Submitted by
Daniel Abernethy
a Racer
from Santa Cruz CA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
420
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
THC
Strengths:
Works on triples - the only product that does.
Weaknesses:
Not as thick as an XTR BB spacer - Possibly affecting chainline for those without shim stock.
Similar Products Used:
None - no other device on the market that retains chain, allows backpedaling, and triple shifting. Super D secret weapon.
Bike Setup:
BLT - dialed for me.
Bottom Line:
follow up to my original post.
I bought this device to keep my chain on after dropping chain on 2 seperate CCCX DH's.
After taking 2nd in the 06 series, 2nd in 07 spring series, and 1st in 07 fall series this device is a resounding race winning component.
If you ride triple rings and are a hard charger - get one.
These will be marketed by e13 soon, they bought the Heim design. Thats how well they work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
R. Sean Hayes
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, Ca Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Steep & Fast!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
P. Point
Strengths:
Conceptually unique.
Weaknesses:
should be beefier... It has bent before. Derails chain upon back pedalling.
Similar Products Used:
AC Chain guide
Bike Setup:
Stumpy FSR
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my review below: I stepped the roller that comes with the 3guide and it now works great... No more drops. Ironically, it now performs as well as my "welfare chain guide"/"zip tie roller". Oh well!
The guide gets a value of 1 chili and I'm going to give myself an overall of 5 chilis for all the hardwork I put in. : )
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, CA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything steep and fast!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
price pt
Strengths:
conceptually unique...
Weaknesses:
Doesn't do what it was intended for. Could be beefier.
Similar Products Used:
AC chain guide, Zip tie Roller
Bike Setup:
Stumpy FSR
Bottom Line:
I read the reviews and I was curious about the Heim's performance because, it seemed to work pretty well. My experience with this guide however, has been far from good. On my first test it threw the chain more often than if I had no guide at all. So, I took it to a pro bike-mech friend for a re-install, just in case, then 4 more re-adjusts and tests of my own, I finally got it to work, up to a point.
The roller derails the chain upon backpedalling when entering a turn in bumpy terrain, causing the chain to drop to next smallest ring. Yes, my derailluer is set up correctly. I've read similar derailling problems for some reviewers.
The flaw is in the rollers design. The roller should be stepped (similar to MRP's, LRP roller) rather then conical. I think a bit of grinding, creating steps, should fix the problem.
Why the guide works for some and not others is a mystery to me. I called Jon Heim twice about how to make it work, he gave me some suggestions, none of which helped because, it was already set up properly. He wanted to sell me more product and ended our conversation with "Umm, this isn't a big company, it's just me and I do this in my spare time, soo!" Hint! Hint!...you're on your own! I called a few more times and sent him an e-mail with pics with no response. Soo, I suppose in Jon's mind he's off the hook and he doesn't have to come up with a solution to this problem. I own a small company too, and ignoring customer complaints isn't an option.
I think stepping the roller is the solution, since it's the roller that's derailling the chain. If this doesn't work then I'm going back to my Zip Tie Roller (Pinkbike.com), it works great for 3 rings and it's virtually free if you have the rollers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Vowles
a Cross Country Rider
from Bath. England Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Browns Folly
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Simple to install. Simple construction. Fit and forget.
Weaknesses:
Ummmmm. None really, though you have to be careful when tackling large logs or other trail obstructions as you could bend it if come down hard on the bottom bracket / large chainring, but I guess this is the same for all chain devices.
Similar Products Used:
None. This is the only 3 ring chain guide I could find. Had to have it shipped in from the US as unavailable in the UK.
Bike Setup:
S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 120 / Rock Shox Revelation Dual Air U-Turn Forks / Mavic 717 Rims on Hope Pro II Hubs / Hope Mono M4 200mm Front Brake / Hope Mono Mini 160 Rear Brake / SRAM X9 Rear Mech & Shifters / XT Chainset & Front Mech / Thomson Seat Post & Stem / Easton EA80 Bars / Charge Spoon Saddle / Time Attack XS Pedals...I think thats it at the moment :)
Bottom Line:
Running 3 rings at the front, the Heim 3 was the only chain guide I could find. I ride aggressive XC and suffered continual chain drop and slap which was scratching the chain stays and seat stays to bits.
Prior to a trip to Morzine inthe Alps, I ordered one of the devices based on MTBR reviews and have been delighted with it. It really is a fit and forget item and, to date, I haven't lost a chain and have even taken the neoprene paint protector off the seat stay as it isn't needed anymore.
