Chain guide for a 2x9 setup... which one?

[radam]

I'm running a 2x9 setup on my Reign and I'm looking to reduce some chain slap and help prevent a few dropped chains. The three options I've seen that seem like they'd work with a 2x setup are the Blackspire Stinger, the Bionicon C guide and the Specialized "Dangler"

Anyone running any of these that can comment on effectiveness and also the amount of drag they introduce?

[iscariot]

http://www.e13components.com/product_trsd_dmb.html

[Finstah]

If your Reign is the most current generation your choices for a chainguide are very limited due to the press fit bb and no iscg mounts. You would have to do one of those chainstay mounted deals. Specialized makes one, and I think even Dimension makes a cheapy. If you have an older generation Reign with a threaded bb, any bb mounted guide would work (MRP LRP, Blackspire Stinger).

The one Iscariot posted above won't work for any Reigns as it requires an ISCG mount.

Another option would be to move to a Dynasys 10 speed drivetrain with a Shadow Plus clutch rear derailleur. Those derailleurs really work at reducing chain slap and quieting down the bike.

[birdman829]

I run a blackspire stinger (shimano LX cranks 22-32, blackspire C4 bash) and it works as it should. I don't think I've ever dropped a chain since I've had it. I think the Stinger probably holds the chain better too due to the fact that it's mounted closer to the rings than the other type.

Drag? I'm sure there's some but I can't feel it. I would think that it has less drag than those chainstay mounted loops with no rollers but I don't have any experience with them due to the elevated stays on my frame. The roller and bearings are easily replaceable if it does eventually get buggered up.

[iscariot]

If your Reign is the most current generation your choices for a chainguide are very limited due to the press fit bb and no iscg mounts. You would have to do one of those chainstay mounted deals. Specialized makes one, and I think even Dimension makes a cheapy. If you have an older generation Reign with a threaded bb, any bb mounted guide would work (MRP LRP, Blackspire Stinger).

The one Iscariot posted above won't work for any Reigns as it requires an ISCG mount.

Another option would be to move to a Dynasys 10 speed drivetrain with a Shadow Plus clutch rear derailleur. Those derailleurs really work at reducing chain slap and quieting down the bike.

It will work if you don't have a pressfit BB.

Simply remove the drive side BB spacer, and insert an ISCG BB mount adapter.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=11452




I posted the e13/Hive because it has options for an upper wear plate, and a lower bash guard. Saves chains and rings. Both are removable in the case that you don't want to run them. The rubber pully wheel is quiet and has no noticeable drag.

[birdman829]

Yeah but isn't that e13 for a single ring? Even if it does work on doubles, it must cost 3 times as much as a Stinger or chainstay-mounted loop. That ISCG adaptor alone costs the same as the stinger. Definitely more trail cred though

[bennerlur]

2nd for the Blackspire Stinger. Light, cheap and works all the time every time. I think it even comes with the BB iscg adapter posted above.

[Finstah]

It will work if you don't have a pressfit BB.

Simply remove the drive side BB spacer, and insert an ISCG BB mount adapter.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=11452




I posted the e13/Hive because it has options for an upper wear plate, and a lower bash guard. Saves chains and rings. Both are removable in the case that you don't want to run them. The rubber pully wheel is quiet and has no noticeable drag.

Meh. That's a hillbilly job. If you want an "upper wear plate" using a BB mounted Stinger that is e-type compatible would achieve the same thing at a fraction of the cost and weight.

I'm sure the e thirteen works great on your bike, but it isn't a good option for the OP.

[iscariot]

Meh. That's a hillbilly job. If you want an "upper wear plate" using a BB mounted Stinger that is e-type compatible would achieve the same thing at a fraction of the cost and weight.

I'm sure the e thirteen works great on your bike, but it isn't a good option for the OP.

[Finstah]

My opinion is that the lighter, easier, and less expensive option makes more sense. Your opinion is different. No big deal...

[ShoNuff]

i've had great luck with the blackspire stinger as well. cheap, simple and does the job.

[radam]

Forgot to mention that $50 or less is my budget here. 10-speed drivetrain conversions and the like need not apply. Mostly just curious about the amount of drag vs. chain management effectiveness of the various options. So far it sounds like it'd be tough to go wrong with the Stinger.

[beaterdit]

I'd recommend the Stinger. Cheap, light, idiot proof, and it just works. That Bionicon thing looks retarted. That company's products all pretty much follow suit IMO, Euro-design awards notwithstanding.

[powbmps]

Good timing on this thread radam. I haven't dropped a chain yet with my 2x9, but coming from a 1x9 w/e*13 setup I can't take all the racket. For $30, I figure the Stinger is worth a try.

[300hp]

Stinger wins every time. I pop the bearings open (just inline skate bearings) once a season and repack them with slick honey. Keeps everything running smooth and virtually drag free no matter what shitty conditions I ride in. Awesome piece. Much better than the more expensive e13 heim guide I had that was noisy as all getout, and eventually bent like a pretzel.

Stinger and a nice light bashguard, like a raceface light guard, or a BBG bashguard (super cheap too) you'll be at like $35 for both bits, and have a really hard time dropping a chain.

Also, I run a singlespeed ring. Takes a little more timing to shift up into, but if you ride 90% of the time in your big ring, it really helps keep the chain on.

[superstator]

Imma ask a stupid question - how do guides like the blackspire keep the chain on? Is it just taking out slack, or is there something more going on?

[Roxtar]

4th or 5th vote for Stinger

Imma ask a stupid question - how do guides like the blackspire keep the chain on? Is it just taking out slack, or is there something more going on?

You're right, it isn't so much a chain guide as a slack taker outer/noise suppressor.
With a 2x9 you're still using the front derailleur.

[ShoNuff]

Imma ask a stupid question - how do guides like the blackspire keep the chain on? Is it just taking out slack, or is there something more going on?

Pretty much. It is basically just a tensioner. The only "guiding" is still done by the front derailleur. That being said. IMO, if you need a f. der. and ride rowdy trails it is a no brainer to throw the stinger on.

[radam]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna go with the Stinger. Reduced noise is my main goal with this, chain retention is actually secondary. My chain has been bouncing off the derailleur cage constantly and its driving me nuts.

[kidwoo]

Something to look at more long term too is one of those clutch derailleurs from either sram OR shimano.

Those things are pretty badass. I'm actually going to be switching my bike soon to 10sp just to run one of those.

[summit]

Will that Stinger work on a Commencal Meta 55? I have it set up 2x9 with a bash and it slaps a lot.

68/73 GXP external BB and no ISCG...

[Roxtar]

Will that Stinger work on a Commencal Meta 55? I have it set up 2x9 with a bash and it slaps a lot.

68/73 GXP external BB and no ISCG...

BB mount Stinger should work.

[Esses]

I have an 08 Reign with a Stinger - works great. I think I've dropped a chain once in two years of use. I did break the roller off once, but it was a $12 replacement part.

[summit]

With a really ridiculously high chain stay, will the stinger help much with slap?

[powbmps]

With a really ridiculously high chain stay, will the stinger help much with slap?

This got me thinking......Isn't most of the noise actually from the chain rattling against the front derailler? We'll have to see if the Stinger helps with that.