[BH Cubed]

I just got a Fuel EX 6.5 a few months ago with the Shimano M521 Ocatlink 44/32/22 crank. I'm looking to get a bash guard to protect from log crossings and such. Can anyone recommend one? Also, noob question but I'm assuming the the 32 in the 44/32/22 is the number of teeth?

 

[BH Cubed]

anybody?

 

[sixate]

Have a BBG bashguard on my bike, and it works great. And yes, 32 is the amount of teeth. I'm assuming you're planning on taking off your 44t ring? You'll need to adjust the limit on the front derailleur so you can't shift higher than your 32t chainring.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/Mountainbike.html

 

[PoshJosh]

Salsa makes the Tooth Fairy Triple that mounts outside the third chainring so that you can still use all the chainrings, but they are fairly expensive.

 

[BH Cubed]

Have a BBG bashguard on my bike, and it works great. And yes, 32 is the amount of teeth. I'm assuming you're planning on taking off your 44t ring? You'll need to adjust the limit on the front derailleur so you can't shift higher than your 32t chainring.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/Mountainbike.html

I didn't realize I'd need to take the 44t ring off. It wouldn't be that big a deal though as I rarely use that gear anyway. Maybe once in a blue moon when I'm on the road. Ok, so I would need a bashbguard for 32t like the one in the top left corner of the bbg link you posted? Could I just use the 44t bashguard and leave the 44t ring on?
Thanks

 

[sixate]

I didn't realize I'd need to take the 44t ring off. It wouldn't be that big a deal though as I rarely use that gear anyway. Maybe once in a blue moon when I'm on the road. Ok, so I would need a bashbguard for 32t like the one in the top left corner of the bbg link you posted? Could I just use the 44t bashguard and leave the 44t ring on?
Thanks

If you want to lose the big ring and put a bash in it's place then yes, just order a 32t. You'll have to adjust the high limit on the front derailleur so you can't shift past the middle ring. It's simple and only takes a few seconds. Also, when you put a bashguard on make sure you shift into the small chainring up front before loosening the bolts for the middle and outer rings.

If you want to keep your 44t ring then get one of these as josh8 suggested:

http://www.bikebling.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Salsa-ToothFairy-Triple

It'll mount on the outside of your 44t ring, and I believe it comes with spacers to allow room for the chain. I have a road bike so I almost never have my 44t ring on the bike. I like having the extra clearance when I'm on the trail, but get the bashguard that fits your needs best.

 

[BH Cubed]

ok, cool, thanks for the info. i think i'm just gonna take the 44t ring off. i would like the added clearance it will give me.

 

[kmacon]

I'll vouch for the BBG Bashguard too. I took of my 44t and added the 32 BBG one year ago on my Top Fuel 69er and have not looked back. Bunches more clearance and I virtually never miss the big ring.

 

[BH Cubed]

Good to know. I think I'm gonna go with the BBG, it's one of the cheaper ones out there.

 

[BH Cubed]

Ok, I got the big ring off and the bashguard on, no problem. I'm just not quite sure how to adjust the front derailleur. Could you explain it to me? Sorry I'm a noob, lol