Race Face's new bash ring is available in compact, standard, and 4 bolt configurations. Manufactured from bombproof super thick heat-treated aluminium, this machined ring will protect your middle and inner ring from damage caused by rocks and logs. Also provides greater clearance to get over the steep drops. CNC profiling gives a 25% weight saving over generic 'cookie cutter' bash rings- at 140 grams, it's lighter and tougher than the rest.
Submitted by
Zach
a Cross Country Rider
from Loganville, GA USA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008
Strengths: Looks Amazing, easy install
Weaknesses: weight if you are a real stickler but barely heavier than the 3rd chainring
Bottom Line:
i am a singletrack cross country rider and dont really need a bash gaurd but i dont use 3rd ever and wanted to gain some ground clearance, slightly heavier than 3rd but in my opinion well worth the clearance and looks
Bike Setup: access xcl, full xt, easton bars seatpost
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Shane M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2007
Strengths: Very strong and by chance it also matched the color scheme on my bike and looks awesome
Weaknesses: None that I've found thus far
Bottom Line:
This bashring is awesome. I was taking a 2ft log and bent my big ring and because I really enjoy the technical stuff I knew I wanted something sturdy and because I'm on a budget, something reatively cheap. This took care of both criteria. I've hit logs, rocks, stumps, and whatever else I could find to ride over and this thing hasn't gotten so much as a scratch. I'm a bigger guy too at 215 so I'm thoroughly impressed and I've been told I could break an anvil with the way I ride so I am really enjoying the freedom to take whatever comes my way. If you enjoy doing technical trails this is a must buy.
Strengths: Takes punishment well, gives me the extra clearance I need.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I swapped out the large stock ring on my low-slung Stumpjumper after bashing teeth on everything I attempted to clear. I now am able to put in that extra effort needed to overcome the fear of large logs. When it does make contact, the guard is solid. I occassionally have to file down sharp burrs in the soft aluminum on the sweet spot, but this is what you get with light metal.
For folks worried about losing your high gears, this hasn't been an issue for me. Last week I hammered 24 miles on the local rail trail and was able to hold speeds of 20 mph on gentle downgrades without winding out.
Buy now and you too can send sparks flying off glacial erratics, fill the air with wood chips as you saw logs in two, and smear the guts of your favorite trailside roadk-ill. All for cheap!
Submitted by
Ryder
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Strengths: Protects my chainrings, looks nice.
Weaknesses: Soft aluminum.
Bottom Line:
It's a slick lookin bash ring but it's made of pretty soft aluminum. I'v put some nasty gouges in mine. My frend weighs like 40 lbs more then i do and is way more abusive to his (2002)Hussefelt Bash Ring and it's just scratched up.
Strengths: It's strength is that is it is totally strong. Fairly lite-weight. Looks totally cool with the machined aluminum.
Weaknesses: Looks to good, I almost don't want to use it.
Bottom Line:
Really strong, banged it on all kinds of stuff, and banged it hard. It's still totaly round, and in perfect condition. And it looks totaly awsome. (I've got the 34t version).
I've put this ring square into granite blocks on many sloppy hops. A battered ring is a happy ring. It's still dead straight. I just file off the barbed edges after each ride. Although the bike shop charged quite a bit for this, I figured I'd throw them the bone considering how much I purchase online and through ebay. It's still cheaper than rebuilding my crankset!
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Califronia
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003
Strengths: Strong. Simple to install. Did I say strong.
Weaknesses: Chain rubs bash guard very slightly in 11 by 32 gear combo.
Bottom Line:
It works and it does a awesome job.I have a Salsa 44 tooth bashring on Race face cranks on my hardtail and it does a good job also.I have compared both and the Race face is stronger.The Salsa bash ring works well for occasional hits and is a great option if you want 44 tooth still.I The Race fcae is on LX cranks and is simply very strong and durable. The Race face bash ring has been one of the best purchases I ever made.I love technical riding and do not miss the big chainring when riding serious technical riding.The gained clearance and the fact you can take a solid hit to the bashguard are invaluable.I do not understand why all trail bikes come with a bashring. I feel a bashring is a must if you like technical riding.
Bike Setup: giant xtc, sid rock shox front fork, hayes hydraulic disc, race face cranks, wtb tires and mavic rims, easton bars, xtr components
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003
Strengths: Does what it's supposed to do. Can't break or bend it. Cheap.
Weaknesses: ZERO. It's fine. But colors other than black for pimping out a bike maybe?? Nah.
Bottom Line:
Get the ring that fits your crankarm spider. Adjust your front derailleur to limit the 3rd shift (you can't force the chain over the bash gaurd anyway). Get your clearance for technical stuff. Stop riding fire roads and you won't miss the big ring!!
