[NameTaken]

You know, the thing in between the freewheel and the hub. Its not necessary is it? How do I take it off?

 

[was98strat]

Easiest way is to remove the wheel and then remove the cassette/freewheel with the appropriate tool. you should be able to just lift it off.

Alternative. Use Diagonal cutters to cut the disk into a couple of pieces!!

 

[OhSchitt]

I don't think it's that bad to have it in place, I've had occasions where when a chain suck occured, I wished I had that there. But if yours is a singlespeed, you probably don't have to worry about that.

 

[VTSession]

I'd rip that thing off, looks as bad as reflectors.

 

[kramnnim]

The plastic is usually brittle...you could break it off if you don't have the tools to remove the cassette/freewheel, and don't mind destroying the guard...

 

[Ben12321]

just snap it off, or cut it. whateverworks kuz u probably wont ever need it again

 

[NameTaken]

Snapped it off. Looks much better now. The chain shouldn't get stuck in there as long as I've got my derailleur adjusted properly.

 

[Natedogz]

I don't think it's that bad to have it in place, I've had occasions where when a chain suck occured, I wished I had that there. ....

Been glad mine was there on a couple of occasions, I'd leave it on just in case.

 

[Nate Dawg]

i once had a problem where it stopped my freewheel from freewheeling and resulted in my chain and derallieur going everywhere! i'd reccomend taking it off.
_________________________
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[liam2051]

has anyone ever tried the snap method on a new giant?

when i was out on my old talon in the middle of the bush no tools what so ever (other than tyre levers and my leather-man type tool [surprisingly long cutters BTW] ) and the plastic disc came free from the spokes and wouldnt re attach so was making the most annoying rattle ive ever heard so i decided to rip her off....... after mutating the top of it realizing it was bulletproof but mangling it so it would no longer allow clearance of the cassette i spent two hours cutting it and getting burnt in the queensland sun. seriously not fun

 

[NameTaken]

Ok, well I didn't quite snap it off liam, I spent 20 minutes with a knife scoring the plasctic through the spokes and the using all my strength tearing it off. I'd recommend just taking the cassette off, its easy as hell you just need the right tools, which your LBS definitely has.

 

[Ironchefjon]

take it off, spoke guards are noob.

 

[liam2051]

Ok, well I didn't quite snap it off liam, I spent 20 minutes with a knife scoring the plasctic through the spokes and the using all my strength tearing it off. I'd recommend just taking the cassette off, its easy as hell you just need the right tools, which your LBS definitely has.

when your twenty ks into the aussie bush there isnt much chance of hitting up the local bike shop to get some parts is there? i actualy work in my LBS so i should have removed it earlier oh well

 

[SteveUK]

The guard is protect the wheel should the chain be derailled over the largest cassette sprocket. If the low gear limit screw is correctly set, the chain can not be pushed over the top of the cassette and into the spokes. So, remove the 'noob' guard, by all means, just ensure that your mech is set up first...

 

[one incredible donkey]

I've apparently had one on my bike for over 4 years. It's a pretty stupid thing to be concerned about removing.

 

[Stelth]

Dremel it off.

 

[Natedogz]

take it off, spoke guards are noob.

Changed my mind and now agree with Ironchefjon..............take it off....properly adjusted derailleur don't need that crap.

 

[tduro]

More often than not, they'll come loose on their own and become a major PIA. Much better to be proactive and just remove it before it becomes a problem.

 

[Natedogz]

Yep and sometimes noisy too.

 

[Natedogz]

Cut it off my second bike from day one and both bikes are fine without them!