Highy recommended.
:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Altos, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Downieville Big Boulder
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Easy to install, eliminates chain slap, chain dropping of any of the chain rings, chain suck
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
First chain guide used other than on a single speed
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro 6" travel, fox 5.0 dhx air, Maverick Duc 32 Fork, XTR and XO parts
Bottom Line:
If your chain falls off the chain ring going through rough trails, or you hear the nasty chain slap this will solve the problem. Added benefit is elimination of the nasty chain suck that comes from the Shimano chain rings. This product rocks!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
N*
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$54.00
Purchased At:
rideSFO.net
Strengths:
Light, doesnt make annoying noises like other guides, looks really good
Weaknesses:
None that I have found. I've greased the spindle once when I got it.
Similar Products Used:
MRP, Gamut, E13drs
Bike Setup:
06 7point: 04 Super T, RS Pearl 3.1, Sunline lockons, x7's all around, Shimano Saint brakes.
Bottom Line:
This is a great product of for the aggressive XC rider all the way to FR and DH'ers that still want the ability to pedal and bomb downhill. I've only droped ONE chain in the 6 months that I have had it. Its really great. Once its set up correctly there is no turning back. Performance is constant I run mine alittle differently than in the picture above. http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/132132/?action=view¤t=HEIM.jpg
I run it flush with the bash so the chain isnt the only force pulling the guide along. Less wear. Longer lasting.
Great product. Its worth the extra 20 bucks more than a MRP etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley, Ca Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
JM
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$54.00
Purchased At:
rideSFO
Strengths:
Light, does the job well with minimal rolling noise.
Weaknesses:
None so far!
Similar Products Used:
MRP, e13
Bike Setup:
7point, Super T, RS Pearl 3.1, HEIM guide etc etc.
Bottom Line:
Totaly sick! 5 min install. Mount it so it is in contact with ur bash. (I have e13) so the roller rolls with the bash. Less wear and tear on the roller and bearings.
After mounting this lil guide, havnt lost a chain since! Makes hardly any noise! I dont have a problem with losing a chian when backpedaling. But a few guys who ride Santa Cruz bikes have problems with it losing chians.
Bottom line this guide rocks! Super Light, looks snazzy does the job well!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Klaus
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin Date Reviewed: April 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Routes de los Volcanos / LaPalma
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
online store
Strengths:
very simple construction, light does exactly what it's supposed to do
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
pimped Kona Coiler Dee-Lux
Bottom Line:
took me a few minutes to fit it on, ever since I don't have to fumble the chain everytime I did drop or hop... I'm one of this no-oily-fingered bikers now!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Lawrence, KS Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fast, flowy, and sketchy
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
holds the chain very securely, quiet, light, easy to set up and maintain
Weaknesses:
will cause down-shifting while backpedaling if set up incorrectly. set it up right (experiment a little, it's very serviceable) and this issue goes away
I have used this chain guide for about two years now, but am just now getting around to posting a review. This has been one of the most reliable products I have ever used, and the performance has been great. The Heim 3Guide does exactly what a good chainguide should do: perform it's duty without making its presence known. First off in that regard, I cannot once remember dropping a chain while on a ride, even in some gnarly crashes. Secondly, it is very quiet. The roller is made of a softer plastic, and the only audible noise is a soft grinding sound, nothing obtrusive at all. It's gets the job done, and doesn't make a big scene doing it. Thirdly, Jon at Monatara design is a great guy to deal with, and very helpful. He recently just sent me a new roller designed for use in a 2 ring plus bashguard setup, and it works flawlessly, even better than the 3 ring roller. This guide is a simple, lightweight design that is very adjustable in setup, both in angle and the position of the roller. If you are looking for a guide, especially if your frame doesn't have ISCG mounts, this is the guide for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Lopez
a Downhiller
from El Centro, CA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anyone I can find
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Such a simple design that did away with a big problem: the inability to find a 3-ringed chain guide... plenty strong, and does what it job.
Weaknesses:
It comes with its issues as do most things which are easy to fix once you identify them.
Similar Products Used:
Ethirteen,MRP
Bike Setup:
Fox 40, Manigtou REVOX, XTR, BLA BLA BLA..... I have so many bikes its rediculous...
