When e*thirteen first entered the chain device game it’s fair to say that they definitely pushed things on, and to this day they still remain right up there at the top of the game.
Some riders prefer a chain guide with a full bash ring, but we have a real soft spot for designs that use a lower ‘taco’ style bash guard which is fixed to the back plate, just like this LG1+. Crucially we’ve never been let down by one of these guides when it comes to keeping a chain on, and it’s smooth and quiet in use too.
It’s the little details though that make this chain device so good, and we’re not surprised that it has now remained unchanged for a few years as we really can’t see how they could make it any better. It’s when you’re fitting and adjusting it that you appreciate its design. The number of bolts is kept to an absolute minimum and all the hardware is captive so you won’t end up trying to retrieve a tiny little nut from wherever you just dropped it.
The fact that the lower guide and bash plate can be rotated to three different positions means that it’s incredibly adaptable to different frame designs. You get a choice of either 32-36t or 36-40t compatibility, with either an ISCG or ISCG 05 mounting. If you haven’t got either of those mounts on your frame then go for the ISCG 05 version as this comes with an adaptor which makes bottom bracket mounting possible. The final choice is either a black or white finish.
Thanks to a combination of any excess material being machined away from the back plate, and honeycomb sliders, this chain device is as strong and stiff as it ever needs to be, and yet at 183g it’s also one of the lightest offerings around. If you’re really concerned about weight then e13 also make the LG1R which uses a carbon back plate and Ti bolts to shave off a few grams, and conversely if you’re worried about the cost but bon’t mind a few extra grams of weight then you could go for the LS1+ which is very similar design wise (and performance wise) but uses a pressed steel back plate instead of the CNC machined aluminium one. That one will only set you back £79.95
As I said before, it’s difficult to imagine how they could really improve upon this design, and we think this particular version strikes a good balance between cost and weight.
Price: £129.00
www.silverfish-uk.com
www.e13components.com
If you’ve missed our other favourite DH chain devices then here they are…
