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Blackspire Big Ring Bash Guard
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Product: Blackspire bash guard. Configuration: 4-arm, 104 bolt-circle-diameter (bcd) model. Covers my 44t big ring. Test Platform: Kona Dawg Primo. Product Put in Service: July 2007. Reviewed by: Rich Ries. Cost: $75 MSRP; varies with exchange rate as Black Spire is a Canadian company. We paid $38 from an online vendor. Mass/Weight: 323 g./11.4 oz. with hardware. Recommended? Yes.
Executive Summary: Keep your triple while protecting your big `ring from rocks and logs. Lots of other sizes and styles available.
Ratings
(1 is lowest, 5 is highest)
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Comments
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Effectiveness
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5
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No big ring dings since installed
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Ease of Installation
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5
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Comes with extra-long ring bolts
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Cost/Value
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5
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Cheaper than a single big ring; `way cheaper than multiple big rings
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Style
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5
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It says “BIG RING” right on it!
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As my Kona goads me into tackling bigger and gnarlier obstacles, my distaste for pranging my big ring becomes the main thing holding me back. (That, common sense, and a fear of tedious recovery from painful injury.) Big rings ain't cheap, and it doesn't take too many whacks against logs and rocks to send a big ring to the scrap pile. I'd rather buy one bash guard than a dozen big rings.
I'm not the wildest rider on the trail, but I have put the Blackspire to frequent use since I installed it. Each time it has done exactly what I wanted it to do - it has provided protection for my big ring. Our Big Ring Protector has not deformed despite some seriously heavy hits.
Many similar products replace the big `ring, leaving you with just a middle and a granny up front. I'm not much of a climber but I descend pretty well, and preserving my big `ring was an important factor in selecting this guard. Some of those other guards have serrations or teeth on their edges to help riders pedal over logs. I've not found the smooth perimeter of the Blackspire to be a disadvantage.
If there is a disadvantage, it is mass. The Blackspire adds 323 grams - about three-quarters of a pound - to a bike that was already pretty porky. The silver lining to that dark cloud of mass is that the Big Ring Protector itself is bash-worthy. Since we bought our bash guard Blackspire has expanded their offerings to more than a dozen models, including one with a claimed mass of just 70 grams (2.5 ounces). Also in that extensive lineup are other models of the Big Ring Protector in 94, 110, and 112 bcd styles.
A heavy big ring bash guard doesn't belong on a lightweight race bike or an XC rig, but on a go-anywhere, “C'mon we can clean it" tank like my Kona, it's a virtual necessity.
Photos
An unprotected big ring looks so vulnerable - because it is.
The extra-long chainring bolts needed to secure the guard come with it. A dab of Permatex blue gel threadlocker will ensure that the guard and rings stay happily wedded to the crank spider. Loctite also offers a fine medium-strength threadlocker (#242) as well as a number of special applications products (e.g. oil resistant, high temp). But I've had great results with Devcon Permatex products and I really like the twist applicator and gel consistency.
The installed bash guard gives excellent protection to my 44-tooth big ring. Despite the seemingly tight clearance between the guard and the front derailleur, shifting was unaffected. There's plenty of room for my Race Face Evolve's crank arm; even a Saint arm should fit.