Bottom Line:
It does its Job... you can't really compare it to other 3-ring chain guides because their isn't any other on the market yet; therefore, it is the prime standard. the issue with chain comming off while back-pedaling can be fixed by adding or subtracting washers between the pulley and shaft of the guide to spread it out a tad farther, or bring it closer. If you don't have the pulley adjusted properly, your chain will infact break free of the chain guide... Once you settle these minor problems through trial and error, this is a really great product that has changed the way I've been able to ride. It looks overpriced for what your getting, but when you compare it to the prices of other chain guides, it doesn't look so expensive after all. It can me used with a 3-ring or 2-ring and bash guard.. Not bad at alll...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from Redmond, Washington Date Reviewed: July 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Simple, durable design, and very easy to install/service. I have not dropped a chain since installing the 3-guide.
Weaknesses:
This is more of an installation note. If you use an external bb crank setup, make sure that you do not overtighten the crank arms against the bottom bracket cups. This will cause the bearings to bind and transfer torque to the 3-guide, causing it to rotate up into your chainstays, etc. I did this accidentally with my Race Face Evolve cranks. Backing the arms off a little solved the problem.
Similar Products Used:
I have ridden an e13 DRS, and it is much louder, plus you can't run 3 rings if you want to
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant Reign with 3-guide and 3 rings or 2 rings plus bashguard, depending on the trail
Bottom Line:
This product works as advertised when installed properly, and it is no-brainer must have for any rider (weight weenies too) who doesn't want to drop a chain when using a 2 or 3 ring setup. This is the most versatile chainguide out there, and it costs significantly less than other 2 ring guides. The backpedaling issue is not a problem on trails, but if you cycle the cranks backwards for an extended period of time, the chain will bind against the next highest ring. Not a problem for me, since I ride forwards.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pc
a
from maryland Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
This is an ammendment for review below- both the evil drs and mrp long range patrol (and any guide that works with a front der i believe) will also only provide tension for the bottom length of chain. Don't know why i felt the slapping against the front derailler to be less with the evil drs than with the heim but it's probably got little to do with their designs. Anyways, will give it an extra chilly to offset that part of the review which was misleading...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pc
a Weekend Warrior
from maryland Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
- simple to set up - light
Weaknesses:
- chain can drop when backpedalling - not the most secure chaninguide out there - somewhat expensive for what it is
Similar Products Used:
mrp, evil
Bike Setup:
6x6
Bottom Line:
Keep in mind that this device will only work with a front derailler- the device does not provide any tension to the top length of chain which will drop without the front der cage. I used to have a prob with the chain dropping while backpedalling- this is inherent in the design of its roller- but you can adjust the front derailler to keep this from happening. Or you can get the mrp stepped roller and you won't have any problems. To sum it up, it works pretty well- i haven't dropped my chain on some pretty rough downhills- but for what you get (a stainless steel arm which you may have to cut down like i did, and a roller), it's worth about $20 max. So unless you're concerned about weight, I'd recommend an evil drs over this which is quieter (with the heim you have to listen to the chain slapping the front der all the way downhill) and more secure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a
from usa Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Below her navel
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Works great as 3 ring set up. Outstanding support for the product.
Weaknesses:
Back pedaling with 2 ring set up with exaggerated tension.
Similar Products Used:
LRP
Bike Setup:
Weyless 67- Zocchi Z1-3 05, mammoth on rear Ryhno lite on frnt, LX cranks , Deore shifters, Avid mechs and levers, xt rear derailer, lx front, Azonic love seat, thompson stem, king headset, rear hub hope xc, front Zocchi thru axle, fat tires, Easton bars.
Bottom Line:
I developed some problems with back pedaling after running the arm and roller up higher to gain more tension. I run a 2 ring set up. Until then it worked as advertised for me.
I ended up cutting some of the arm away so I could raise it more with out worrying about it taking a hit and stabbing my tire.
In order to run it this way I had to put on my LRP roller to have unaffected by back pedaling problems. It's a crossbreed now but just what I want on my Weyless 67.
I rate it 5's as is with 3 ring set up. Had to get rid of tapered roller to work with my mods. I had the LRP roller already so it cost me nothing for the mods and I knew how to make it work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt davis
a Cross Country Rider
from ridgecrest, ca usa Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
sketchy or potential
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
well constructed, quality steel, sealed bearing roller
Weaknesses:
the roller is tapered and the result is that backpedalling or even ratcheting your pedals will put the chain on the big ring because of this taper.
