It’s really dependant on what your favourite trails are like. The trail I nailed my chain on (no damage) has a rock hop up and there are numerous other obstacles both rocky and woody on that series of trails that are low in the valley and melt out first in the spring. My bash guards are the 30-32 size and they have plenty of marks. But if your trails are flow type or don’t have too many chainring height things to ride over then yeah, not much need.
One thing about one by drivetrains rarely mentioned is the increased clearance offered by smaller single chainrings. Somewhat offset by lower bbs but still far better than 42 tooth rings.
July 13, 2023, 3:10 p.m. - Andy Eunson
It’s really dependant on what your favourite trails are like. The trail I nailed my chain on (no damage) has a rock hop up and there are numerous other obstacles both rocky and woody on that series of trails that are low in the valley and melt out first in the spring. My bash guards are the 30-32 size and they have plenty of marks. But if your trails are flow type or don’t have too many chainring height things to ride over then yeah, not much need. One thing about one by drivetrains rarely mentioned is the increased clearance offered by smaller single chainrings. Somewhat offset by lower bbs but still far better than 42 tooth rings.