e13 has been making chainguides since the beginning, and the LG1+ is their latest DH offering. This review takes a look at the white 32-36 tooth guide mounted on a freeride bike. Read on for the full review...
---
Words and Photos by David Peacock
It starts with training and focus. Having the legs, lungs and mindset to make it to the bottom of the course is where races are won and lost, but equipment matters, and anyone who claims otherwise is blinded by his or her own idealism.
If youve ever raced chainless you know its a different animal from conventional racing. Losing a chain in the middle of a race run is a brutal way to have a result ruined, and as a result chain retention systems are mandatory. But its not just during the race; Ive been on countless rides that have ended with one member of the party yanking furiously at a chain. Choosing the right chainguide for your bike is key to enjoying the ride.
E13 has been one of the leaders at keeping chains on rings for years, and their recent change of ownership hasnt changed that. Their primary race-orientated offering is the LG1+, which weighs in at a mere 169 grams and comes in either 32-36 tooth or 36-40 tooth sizes. It is available in a massive array of colors, excluding everything but black and white (hows that for confusing and unnecessary rhetoric).
After a few successful seasons, my old chainguide was in dire need of replacement. I perused the magazines and catalogues seeking out a successor, and eventually settled on the LG1+. I was a little leery when it came to the lack of external bashguard, but I figured it was time to give one of the new look guides a try. I have been pleasantly surprised. Mounting the LG1+ on a 2010 Giant Faith with Race Face Respond cranks and a 36 tooth Race Face Respond ring was relatively easy. Showing your rings is definitely the cool thing to do, and Ill admit frankly that this played into my decision. The weight difference between the LG1+ and the SRS is fairly minimal, at 26 grams, but for some, every gram counts.
It has been said that you know something is working well when you dont notice it. Chainguides are an excellent example of this. Riding the LG1 for months on end, I noticed it on a couple of occasions, but for the most part it performed silently and properly. Every so often, though, the chain would get sucked in between the guide and the rings themselves on the upper side, jamming the entire system. This was a nuisance, but was easily fixed and the guide would resume its regular performance afterwards. Also, with a 36-tooth chain ring and the smaller guide option, there was only just enough clearance for the chain to run comfortably below the chainstay. This caused some chain slap on the bottom of the chainstay, a problem that was quickly remedied by a tube. Apart from these minor concerns, I have been impressed with the LG1+. It is a great race-day or freeride guide that gobbles up rough terrain and keeps the chain running smoothly.
Check out e13 Components for any information I might have missed.