Similar Products Used:
none, first tensioner
Bike Setup:
2004 weyless xp (this is a good bike despite all you hecklers), avid mechanicals, WTB 2.4 motoraptor, Minute 1:00, 5th elem air, 60 mm stem w/ 10 degree rise (key)
Bottom Line:
it does a decent job of keeping the chain on the chainrings...i don't complain about that...i've ridden the bike probably 100 miles since i put it on earlier this month...it will keep the chain held under very rocky conditions...but when i'm railing singletrack, i need to ratchet or backpedal to set up for turns, and i'm not kidding only 30 degrees of backpedal and the chain is pushed onto the big ring because of the tapered roller...when you are on the big ring, then the system works good...but the roller is not designed for using the middle ring properly..this is very annoying and will force me to find something else...i though i was getting something that works for all three rings (hence the name) but infact it was really deisgned for the big ring only...i wrote to Jon Heim about this and he could not understand how this is happening, which is kind of scary in a way...of course he understands what i'm talking about, he just doesn't want to work with you on it....so as an aside, this little business of his is just a nice tax shelter for his mtb habit, wish i had that too...anyway, buy at your risk, but there's a better mousetrap that this
i give it 2 chilis for value because it is a ridiculously easy design (email me if you want the dimensions) and i give an overall rating of 3 chilis because it kind of works but certainly has issues
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jabba
a Racer
from South City Date Reviewed: May 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs, Crack
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$72.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Light, keeps the chain from dropping to lower gears. I never wrap my chain since..... I never pedal backwards when I ride forwards.
Weaknesses:
I asked him if he could make a wheel with a happy face and he(Jon) laughed at me.
Similar Products Used:
MRP
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit, Fox RLT, Race Face Triple chainring, Heim 3Guide
Bottom Line:
It works great and have had it for 3 years now, the wheel is pretty strong since it's been through two cranks and a bottom bracket. I set mine up so that when I'm in my middle or small ring, the guide wheel doesn't even touch the chain. Only when I shift to the big ring is when it contacts the wheel. That's where I was having the problem of dropping my chain. No more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dbohnsai
a Downhiller
from Chilli, Oh Date Reviewed: March 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Great Seal State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
PP
Strengths:
Looks pretty sturdy, quiet
Weaknesses:
Drops chain when back pedaling. Screws up chainline. PRICE!
Similar Products Used:
E-13 DRS
Bike Setup:
Stinky Primo
Bottom Line:
Save your money and get either a MRP or E-13. This thing drops the chain worse than if nothing were even there. Guide plate is too thick for use with a BB shim and too thin to use instead of one. I tried numerous set up positions and still couldn't get it to work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim B
a Downhiller
from Goodyear Arizona Date Reviewed: March 6, 2005
this thing is not a guide. it is a tensioner and a poor one at that. it dropped the chain everytime i pedaled backwards and made my rear shifter ghost shift when pedaling mild trails. i finally took a grinder to the wheel to make a notch in it to guide the chain. now it works great with the mrp wheel attached to it. that other wheel just sucks. I am gonna buy a mrp minime next time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Hunt
a Downhiller
from El Cerrito, CA U.S.A. Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Schleyer - Whistler, B.C.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
123 Bicycles.com
Strengths:
Does exactly what it is supposed to do: You get to run a triple chainring set-up AND this thing keeps your chain from rattling/slapping around in the middle & big rings, keeps the chain from falling off on fast, rocky descents & is so light you don't even know it's there.
Weaknesses:
None really except that I would like a choice of rubber compounds on the roller. I would like to experiment with a softer compound to see if it would be totally silent when pedalling in the big ring. It's not annoying but you do hear the chain rolling over the roller.
Similar Products Used:
On rental bikes in Whistler, B.C. they have the top/bottom roller guides. Of course they work fine but you can't run a triple chainring set-up with this type of system.
Bike Setup:
2001 Santa Cruz Bullit, Marzocchi Jr. T fork, XTR, new Kenda 2.6 Stick-E tires (Awesome!) and new Crank Bro's Mallet pedals (also awesome when compared to my shimano 545's).
Bottom Line:
I wish I could've had this thing on my bike years ago! It would have saved my a LOT of frustrating experiences (like smacking my knees on the top crown of the fork trying to pedal up and over something because I didn't notice I lost my chain on the decscent). This thing ROCKS! Nice work Mr. Heim! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Richards
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The demo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Trail Head Cyclery
Strengths:
Simple Efective Design, Light, East to set up. Does what its suppose to. Made in the USA..
Weaknesses:
None that concerns me..But it might be too noisy for others. Its a chain running on hard plastic sound. Sounds like a sherman tank to me, (i like that sound).
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like this..
Bike Setup:
Dirty but well maintained '03 Stumphumper FSR.
