Submitted by
Jonathan Berthiaume
a Downhiller
from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Freight Train to Dirt Merchant to A-Line
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Western Cycle Source for Sports
Strengths:
Can take a beating, doesn't have the problem of getting the chain stuck between the boomerang and the chainring like E13s do, Never lets go of the chain!
Weaknesses:
You MUST remember to put lock-tight in the ISCG mounting bolts...they can come loose, then the whole guide will move around.
Similar Products Used:
E13 SRS, E13 DRS, Race Face Diablous
Bike Setup:
Trek session 7, Manitou stance flow, Diablous cranks, full sram drivetrain, Blackspire DS-1 chainguide, C4 bashguard, Hayes HFX Mags with 225mm front rotor.
Bottom Line:
This is a great Chainguide! Single ring just makes everything easier. If you're looking for an set-it and forget-it guide, this is the one for you. It's a little tricky to get set up properly, but once you get it done, it works perfctly. After reading all of the reviews here, I thought that The guide would make a really horrible grating sound as I pedalled, but was pleasantly suprised to find that it only makes a slight noise, and then only in the lowest gear. It looks great ( not like the one in the picture above, go to thi Blackspire website) and the C4 bashguard is holding up very well despite it being plastic. My only beef with Blackspire is that mine didn't come with the promised 38t chainring, and only half of the chainring bolts. It's a wonderful guide for anyone into freeride and downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from ewa beach, hi, usa Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks, simplicity of setup, solid condtruction
Weaknesses:
little plastic thing on top part of the guide wears down to fast.
Bike Setup:
'05 Big Hit, 888, romic
Bottom Line:
Great product. My chain has never come off. So it has done its job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
R T
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: May 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hamsterly
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
very reliable, set-up and forget about it. faultless! never dropped a chain, even on the roughest of rock gardens
Weaknesses:
ermmmmm, its a touch noisey when you first put it on, but once its bedded it its uber quiet
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bottom Line:
strong reliable chain guide, all those who have had problems probably couldnt set it up correctly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack
a Racer
from australia Date Reviewed: January 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
CYCLE WORK kilkenny S.A
Strengths:
awsome
Weaknesses:
none so far.
Bike Setup:
06 specialized bighit
Bottom Line:
there is no problem at all with them and i strongly suggest them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Low
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with my demo 9
Strengths:
none im being serious! i think a 3 sproket chainring system would hold a chain better
Weaknesses:
allen bolts come loose after every ride, chain gets tuck in the middle off the guide everytime some force comes its way,the back plate gets loose and pusheson the chain which makes a horrible sound and kill the chain, looks crap.
Similar Products Used:
demoed an e13 and a mrp world cup ... both kick ass
i hate this chain device so much! i have had so many problems and some have been painful. i was once stuck in the bush for an hour taking off all my bashplate crankarma dn more just to put my chain back on. i hate this chainguide and i am going to burn it! i am purchasing a mrp system 3 soon and i hope i get good results!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from West Midlands, UK Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Super strong. When set up right, it's never going to drop your chain. Free chainring adds to the already great value. Very adjustable, so it can be set up for whatever bike you choose to run it on.
Weaknesses:
It's a noisy little beggar.
Bike Setup:
Azonic Steelhead, Marzocchi Z1.
Bottom Line:
Awesome device, great value. Get an MRP roller and you're laughing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gibbo
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, South Australia Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mk 1
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very sturdy and strong - bashed this chain device heaps from downhilling and it's still working fine. Good for anyone who wants their chain to stay on.
Weaknesses:
Roller is too noisy!
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Specialized P2, Dirt Jumper 1, Blackspire DS-1
Bottom Line:
If you want a sturdy almost unbreakable chain device, then this is it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Allen
a Downhiller
from Lewiston Idaho Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
waja, hellsgate
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
buddys bike shop
Strengths:
easy to set up, set it perfect and remove the backing plate set screws one at a time. drill a divit (tiny ) then reseat the set screw with blue loc-tite, do this to all 3 and it will never shimmy or come out of adjustment. quieter than I thought. Works terrific, slammed logs and no problems yet, Handles chain extremely well, reduces chain whip to almost none. looks like perfection.
Weaknesses:
I dont have one to hang from my rear view mirror.
Similar Products Used:
e 13 drs. I love it as well, no complaints
Bike Setup:
mantra, king hubs & headset, dh30 rims, next lp cranks, thomson stem and post, ti saddle, hayes brakes, xtr etc...
