Since a spoke protector happens to be matter in this reality, it weighs something. That’s a problem because cyclists don’t like extra weight even if it amounts to 50-100 grams. 3. “Anti-pro” Looks Cheaper bicycles have entry-level components that do not operate as majestically as their “upgraded brothers” relying on the latest cycling technology. If a spoke protector breaks or detaches from the spokes, it can make the cassette or freewheel jam. This can result in irregular behavior of the rear derailleur and chain. This problem could be prevented by cleaning the wheel regularly, inspecting the area and replacing the guard when needed. 2. Wear and Tear Had I not adjusted the derailleur, the chain would have slowly eaten away my rear wheel. I say slowly because this short 50-meter climb was the only part of my commute necessitating the lowest gear.

Having said that, the protector doesn’t offer 100% protection. For example, if the derailleur gets bent inward, it may reach the spokes in an area that the guard doesn’t cover. Does a Spoke Protector Have Any Other Benefits? The most likely buyers of basic bicycles are beginners who don’t have the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain their machines efficiently. Some rare discs disassemble into two parts or at least unclip in one spot remove easily. You may be able to to this without removing the whole wheel, but it’s easier to work on the wheel itself. There are more reasons for removing a spoke guard than for using it. It’s only marginally useful but can be very irritating while riding and look unpleasant. In the end, removing a the dork disc is a personal preference.

MTB Spoke Guards

If you have a spoke protector on, it will keep the chain away from the spokes. Therefore, even if the bike coasts for some distance after a chain drop, you will most likely not lose a spoke. Other Scenarios that Could Make the Chain Drop Dork discs are not necessary or even particularly useful. They only help when gears are set up wrong, so the problem isn’t solved by installing a spoke guard. It just helps slightly in the worst-case scenario when the chain falls off the cassette. Relying on a dork disc, therefore, is a dork move. Should you remove the spoke protector?

Hardly a surprise, since people sometimes ask the employees to remove the “dork disc” before purchasing a bicycle. They measure 450mm in diameter and have a 100mm access hole in the centre. An instruction sheet is included.All the same, the ball is on your side. If you want to take the risk, make sure your derailleur limit screws are correctly adjusted. As mentioned in the introduction, the work of the spoke protector is mainly to prevent the chain from reaching the spokes. Mostly, if the derailleur is not well set, it pulls the chain laterally. When the misalignment is significant, it could lead to the chain dropping.

So, is a spoke protector necessary? I believe we all know the answer is yes. For riders who like going off-road, a spoke guard can prove to be vital. When brake pads are dirtied, they lose their efficiency, and they also make a lot of squeaky noises. These noises are irritating, and brakes with compromised efficiency can be catastrophic. Do You Need a Spoke Protector – Which is the Best One? Modern spoke protectors have been degraded to cheap plastics, but that hasn’t always been the case. In a similar situation, a spoke guard would protect the spokes by acting as a shield. “A rhythmic sound is coming from my rear wheel when climbing steep hills. Why?From a technical point of view, you shouldn’t remove the spoke protector. Furthermore, an accident can make a perfectly indexed derailleur drop the chain in. If that were ever to happen and find you without a spoke guard, the chain would completely destroy your wheel. The bounce could be big enough for the chain to go off the cog. You never want this to happen when you don’t have the spoke guard on. The disc comes off easily right after the cassette. Reassemble and install the wheel again. Done. 2. Unclip spoke guard, that’s closed with clips Even if you have your derailleur adjusted by the most talented mechanic on the planet, a spoke protector can still be valuable in case of a sudden chain drop caused by an emergency.