Bottom Line:
Well I wish I could have had this sooner. No more dropping the chain off the rings. Chain slap is a thing of the past. Other than the sound of it working I don't notice it being there. No more chain suck for me..Looks as good as it works. If you're an aggresive xc/trail rider and need to have all three rings this is the BOMB! Hey if you happend to be a POSER this trick little wheel behind your shiney crankset will make you look cool:). In any case this is a must have performance item.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Queensland , Australia Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Channel 10 at Mt Cootha
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$74.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Jon
Strengths:
Very well made from high quality materials. Parts are replaceable if necessary. Looks good.
Weaknesses:
The supplied roller is quite hard so it is a little (just a little) noisy but this will soon be fixed with a softer roller (thanks Jon)
Similar Products Used:
Nil myself, but friends have a number of different types but none can run 3 rings + a bash ring !
Bike Setup:
2003 Mongoose Grand Marquis,3 front rings + toothfairy bashring.
Bottom Line:
I no longer have any issues with chainsuck or dropping the chain even when I use silly combinations of rings ! This product is inexpensive, very simple in design and just flat out works as stated. Fantastic company to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Downhiller
from Portola Valley, CA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Homegrown
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Simple, functional, lite, 3 ring capability
Weaknesses:
Not a weakness, but rather a note that you need to have or buy a flanged BB cup for installation...they're about $20.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2001 RM6, Z1 Bomber, Fox Shox, Race Face Cranks-Rings-Stem-Post-bars, Hayes hydrolic, SRAM 9.0 shifting and chain, Mavic 321's laced to a Hugi 20mm front and XT rear hub, Panaracer Fire 2.4
Bottom Line:
Took my first ride on it this morning...works so well I can't beleive I haven't had this for ever. Also put the Heim bash ring on, which integrates well with the Guide and still allows use of 3 rings. The reason I'm writing is because Jon Heim personally saw to it that the set up got working well, when both Rocky Mountain, Race Face, and my local shop all gave me incorrect info: saying it wouldn't work. Jon spent time on his Sunday, along with Matt at Gearhead Bikes in Pacifica, backing up what they already knew...that it would work..without any trouble...and work well. Thanks, guys. No more dropped chains.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Buckley, Wa usa Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Below Her navel.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Works all the time. So easy to install. Can use with 3 rings or 2. Price is way under its competition...better value. Product is backed by it's maker.
Weaknesses:
Nothing!
Similar Products Used:
LRP
Bike Setup:
Freeride and xc bikes.
Bottom Line:
This is an update. Have had it for 8 months now. After making sure BB was tight I have had no problems with it working loose again. I can back pedal all day long and shift up/down at will. Chain stays on. I have the stiffer roller arm and am using a softer version of the roller.It is absolutely quiet. It works just the same as original roller. No performance advantage other than elimination of noise which is nothing to be bothered about. What more would you need to know? I downhill/heavy xc with my bikes. I ride in Washington which means severe weather and terrain challenges. So far it holding up! Go buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.J.
a
from Asheville, Nc Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any in pisgah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
60.00
Strengths:
Easy to install, flat out works
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
lrp
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz heckler with the heim 3 chainguide.
Bottom Line:
This thing flat out works. I installed it myself and still the bb has not come loose. I have not dropped a chain once. I intially used with all three rings and did not drop a chain but i bent the hell out of my big ring so i bought a bashguard and the chainguide still works perfect with two rings. Im doing hardcore east coast riding and not a problem yet buy and save your money over higher price models.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehi Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Restless Leg Syndrome
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
direct from Montara
Strengths:
Never dropped a chain once. Easy setup, thanks to the thin stainless doesn't effect chainline much. Its versatile and will work with any bashguard. Noise is not bad, what do expect on a DH basher bike. Stays in place fine. Durable in "the rough".
Weaknesses:
If you back pedal too far it drops the chain into the next gear down. Maybe the wheel tapers too much.
Similar Products Used:
Old MRP Cross country, it bent too many times, it was too long and it dropped the chain all the time.
Bike Setup:
'03 Specialized Big Hit DH with RF prodigy (I know, they are cheap) Truvative BB, Shimano E-type der. Grip shift front shifter. Everything else stock
Bottom Line:
It still works better than anything out there. You can use it with whatever bash guard you already have on your bike. Simple, strong and cheaper than MRP. My only complaint was the back pedalin' gear change.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Buckley, Wa usa Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Still works. Can use all 3 rings. Customer service. Jon Heim contacted me in order to get this working for me. He is helping me out and I am going to give it another go.
