e*thirteen XCX Chainguide (discontinued)

(This review is for the seat tube mounted low-clamp version of this guide.) I was initially disappointed when I found that the lower linkage on my 2012 Giant Trance forced me to mount this chainguide so high that it looked like it might not work properly. So if you can, you should check the compatibility between this chainguide and your specific frame before you throw down your cash. I had doubts, especially since I was using a 32T ring, but since I started riding I have forgotten all about the installation issues. After a little bit of adjustment, there is very little chain rub. There's some slight noise when I use the lowest or highest cogs, but nothing that I can feel through the pedals. My first ride with this chainguide was down a steep, rocky trail with about six or seven miles of continuous descent. The guide worked perfectly - not one dropped chain. And that's the way it's been ever since. As long as you can get the guide to fit on your frame, the performance is great. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's a high-quality item.

Purchased my e*thirteen XCX chainguide 8 months ago for my Santa Cruz Nomad. After doing quite a bit of research, I figured this was the best weight/strength/price option at the time. Here are my impressions

Installation and fit

Installing the chainguide was pretty straight forward. A variety of spacers came with it so I was able to get the perfect fit for all of my gears. e*thirteen did an excellent job in spacing out the width of the guard. I am able to go completely through the 11 gears of my Sram XO1 11 speed cassette without any rubbing. The plastic and metal used in this guard are nothing but the highest of quality. This is very important to me because I've had issues with other guides self-imploding while in the middle of a race run. In terms of adjusting the height of the plastic guard, I'm not sure if there is any other guide that is easier to adjust. All that is required is to loosen one bolt and slide the guard up or down. E*thirteen also included a quick measurement gauge which tells you where the guide sits (28t all the way to 36t). The only complaint I have about this chainguide is that you need to break the chain every time you want to add and remove the piece for cleaning. I know this isn't a huge deal for most people but I perform a lot more maintenance than the average rider.

Weight

I got this guide because it was the best weight/strength/price option at the time.

Since then, two guides have been introduced that rival the wight of this guide (OneUp Top and MRP 1X guides). In terms of durability, I still feel the e*thirteen XCX guide is at the top of all these chainguides. The question one needs to ask is what is the most important factor when deciding on a chainguide; durability, weight, or both?

Bottom Line

I have been very impressed with the e*thirteen XCX chainguide. It's pretty much everything I was looking for in a guide. If you are looking for something light weight but built to last, look no further.

I ran the low mount version on 1x9 gearing with my Trek Fuel EX 7. Worked great because with a press fit BB the low mount or high mount allow you to still use a chain guide.  Super LIGHT

The chain guide was easy to install, however it is easy to move upon crashing.  The lower mount I had setup is similar to a derailuer clamp on your seat tube and it moved on me and needed readjusting several times after a bad crash.