My 11 year old got a nasty gash on his leg from the exposed chain teeth, surrounding the pedal. I am looking for something that will protect his legs, but I don't actually know what I'm looking for is called. The bike is a Norco XS frame mountain bike.
by Different_Wishbone75
21 Comments
I see some holes in the crank, perhaps there is a guard that fits the bike. It’s probably easiest to ask the manufacturer if there is one available, and if they say no or are unaware, ask for the crank model number so you can search it out.
however, I don’t think you need to do this. shit happens. he’ll learn.
You would be referring to a chainring guard
I haven’t bought one myself before but I think you’re probably looking for a chainring (or bash) guard. Hope you can find something for the little guy!
Basically???? Nothing really. This is something that all cyclists need to learn how to manage and deal with. What I mean is, we’ve all put cuts on our legs when we forget the spiky bit is out and we put the wrong foot down. The less severe version, we’ve all gotten a chain tattoo on our calves for much the same reason.
Did he slip off the pedals or something?
You could maybe zip-tie a chain guard to the frame … somehow??
I’m trying to figure out how he cut his leg on the chain ring outside of a freak accident. Chain ring guard is what you’re looking for I think but I really think it’s unlikely to happen again.
Often difficult to find a chainring guard that will match/work with a specific crank. But you can buy cranksets with them already installed which would save the headache of sourcing a guard. New crankset is less than $50
Chain ring guard. Your bike shop might be able to look one up that fits your crank and ring set
This should work: [https://www.amazon.com/GATWOEST-Protector-Sprocket-Cranksets-Chainring/dp/B0CRBH8N15](https://www.amazon.com/GATWOEST-Protector-Sprocket-Cranksets-Chainring/dp/B0CRBH8N15)
Bashing you shins is normal and a badge of honor for BMX and MtT B riders. They do make body armor including shin guards for this.
Shin guards if you are getting gnarly
A chain guard. There are many types, from flimsy ones covering just the top, to completely enclosed ones (although that might not work with a deraileur).
Shin guards?
Pants and shin guards. Damn, a 1x drivetrain prevents this those look nasty all exposed
Don’t wear shorts and/or wear pads
Are you talking about the actual chainring, which is the circular, toothed ring attached to the crank arm that engages with the chain, or do you mean the spikes around the edge of the pedal itself? How did he cut himself? Did he crash, or did his foot slip off the pedal?
Chainring guard available on Allie express or eBay .
Tell him to stay on the larger chainring
Skill issue
Firstly:
1) is the bike the right size for him, not too big so it’s causing him fall or try and hug the frame
2) if they are single piece/riveted cranks it’s harder to do, but you can get chainring guards/bash guards that prevent dropping chains and also stop their legs/laces/trousers getting caught
3)you can buy plastic chain guards that connect all along the bottom of the frame near and protect around half of the chainring. Though you’d have to check if it’ll fit that type of bike first as they’re usually reserved for more upright/city bikes
4)better pedals, they could be slipping on those ‘came with the bike’ ones you have now. Any pedal is an upgrade, but as long as there’s tread on the shoes they’re riding in. I’ve used DMR V6 (the lowest end plastic pedals) with Vans for years commuting and had no issues. Although my MTB has composite pedals with adjustable metal pins that will lock my feet in place well.
5) sounds silly but making sure they’re using a decent pedal technique – the balls of your feet should be in contact with the pedal, your toes or heel shouldn’t be taking all the point
A car.