Bottom Line:
You will hear alot of different opinions about it, usually negative is the result of someone not taking the time to properly set it up or abusing it beyond common sense. Do change the roller out for a dual bearing mrp and thats it... go ride, drop, jump and whatever else. Your chain will be there when you need it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JSUN
a Downhiller
from REDONDO BEACH CA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
PRICEPOINT
Strengths:
MORE BHANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
Weaknesses:
THE ROLLER SUCKS. IT HAS A FASCADE BEARING ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING ALL PRETTY AND STUFF BUT IT LACKS HALF THE PERFORMANCE OF A TWO SIDED BEARING ROLLER. SUBTRACT HALF A STAR. THE INSIDE PLATE IS THIN LIKE CRISPBREAD. WITH THE FACT THAT IT'S ADJUSTABLE, YOU'D THINK YOU COULD MATCH THE SIZE OF THE BASHGUARD. THE BASHGUARD IS OF DECENT THICKNESS, THERFORE IT IS TRUE BASHGUARD IN MY BOOK, BUT IF THE INNER PLATE IS THINNER THAN THE BASHGUARD, THAN THE GUARD WAS NOT QUITE CORRECTLY DESIGNED FOR "BASHING". -HOW OFTEN DO SLALOM-STYLE CHAINGUIDES GET SLAMMED ONLY ON THE DRIVE SIDE? SUBTRACT ANOTHER HALF STAR.
Similar Products Used:
FRONT DERAILEUR, SHORT CHAINS --LEAVING "SHORT CHANGE" ON TOP GEARS
Bike Setup:
FREERIDE HARDTAIL: AZONIC DS1 / DROP OFF TRIPLE(I DONT THINK IT SUCKS IF YOU SET THE AIR RIGHT) / SINGLETRACKS / ALL XT COMPONENTS / HAYES MAG HYDRAULIC 6 INCH / CHRIS KING HEADSET
Bottom Line:
GOOD COMBINATION OF PARTS FOR THE PRICE. IF YOURE UNSURE OF WHAT CHAINGUIDE TO STICK ON YOUR RIG, GO WITH THE 'SPIRE. YOU'LL BE HAPPY. EASY TO INSTALL IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS AND YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. THE CHAINRING AND THE BASHGUARD SEEM PRETTY STURDY, BUT THE INNER "C" PLATE IS SORT OF THIN. THE "Y" PLATE (WITH THE GUIDE AND ROLLER) SEEMS PRETTY STURDY TOO THOUGH, THE SET SCREWS DO THEIR JOB TO HOLD IT FIRM. I DIDNT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH SETTING THE CHAINLINE- JUST A QUICK REAR DERAILEUR (LOW)NORMAL GEAR SCREW ADJUSTMENT. THE GOOD FEATURE OF THE FOREMENTIONED "C" PLATE IS IT'S ADJUSTABILITY- TO BE ABLE TO SLIDE TOWARD OR AWAY FROM THE CHAINRING- THUS ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR SPACERS. THE CHAIN WILL STILL RUB ON THE "C" PLATE ON THE TOP TWO GEARS WHEN SET PROPERLY, SO DON'T BE TEMPTED TO SET IT TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE CHAINRING OR IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR YOUR CHAIN TO DERAIL BETWEEN THE "C" PLATE AND THE CHAINRING. SWAP THE ROLLER FOR AN MRP AND YOUR STYLIN' LIKE BLING BLING. GREAT PRODUCT. TOTALY SATISFIED. ..GOTTA BE KNIT-PICKY THOUGH.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Soal
a Downhiller
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
MT Vic
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Strengths:
Keeps Chain on. Srt up and leave it
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
MPR
Bike Setup:
04 Hotdog frame. XL stuff 04 bombers
Bottom Line:
The Chainguide is great. Easy to set up and works well. they are strong.... Drop my bike on guide and still hasn't bent
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ty
a Downhiller
from Ft collins, Co, USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
webcyclery.com
Strengths:
design, simplicity, quality, reliablility
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
MRP system 1 and 2
Bike Setup:
01 schwinn striaght 8 w/super t pro with blackspire ds-1 03 p2 w/mrp system 1
Bottom Line:
the ds-1 is much more durrable than the mrp system. Extremely easy to set up, quiet, comes with a chain ring. i have yet to throw a chain while using this guide, even while jumping and riding through rocks, roots, etc. If you want a set-it-and-forget-it chain guide get the blackspire, very pleased with quality, price and reliablity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: September 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
PLAYGROUND - Fernie, B.C.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Looks slick, pretty quiet, keeps the chain tight and on
Weaknesses:
The bottom roller is kinda cheapish, but I think I can replace it with an MRP or Envy orange roller, they have 2 bearings whereas the Blackspire only has an outer bearing
