Bash Rings and Guards Review

Bash rings and guards are two design elements that are placed on a bike to protect the rider or the bike itself. A bash ring is often made of aluminum or polycarbonate that is mounted on the outside section of the chainrings on most mountain bikes. Bash rings are also often installed on downhill, trial bikes or free ride bikes to help protect the chain and the bike chainrings against rocks and other types of debris. When they are installed on a trial bike, they are usually added not only to protect the chain and the chainring, but also to be used by the rider as a tool to perform stunts. The chainring is the sprocket that attaches to the bike’s cranks, or arms that the pedal attaches to. This, in part, explains why the bashrings designed to trial bikes have tooth-like profiles and are wider than those that are made for downhill bikes. Bashrings, such as Raceface bash rings and FSA bashrings, are also frequently installed on street bikes where they are used not only to protect the chain but also the chainring from grinding on obstacles during rough riding.

Why Do I Need it?

Using a bashguard, bash ring, or even bike chain guards will protect you and your bike from rocks, boulders and logs when you’re riding on the trail. This is especially important if you’re out riding by yourself, since this may save you from getting stranded miles away from help. Bash rings and guards can also save you and your bike from costly bike repair and maintenance, since they are created to protect some of the bike’s most vulnerable parts. If, for instance, you are a single track cross country rider, adding a bashguard can help you gain ground clearance as well as add aesthetic appeal to your bike. Bash guards and rings, as made by Truvativ bash guards, Mtb, and Shimano bash guards, can help prevent damage to you and your bike if you hit logs, stumps and rocks while riding advanced or technical trails. If you plan on riding on concrete and performing stunts, a sturdy bash guard will take a beating from the urban environment saving your chain ring from abuse.

Major Manufacturers

Straitline Components, Shimano, Kool Stop, MRP, Salsa, SKS, Syncros, Truativ, K-Edge, Odyssey.

Pricing

Bash rings and guards are generally inexpensive to buy and range in price from $34.99 for a FSA Alloy bashring to $44.31 for an Atlas-FR bashring.