Chain catcher - Is it necessary?
Moderator: robbosmans
Can I get everyone's thoughts on chain catchers, I have never had a problem with my chain dropping off the small chain ring so is it worth investing? If so what brand and model should I get. (I ride a 2010 Cannondale supersix with Sram Red FD)
It's kind of like insurance. You don't need it until something happens. You have a nice frame so I'd protect it as a chain catcher is a pretty inexpensive investment. I've seen too many frames with stripped paint and sometimes carbon from a dropped chain. I say do it.
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Just know that if the chain gets past the catcher, it's much more time consuming to fix. Seen that in minor accidents during races.
A lot of pros use it although their bikes are fine tuned.
- Stolichnaya
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Not sure how round the seat tube on the SuperSix is but if you can fit one the easiest and least expensive item is the DogFang or Third Eye Chain Watcher. The Deda comes in different diameters, the Third Eye is adjustable
If the SuperSix has a funky chunky seat tube, then the new Canyon catcher that mounts under the seat tube waterbottle cage is a nice item. It weighs a few more grams than those that mount on the FD bolt, but adjustment is much easier and independent. The Far and Near catcher and others that mount on the FD bolt are nice and light but do not seem to have a lot of brute strength. The Canyon design is anchored by two bolts and seems more stable during a chain strike.
Adjust it well and you will have no more issues.
If the SuperSix has a funky chunky seat tube, then the new Canyon catcher that mounts under the seat tube waterbottle cage is a nice item. It weighs a few more grams than those that mount on the FD bolt, but adjustment is much easier and independent. The Far and Near catcher and others that mount on the FD bolt are nice and light but do not seem to have a lot of brute strength. The Canyon design is anchored by two bolts and seems more stable during a chain strike.
Adjust it well and you will have no more issues.
Love my dog fang (as long as you have a round seat tube). Had a couple times where chain fell off the small ring and decided to invest the $10 for security. I know those will argue that only reason you will drop a chain is an out of tune f/d, but I say for 9-10g, its worth it for piece of mind. You'll hear it when its in action, and its very satisfying when you look down and the chain is already back on the ring
luckily my Scott Foil has a chain catcher integrated into the seat tube, it has saved me once and i am more than happy that it was there. with a nice bike, i would definitely throw one on. better to have a catcher than a chewed up or cracked frame.
pedal damn it.
My Bikes:
Ritchey Road Logic -- 7.56 kg
Felt F4X
Felt Edict 1
My Bikes:
Ritchey Road Logic -- 7.56 kg
Felt F4X
Felt Edict 1
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Supersix with braze-on Rival FD using a K-edge catcher.
Don't want to muck up the pretty carbon, and have a nasty habit of dropping chains out front (usually after 4 or so hours on the bike, in a cross chain, and shifting poorly... it's my own fault, I'm aware). Works like a charm.
I think that it might be hard to use any non-braze-on chaincatcher with a Supersix, thanks to the taper to the enormous BB area, which is why I went with the K-edge.
Don't want to muck up the pretty carbon, and have a nasty habit of dropping chains out front (usually after 4 or so hours on the bike, in a cross chain, and shifting poorly... it's my own fault, I'm aware). Works like a charm.
I think that it might be hard to use any non-braze-on chaincatcher with a Supersix, thanks to the taper to the enormous BB area, which is why I went with the K-edge.
I tuned my dog fang down to 5g.. I have a friend who's cervelo was destroyed by a chain drop.. Only happend once and chewed up the chain stay. Better to have than not have
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+1 on that SRAM FD. It really is a life changer.
- Zen Cyclery
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Chain catchers are simply for those who do not trust their mechanics enough to adjust their front derailleur correctly. I would say save your money and find a better tech if your dropping your chain. The front derailleur is the chain catcher and adding an aftermarket piece is not going to the root of the problem.
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