Weaknesses:
See below. I still don't like how much these chain guides cost.
Similar Products Used:
LRP.
Bottom Line:
I'm giving this another chance. The slipping may have just been normal maintenance wrenching ie, retightening. I haven't seen anyone else complain of it loosening on a regular basis. The roller makes some noise but it only bothered me at first. Now I don't really care. I mean after all I can't measure how much friction is there so from a performance stand point no big deal. I am upping the value and overall ratings because Jon Heim backed his product up. Others have used this guide as long or longer than me and no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Buckley, Wa usa Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tail.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It worked.
Weaknesses:
Mine slips...can move it by hand. Its a hassle having to take crank off and squeeze that BB tight. There are more secure guides out there. Should be no more than $20.
Similar Products Used:
LRP- This can come loose too but you can crank down on the BB screws and mine has been good to go. I don't case things with it though.
Bike Setup:
Freeride susser and 2 HT's.
Bottom Line:
I'm not taking the crank off to get this thing to work on a regular basis. The price is a bad joke but these guides are all priced way too high. This guide does work as it says it does when it is tight. By the way my BB did not feel loose, just the guide. Its off the bike now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Buckley, Wa usa Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Below Her navel.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Easy set up and it works as advertised exept a noisy roller.
Weaknesses:
The roller is noisy. Feels like hard plastic and sounds like a chain rolling over hard plastic. I was thinking polyurethane was quiet like my LRP. I was wrong. Over priced... All chain guides are!
Similar Products Used:
MRP/LRP
Bike Setup:
WeyLess "noodle" 67 Freeride.
Bottom Line:
It works well right now. It is noisy though. The kind of noise that would make some one turn around to see what the heck is wrong with your ride! If they used same material as on my LRP roller it would be perfectly quiet. Well you'll know where I am if You ride with me lol. You can back peddle and shift through all your gears. Chain hasn't dropped. I think I'll probably get rid of the third ring though and get an E-13/Evil security guide. I really haven't used the big ring where I ride. Guess I wanted it for special occasions. I would give this a fiver but for the noise it makes. Just change roller material Montara Design/Heims!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
True Tourtillott
a Racer
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Direct from Montara MTB
Strengths:
Light. SUPER-EASY install. Quiet. Works 100% of the time.
Weaknesses:
None found yet.
Similar Products Used:
Regular single ring chain guides. MRP-LRP
Bike Setup:
2001 Aeon Joker. 2000 Marzo Z-1 QR-20, Rhino Lite wheels. XT drivetrain, Hayes 6" disks.
Bottom Line:
The thing just works. I have ridden it for close to a year in everything from midsummer Sierra dust and rock to Malaysian jungles. (Seriously!) I haven't droped my chain once. Anyone can install it. Once installed you never know it's there. It just works. If you ride rough terrain but still want to have all three chainrings this is for you! See my review on Ridemonkey.com ( http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18526&highlight=Damn+True+Heim )
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbhead
a Downhiller
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anywhere technical...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Does it's job well. Reasonably lightweight, extremely easy to install and set-up, relatively quiet, quality materials, yet low-cost.
Weaknesses:
If you want to nitpick: it produces a little bit of noise compared to no chain-guide at all.
Similar Products Used:
MRP (full-single-chainring guide on my DH rig).
Bike Setup:
'97 Specialized FSR Frame, 5" Zoke Z1-Bam up front, Hayes Hydrolics - my 30 lb fun bike...
Bottom Line:
I used to drop the chain consistantly on my FSR once things got reasonably technical (particularly after I switched from micro-drive to standard front chainrings). Usually it just went to the outside, which meant that it *usually* came back on once I started to pedal a little - but not always. The Heim-3 Guide solved this problem completely. No more dropped chains. No problems shifting at all. It's seen action on a DH course, and in a (technical) XC race - no problems. Good stuff...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Allows you to keep all three rings, light, very easy to install, excellent chain retention.
Weaknesses:
no bash guard
Similar Products Used:
MRP
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit, Fox Vanilla 125RLC and RC shock, WTB LaserDisc wheels/tires, RaceFace crankset w/ Heim 3Guide
Bottom Line:
It flat works! I ran the 3Guide at Big Bear for both the DH and the Super D with absolutly no problems. In the Super D it was great to be able to shift to the middle ring for the climbs and the 44t big ring helped to go faster on the downhill sections. Excellent product for real world, ride everywhere bikes. It's so light and easy to use I am going to put one on my XC bike....no more dropped chains on the rough downhills and all three rings, what's not to love about it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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