Skip to main content

MRP SXg chain guide


MRP’s latest offering has a ‘Whippersnapper’ lower guide integrated into its skid plate to keep the chain on track through really rough sections without the added drag and wear of a jockey wheel. Fitting was straightforward, and although clearance was tight on the Kona Process 111 we bolted it to initially, it worked well regardless and fitted other test bikes fine.

The SXg silences chain slap remarkably better than an upper-only guide, offering peace of mind when pedalling through the chop, and despite our best efforts we failed to derail the chain. The skid plate shrugged off several skelps, and both upper and lower guides accommodated the full gearing range without rub.

It’s not cheap and may be overkill for some, but our 30-34t version weighed just 159g including bolts and offers drag-free, DH-ready retention.

Price 210$


Popular posts from this blog

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

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.

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.