention when used with a clutch derailleur. Come race day, a 70g weight penalty for an TRS+ is a small price to pay for absolute peace of mind.