Plastic thingy between rear cassette and spokes
Discussion
Ok, I have no idea what this part is called, but it's made of plastic and is normally mounted to the rear wheel in-between the rear top gear and the spokes. I assume it's there to protect the spokes should the chain drop off the top?
Mine has broken and is no longer attached to the spokes. Can I simply remove it without fear of damaging the spokes should the chain drop off the top gear (which is does do occasionally) ?
Mine has broken and is no longer attached to the spokes. Can I simply remove it without fear of damaging the spokes should the chain drop off the top gear (which is does do occasionally) ?
ewenm said:
Remove it and adjust the limit screws on the mech so the chain doesn't go too far. I think it's more to prevent the chain getting stuck in the gap than to protect the spokes.
Actually they are spoke protectors...
It is a sensible idea to replace them (espcially if you have a nice wheel and spokes for example) - you just need to whip the cassette/freewheel off to stick a new one on. However as he said, just make sure the adjustment is bang on and you'll be fine
Most bike shops will have them kicking around somewhere...
Edited by Neil_Bolton on Tuesday 27th February 14:32
coupeboy said:
just remove it and make sure the gears are adjusted.... I've never actually seen these on expensive wheel sets...
They are usually standard fit on expensive Mavic wheelsets and carbon wheels.
I wouldn't want a knackered spoke on my wheels, and would leave it on if it were on there...
If its knackered and if, only if, your gears are well adjusted, take it off.
Edited by Neil_Bolton on Tuesday 27th February 22:13
Along with reflectors, theyre among the first things I remove when I get a bike, as far as I see they serve no .
To be honest if your gears are so badly adjusted that your chain touches your spokes or your chain regularly goues over the top of your cassette you need to get it sorted rather than put a bit of plastic in the way just in case.
In short, bin it.
To be honest if your gears are so badly adjusted that your chain touches your spokes or your chain regularly goues over the top of your cassette you need to get it sorted rather than put a bit of plastic in the way just in case.
In short, bin it.
Moose. said:
Not sure. I think it's a legal requirement to sell a bike with them attached, but up to you once it's yours. I find a brief locking of the rear wheel when approaching people helps (or just shout something 
)
)They have to be sold on the bike, but then it's up to you.
Don't skid behind people to let them know you're there, it comes across as overly aggressive. A shout of "Excuse me" is fine.
Edited by ewenm on Wednesday 28th February 09:54
ewenm said:
Moose. said:
Not sure. I think it's a legal requirement to sell a bike with them attached, but up to you once it's yours. I find a brief locking of the rear wheel when approaching people helps (or just shout something )
)They have to be sold on the bike, but then it's up to you.
Don't skid behind people to let them know you're there, it comes across as overly aggressive. A shoud of "Excuse me" is fine.
or "COMING THROUGH!" usually works ....... haven't tried "BANZAI" yet (not to be confused with bonsai as can often happen)
that's what I've got Moose. said:
Not sure. I think it's a legal requirement to sell a bike with them attached, but up to you once it's yours. I find a brief locking of the rear wheel when approaching people helps (or just shout something )
)aha.. the bikeshop I got my Orange 5 from gave me all the reflectors and bell in a plastic bag. Like the said, its a specialist bike and whos to say I was going to ride it on the roads
Bit like the old Beemer batmobile thing where they sold the spoilers/wings/fences in the boot of the car.
The one rule I find funny is how the Department for Transport have dictated that new bikes must not be allowed to be sold with brakes levers swapped around. I prefer having the rear brake on the right hand, so found this quite amusing first time I demoed a UK sold bike.
ewenm said:
Moose. said:
Not sure. I think it's a legal requirement to sell a bike with them attached, but up to you once it's yours.....
They have to be sold on the bike, but then it's up to you.
They only have to be on a machine if it is complete. Most road bikes are sold sans pedals therefore no reflectors. Besides, a couple of grands worth of carbon fibre would look real wussey with reflectors.
I actually think it would be a good idea if they were fitted to some models of clipless pedals, just as an option - never seen them though.
Reflectors are needed for the cycling proficiency test.
LRdriver II said:
The one rule I find funny is how the Department for Transport have dictated that new bikes must not be allowed to be sold with brakes levers swapped around. I prefer having the rear brake on the right hand, so found this quite amusing first time I demoed a UK sold bike.
That's a new one me, more info please.
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