Reddit mentions: The best bike chain deflectors

i've got a franken-gravel bike that's like this - i took the big chainring off and put the small one on the outermost side of the crank (where the big one was) to help keep the chain line straight.

if you can manage to find a 'narrow-wide' chain ring - it's a solid investment, helps to keep the chain on.

I don't have a front der, so I used this (https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Torqlite-UL-Chain-Guide/dp/B008ZTLV9W/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008ZTLV9W&pd_rd_r=2b612691-9413-4481-b9a3-7bdbcd0d8d19&pd_rd_w=Gk3jV&pd_rd_wg=9HtN6&pf_rd_p=87f46b45-938f-430f-a8e4-ecf1b1b39902&pf_rd_r=4H18PQ2X8TQ7MSQ0KK85&psc=1&refRID=4H18PQ2X8TQ7MSQ0KK85) in conjunction with the narrow-wide ring to keep the chain from bouncing off

it's a great idea - consider a mountain bike cassette and a small chainring to help you with the climbs. The big thing I have to deal with is not shifting under load, when the chain comes off - it's off. Without the front der. there's nothing to help you get the chain back on the ring without stopping and doing it with your hands

If you want to go to a 1x9 setup, use a bashguard in place of the big ring, and get an N-Gear Jump Stop

This is what I have. Shorten your chain to proper length and get a proper single chain ring, they have longer teeth. I haven't dropped a chain once with this setup, and I like to ride rocky trails where things bounce around.

Sounds like you have a square taper cartridge bottom bracket? That's what I currently have as well, but sitting on the table is my new Race Face crankset with external BB. While you certainly don't need to change cranks, I'm doing so because I ride rocky terrain and the new cranks will do a lot better, and take more hits. They're also a lot lighter than my current crankset/bb.

Yeah it will change gears fine, just mount your front ring with good chainline.

A chain catcher like this: http://www.amazon.com/N-Gear-Jump-Chain-Guide-Watcher/dp/B001CJXEKG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414128685&sr=8-1&keywords=chain+watcher will add extra security cheaply.

I ran my KM 1x9. I liked it but I had a lot of problems with chains exploding. I used a Truvativ Stylo 1.1 crank with an XTR rear derailleur. Hooked it up, aligned that track drop and ran it. I used a jump stop to prevent dropping my chain and a chaingaurd on the outside. Worked pretty well, but I never could dial it in just right. I run a 2x9 now and it works great.

Judging by your chain rings, this is an older bike. In the past few years, chain stops have been introduced to prevent this from happening. I use one (N-Gear) and have had very few problems since it was installed. The newer ones (if they are more carefully adjusted) may even work better. Links to three chain stoppers on Amazon are provided below. Your local bike shop may also be able to help. Adjusting your stops on your front derailleur to its most conservative setting (that still works) will help.


http://www.amazon.com/N-Gear-Chain-Guide-Watcher-34-9mm/dp/B0029LKXPA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348718647&sr=8-1&keywords=chain+stop


or


http://www.amazon.com/Third-Eye-Bicycle-Chainwatcher-Universal/dp/B000AO3HO2/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1

or

http://www.amazon.com/Redline-Cyclo-Cross-Chain-Keeper-31-8mm/dp/B001398H8O/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3

If the remaining chainring is a ramped one with ramps to make the chain shift easier, you might need something to keep it on. Since you already have a bashguard you can put one of these dog tooth things on the other side. https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Origiin8-Chain-Deflector-Black/dp/B07BZP91ZL

Oh hey, I was in the same boat. I swapped over to 1x from 3x at the front and my chain would fall off the front ring in rough sections. I tossed one of these on the front https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Torqlite-Chain-Guide-31-8-34-9mm/dp/B008ZTLV9W?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2 , and once I got it set up super close to the chagrining it did its job. No more issues with the chain popping off, and cheaper than a new derailer with a clutch.

A little late to this thread, but on my 29er I had the same sort of issue with the chain coming off. Total pain in the ass. I installed a chain guide courtesy of Amazon and it hasn't fallen off since when having to shift to those lower gears. Good luck!

Had the same issue with a DB Hook. If it’s that cheap plastic piece above and below your chain ring, don’t bother with their chain guides, get a proper narrow wide chain ring and if you really want to, there’s this guide on amazon.

Origin8 Torqlite UL Chain Guide, Mini Clamp On (31.8 - 34.9mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZTLV9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_U.CdBbYGY2MRT

Raceface makes a relatively cheap, well made narrow-wide chain ring.

RaceFace 104mm Single Chain Ring, Black, 32T 9/10/11 Speed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3FG5EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_waDdBbE7C18PJ

Or a cheaper chain guide like this one..

N-Gear Jump Stop Chain Guide/Watcher 32mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CJXEKG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_nVP9wbZ6DZNPM

This might work. It’s not a chain guard, but will keep the chain on.


https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Torqlite-UL-Chain-Guide/dp/B008ZTLV9W

Wait...I think I used the wrong term. The chainguard you refer to, I'm thinking, is the plastic disc, about the size of the chainwheel.

I meant to say a chain guide. Like this. As far as I know the BBS02 comes with a chainring chainguard but does not come with a chain guide.

I don't run any kind of chainguide for the riding I do, which is either fast and flowy or technical (roots errywhere) XC, with the occasional drop/jump.

My entire reason for going shadow+ was to quiet the bike up. Before replacing the derailleur and going 1x10, coming down a rooty section sounded like a toolbox falling down a flight of stairs, and that's with serious chainstay padding.

The only thing I hear anymore is the very occasional slap and every now and then some rub on the RF bash I have mounted up. I use the bash and a JumpStop to keep the chain on, I've had one chain drop since going to this setup, and that was in a wipeout.

If you're getting a clutch derailleur AND the upper guide/bash, I wouldn't sweat the ring. You really have to work to throw a chain from the bottom with the new mechs. The tension is adjustable, too, you can always crank it up or down if shifting gets too hard or you keep dropping chains.