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Tyre choices and Chain Guides


Rich de Pom's picture

By Rich de Pom - Posted on 30 June 2014

Just wondering what the 27.5 guys are running and where to buy. Currently have Schwalbes Racing Ralphs which for the front are ok and the rear is dreadful and have worn down in a couple of months riding.
Great if you want to slide into the berms but let me down on the looser stuff.
Also want to know some more info on getting a good chain guide for my 1 x 11. I think I have 34teeth on a SRAM X01 and want to make sure that puppy is protected. Looking at the MRP G3 but would like some opinions out there in NobMob world.

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TheOneRing's picture

Regarding the chain guide, are you looking for a guide to keep the chain on, a bash guard to protect the ring or a combination of both like the G3?

I would have thought that the X01 system wouldn't require any sort of chain guide to keep the chain in place. Indeed, the only reason why I run a chain guide (MRP Lopes SL) is that I converted to a single ring about 4 years ago, before narrow wide options were available. It doesn't have a built in bash guard like the G3 but, with about 5,000ks on the clock with the existing MRP ring, it hasn't been damaged. This is the 3rd bike that I have set up with a single ring and none have needed a bash guard.

Don't forget that you get significantly more clearance with a single ring vs a triple so you are less likely to catch it. The biggest risk in the Sydney area is from rock strikes but you would need to be pretty unlucky to bend a ring in my experience.

Assuming that my MRP ring does need to be replaced at some point, I will be 100% happy to replace it with a narrow wide ring, no bash guard and maybe just a top guide for security.

kitttheknightrider's picture

Rich, I am running Ikons instead of RR's and could not be happier. I don't do enough k's / ride enough to comment on wear yet but I have no complaints so far and neither am I coming back from every ride with new scuff marks / nicks in my sidewalls. Got them from Pushy's. If you want a little more grip then I can also recommend Ardent Race, also from Pushy's but they won't roll as well.

VTSS350's picture

It really depends on the type of riding you are doing????

On my Carbon Tracer I am running a Rock Razor on the rear and a High roller II on the front. On the Anthem I am running Crossmarks front and rear. I am happy with my tyre choices at the minute.

VRC's picture

HR II on front & Ardent on the back make for a good combo for enduro type rides, not too bad for XC as well maybe a bit slower than other combos but ok.

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