The E13 chain guard. Frost Bike 2014 © Cyclocross Magazine
At Frost Bike, we couldn’t help but notice that the single chainring trend has made chain watchers popular. The simplicity of one ring doesn’t do any good if you’re on the side of the course, fumbling to get your derailed chain back on.
The other day we took a look the Problem Solvers new chain catcher, the Chain Spy 2, and today we’re looking at E*thirteen’s XCX-ST option.
At first glance, the E*thirteen XCX-ST Cyclocross Chain Guide looks a lot like a front derailleur. Weighing in at 71 grams, the chain guard is designed to keep your chain on your single ring, no matter what the ’cross course looks like.
The XCX guard is designed for a 1×10 setup with rings from 33 to 42 teeth, but we don’t see a reason it won’t work with an 1×11 setup. The XCX-ST Chain Guide is adjustable in height and chainline. It comes with a complete set of shim cams, which adapt to seat tube diameters including 28.6, 31.8, and 34.9mm while also providing adjustment for different chainlines by simply rotating the shims on the seat tube. It also comes with two different styles of mounting options (see image below), both high and low.
The XCX chain guard has had a lot of success on the mountain side, winning a silver medal at the 2009 Mountain Bike World Championships.
The MSRP on the XCX-ST Cyclocross Chain Guide is $154.99. That’s more than most front derailleurs to be sure, but most front derailleurs are heavier and will give you a bit of chain rub if used as a guard.
Two style for mounting with the E13 chain guard. Frost Bike 2014 © Cyclocross Magazine
Stay tuned for a full review as we ride test the E*thirteen chainguard.
More info: bythehive.com
See more cyclocross tires, bikes and other goodies from Frost Bike 2014 in our ever-growing coverage.