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
03 Cannondale Gemini, Deemax UST, Super T, Gazza's, Block8 sealed flats, and Romic D.
Bottom Line:
This is the first real upgrade on my bike. I have been riding with a 3 ring set up which came stock and was waiting for the luck rock to catch my big ring so I had an excuse to replace it with a bashring. That time never came so I took the initiative and bought the DS-1 chain guide. I haven't had a chance to put it to a rigorous test, but it feels great. I have no problems getting around with just the 38T ring either.
I know now that when I start riding DH hard my chain won't have the chance to skip down a ring and I won't have to worry about trying to pedal when the chain isn't on at all.
I wish these things weren't so darn expensive either!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joE
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham , England Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Looks cool Does its job no maintenance bargain, especially with a CNCd chainring with it
Weaknesses:
backplate is a bit thin, but it hasnt failed on me yet.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
kona stuff, 99 jr.ts, hope c2s, mavic 321 on hope sport, blackspire ds-1 etc etc
Bottom Line:
what can i say. Its been flawless on me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Oakville Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath Oakville
Strengths:
So far the chain stays on well when it tight
Weaknesses:
The guide constantly come loose and the plate slides back and forth. Its really annoying
Bike Setup:
Giant AC2, shiver sc
Bottom Line:
If you can keep the guide on the bike tightly its a really good guide, However I wouldnt mind a version with some more bash protection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from San diego Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anderson
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
MHB
Strengths:
looks good, made in canada
Weaknesses:
white plastic thing, to skinny, crap, boomerang and outer ring is way to flexy, plate in and caught chain between upper guide and outter ring, sucked, bad chainguide, light but not designed well
Similar Products Used:
Mrp, the best in the west, east, north, south
Bike Setup:
dback reactor, marzocchi, ringle wheels, XTR, truvativ, hayes discs, azonic, selle italia
Bottom Line:
piece o crap, don't but it, i weight 125 and i bent and flexed the hell out of it, not good for any rider,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Shankland
a Downhiller
from Waterloo, ONT, CAN Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Gruvula
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Mcphails Cycle and Sport
Strengths:
Burly ring. esigned in Canada on Canadian Trails.
Weaknesses:
The upper guide plate bends and does nothing untill its bent back.
Similar Products Used:
Mr. Dirt, MRP
Bike Setup:
01' Stinky Dee- Mr.T, DS-1 LX/deore parts, hayes soon to be here- Stab SE
Bottom Line:
If you spend alot of time free riding or shore, the black spire will take more abuse than an MRP, but will bend occasionally. If you race the bike run an MRP, its light, and the chain will never come off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Blender
a Downhiller
from Halifax, NS, Canada Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Keeps the chain on the Drivetrain
Weaknesses:
The white rectangular Piece should have been a bit Wider
Similar Products Used:
DMR, Tru Vativ, MRP Slalom
Bike Setup:
2000 Kona Chute 24' wheel set up with a Nokian 3.0 in front and a 2.35 IRC kujo in rear Tru Vativ cranks with ISIS drive Hayes Disc brakes front and rear
Bottom Line:
Good product, Love it the 4th product i bought from blackspire Here is a tip: if you find the chain comes off here and their, and you want it to be a little more secure try putting washers between the white Rectangular Piece and the Black piece, that way the white Rectangular piece sticks out more this desireve 5 flames for sure especially when it is a canadain Product ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joE
a Weekend Warrior
from mu mu land Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction cycles.com
Strengths:
good reputation for making bulletproof stuff looks mint smooth running easy to set up
Weaknesses:
£85 stiil isnt exactly spare change is it?
Similar Products Used:
cheapo mr control device (crap)
Bike Setup:
kona stuff 2000, 4" travel judy races, hope enduro4 and avid arch rival brakes etc etc
Bottom Line:
works mint, cheaper than mrp and mr dirt devices and looks the nuts heres a pic of my bike (needs updating)
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
