MSC Bikes raises the benchmark once again, creating the lightest chainguide on the market. Not only phenomenally light(155 grams) but extremely strong and durable.
We will go over the details of the Ultralight chainguide and how all the pieces fit together to create one of the best looking chainguides on the market and not to mention the lowest weight.
Functional artwork. MSC guys raise the standard once again with the magnificent looking Ultralight chain guide.
12.7mm - The optimum distance between pulley and chainring
e-Thirteen utilising the sliding hole for adjustment
Functional artwork. MSC guys raise the standard once again with the magnificent looking Ultralight chain guide.
Specifications
The best materials were put together to reach the best weight/performance/strength ratio. Keeping in mind the specific use of this chainguide, we made sure that this is able to handle some very extreme riding - And has been ridden by Factory Rider Mik Pascal at the French Nationals
Here are the specifications:
- Suitable for three chainring sizes: 36, 38 and 40 teeth by using the Tri-Fit system
- Integrated, replaceable and optimized bashguard protector. It has been optimized to have the maximum impact absorption with low weight
- Suitable for ISCG05 chainguide mount (http://www.iscg05.com)
- Independent angular adjustment for upper and lower side
- World lightest aluminum pulley
- Ergal aluminum bolts
- 155 grams (inc. ISCG mounting bolts)
Design
Tri-Fit System
Adjustment system to regulate the distance between chainring and pulley according to the chainring’s size. The ideal distance for all chain transmissions is the chain pitch (below). In a bicycle chain case, the pich is 12,7mm.
12.7mm. The optimum distance between pulley and chainring
Currently there is no chainguide on the market that has such precise adjustment. The majority are using a sliding hole system. Which we can see below.
e-Thirteen utilising the sliding hole for adjustment
We have developed a precise and user-friendly adjustment system. We call it Tri-Fit.
MSC Tri-Fit. Developed and exclusive to MSC Bikes
The Tri-Fit System consists of 3 holes which allow the assembly of 3 different chainring sizes (36t, 38t and 40t) and an additional hole for perfect pulley alignment.
Tri-Fit adustment holes, that accurately sets the guide for 40t, 38t or 36t chainrings.
Angular Adjustment
The Ultralight guide is the only low weight chainguide with independent angular adjustment between the upper and lower guide. This adjustment system allows a perfect fit to each bike.
Super precise: The angular adjustment allows easy fit to all kinds of bikes
Carbon Backplate - Inspiration from nature
The carbon backplate supports the upper guide piece. Usually, it is made of metal sheet or flat carbon panel.
We were looking for a solution to make it stiffer and lighter at the same time. "I realized that curved leafs from trees were stiffer and thinner than flat leafs."
Inspired by nature.
Molded carbon instead of weaker flat CNC'd sheets
Hollow aluminium bolts with a fine pitch thread for more security.
ft: The upper guide. Right: The lower guide with the peep hole for the Ultralight pulley.
Finite Element Method to optimuse strength / weight ratio
Specially designed hex bolts which can be adjusted on the bike with a standard spanner or 6mm hex
This concept can be easily demonstrated using paper. The result is the same.We have used the inspiration from nature to shape our design. By using an exclusive mold and shapeable carbon fibre sheets, we can shape our component exactly the way we want it.
The result is awesome! We have obtained a super stiff component with only 2mm thickness.
Carbon backplate with upper guide assembled
Upper and Lower guides
The flat panels are made of carbon fibre. This way we can achieve a stiffer, lighter and thinner panel.
We have used water jet cutting to produce spare parts in a efficient and cost effective manner. Carbon fibre aesthetics are always an upgrade.
The lower panel of guide has a windows to sight the high-end Ultralight pulley underneath. The pulley itself has mechanized gaps which lower the weight without diminishing the stiffness and resistance of the component. At 5.5 grams for the pulley it is currently the lightest pulley on the market. It also keeps chainguide noise to a minimum
Optimised Bashguard
This component is made of polycarbonate due it its strength and ease of machining.
A polycarbonate bashguard is not only strong but can be easily shaped.The purpose of this component is to shield the chainring from heavy impacts from all possible directions. In order to elaborate the ideal design, we simulate impacts by using "Finite Element Method" (below). This way we were able to accomplish a design that fulfills all the requirements of a strong chainguide and with absolute minimum use of material.
Finite Element Method to simulate forces in all possible directions on the bashguard.The impact is transmitted to a stiff CNC aluminium central plate which joins all the components together.
Bolts
All bolts, except for frame mounting bolts, are made of Aluminium 7075T6 (Ergal) with M8x1 thread, they are also hollow. A fine pitch thread also allows a stronger interface.
Aluminium threads have better locking properties which helps prevent un-intended loosening.
Hollow aluminium bolts with a fine pitch thread for more security.
Specially designed hex bolts which can be adjusted on the bike with a standard spanner.Tapered titanium GR5 M6 bolts (DIN7991), meets ISCG05 standards.PTFE(Teflon) Bushings are used in the upper guide to prevent unwanted "grazing" sounds from the chain.
PTFE(Teflon) Bushings are used in the upper guide to prevent unwanted "grazing" sounds from the chain.
Fully modular system allows seperate parts to be replaced.
Exploded view of the Ultralight Chainguide.