[CB2]

Anyone running a 4 bolt crank without a bashguard?
I'm putting a XT 760 on my Swift and can't remember if alloy rings held up ok w/o a guard.
I've had no issues with 5 bolt 94 & 110 BCD cranks w/o guards.
(I did a search and couldn't really find anything).

 

[nickcarll]

i ran my peace 9r all season with out a bash guard and it held up great! i have an XT crank on the way and i will not be using a guard on that. and for what its worth i live and ride in maine we play on rocks ive smashed the chain ring off rocks and logs numerous times and its still 100 percent.

 

[sean salach]

A decent, thick ring should be ok with the occasional log bump and rock chunk. I wouldn't go using the surly ring without a guard in rocky terrain.

 

[ISuckAtRiding]

i have never had an issue with aluminum rings on a 4 bolt, but i have tacoed some stainless ones. aluminum has a much higher yield strength than most stainless steels, meaning it takes more pressure to bend it. Plus with a 4 bolt, you can go down to a 31t so you get a tad more clearance.