Skip to main content

Blackspire TrailX chain guide


Blackspire’s bashguard is really solid and took every sump-out we threw at it without flinching. The upper guide covers a large part of the chain and is stiff enough to ensure top derailments are virtually impossible.

The upper guide is a tight squeeze so it requires careful set-up to ensure the chain won’t catch under full suspension compression or at either end of the cassette. Because the bashguard sits quite far outboard, the chain rattles against it over rough ground. At 134g it’s heavy for an upper-only guide.

Price $90


Popular posts from this blog

Gusset Magnum stem

SO GOOD Gusset’s 50mm stem is nicely CNC machined from 7075 alloy and the faceplate and internal steerer clamp are available in a range of five anodised colours to complement the black body. The hidden steerer clamp keeps sharp edges to a minimum and removes stress from the body of the stem. Out on the bike, the stem proved flex free and bombproof.

iXS Asper BC shorts

THEY AREN’T CHEAP, but these well made and feature packed shorts are the epitome of classic mountainbike-specific functionality, and on the bike they don’t disappoint.

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

Alpinestars Stratus gloves

The Stratus gloves from Alpinestars offer a decent amount of protection from the cold and wet without compromising control at the bars.