Similar Products Used: Tooth Fairy Engagement Ring- HUGE, teeth on outer edge GRAB logs, annoying
Bike Setup: 2 ring setup for a long time now. I have NO use for the large ring. I have three large rings in a box now, sheesh.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
simon henry
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney, australia
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003
Strengths: everything... the frame is sick, forks are sick, cranks are sick, its a mad setup just as a it is standard. the standard australian rims (cos i think they are different from standard us ones or something, well they are alex mx single wall)but even for single walled rims they are bloody strong. the tires are pretty good for everything.
Weaknesses: nothing yet but i am gonna buy some stronger rims i think
Bottom Line:
SICK BIKE! perfect for people between begginer and intermediate stage, probably more intermediate. it can do anything and can take a good bashing. i rekon this would have to be one of the best hardtail bikes i know of. it won the 2003 dirt jumping award and you can see how it won. i use it for pretty much everything... downhill trails, freeride (including drops), dirt jumping, and just cruising. its and awesome bike at a great price.
Similar Products Used: mates kona stinky, mates norco sasquath, both 2003 models, and a mates 2001 (i think) norco bogfoot
Bike Setup: australian standard, i think the only difference is the wheels which have alex mx single wall rims and innova redbox 2.35. 6 inch mechanical discs front and back
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BBMF
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydnay NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2003
Strengths: Everything!, everything about this bash guard is a strength..If you do not have one of these on your bike, you have no idea what your missing out on!..
It survived a 9 foot drop in Claymore without any sign of a bend, crack or scratch..
Weaknesses: None!, no weakness to speak of!..
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, GET ONE!..
If you do not, you will be missing out on one of mtbing's greatest products!..
Similar Products Used: Nothing similar as nothing comes close..Blackspire?..Crap..
Bike Setup: GT I-drive custom - Or "limited" for SV..
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Stenchy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton, Florida
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Strengths: strong, goodlooking, adds more clearance to bike. Enables you to slide right over any good size log or rock. Does not scratch to easily, fairly lite
Weaknesses: none thus far
Bottom Line:
This thing has made me a better technical rider. I do not fear attacking any fallen tree or large rock that happens to be in my path. No more bent teeth and outer chainrings. I ride crosscountry only so I never really used the outer ring. All it did was create problems when trying to clear certain obstacles. Now you just slide right over like butter. No real loss of momentum. Buy this thing, it is one of the best additions I have added to my frame. I will never ride without one again.
Bike Setup: 2001 Specialized A1 Rockhopper FSR, completely modified, no stock parts
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Aaron N.
a Downhiller
from Lake Oswego Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Strengths: strong and simple easy to install. and it looks cool.
Weaknesses: none yet
Bottom Line:
this thing is great, I whent through 2 bent sprockets and 1 broken chain before i got this and it works perfect. I do some petal grinds and sometimes mess up and kill the sprocket and the thing hardilly gets scrached. so get one it is worth the money and lbs.
Similar Products Used: nuthing, just broken chains and bent sprockets
Bike Setup: 03 single speed P1, tru-vativ hesifult cranks and stem, azonic ultra-cross bars and ditch witch rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Worth
a Weekend Warrior
from Suffield CT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002
Strengths: This bash guard is super strong, it barely even gets scratched when I slam it in to rocks, it also looks great, and doesn't chew up your pants.
Weaknesses: none......
Bottom Line:
The best bash guard ever...no more to say...buy one!!!
Submitted by
Anders
a Weekend Warrior
from durham, nh, usa
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002
Strengths: wicked strong, cool looking, no chain jump to crack arm
Weaknesses: -um, maybe that its singled sided. ive been thinking u could just flip it so the cutout section is on the inside cause its not dished. -sometimes on xc rides i wish i had the bigger ring.
Bottom Line:
wicked strong, cool looking, worth every penny. i recommend it to everyone i meet.
I'm looking to build up a new HD. I want to end up with two front rings and a bash, with a 2012 XT/XTR mix. I have a couple questions:
1. For the crank, is my best bet to buy a Read More »
Let's see your chain guides and or bash guards on your AM rig 2x10 or 2x9. post a pic of what your running.
Im looking for a guide/guard setup for my 2x10....so far i only see t Read More »
Hi Guys,
After many wells of searching for a triple chainring bash ring / guard I have still failed to find one for my rockhopper! DOes anyone know of a product that can help me Read More »
sorry if it's been posted, but searching for 'xtr + bash' in this forum resulted in 0 hits...
assuming i'm getting this:
[img]http://s3.backcountry.com/900/YTI/YTI0006/YTI000 Read More »
