All Arround MTB

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

BLACKSPIRE ARE ONE of several companies producing single chainrings inspired by SRAM's outwardly simple but actually super-cunning and extremely effective chain-retaining alternating narrow-wide tooth design.

SO GOOD: On the face of it, this is another variation on a common design, but the DER Guide is really high quality, with great attention to detail.