Ever since Gamut came out with their first chain device several years ago we’ve been big fans of what they produce. At first glance you think ‘how can something so simple and minimal work?’, but the fact is that it works a treat.
With the P30s using a full bash ring you’d think that it’d be heavier than those designs which just have a taco at the bottom, yet because of its simplicity this weighs just 170g. That’s lighter than both e*thirteen’s LG1+ and MRP’s G3. Don’t let that make you think it’s not tough though because time and time again we’ve been amazed at what the bash guard in particular can withstand. Gamut appear to use a slightly different material compared to some of the competition and it seems to flex and absorb impacts rather than shatter. The aluminium reinforcements in the chainring bolt holes is also a nice touch as it means that even if you’re a bit ham fisted when tightening things up you’re not going to crack anything. Another thing that we’re fans of is that Gamut haven’t tried to make this device fit a wide range of chainring sizes. Yes that might not be what you want if you’re always wanting to change ring size, but on the other hand it means that you’re not running a massive bash ring (which reduces ground clearance) with a much smaller chairing.
Because of its simplicity this guide is very easy to fit and work on. In fact Gamut really pushed things on in that respect with their first chain device and they’re still hard to beat today. And, although that black plate might look a little weedy compared to some of the competition it’s incredibly stiff and we’ve never had problems with it flexing out of the way and allowing the chain to come off (a common problem with poorer chain devices). The fact that both Aaron Gwin and Greg Minnaar, two of the most consistant riders ever, have been using this guide on the World Cup circuit also speaks volumes for its reliability.
The original Gamut chain devices used to have a simple roller which span on a cartridge bearing as the lower guide, but because that had a tendency to sieze up (like so many others) they’ve now decided to go with a even simpler slider system instead. The unique thing about the Gamut slider though is that it uses a rubber o-ring to both reduce noise and friction. It’s incredible how effective something so simple is. Of course this will wear out with time but you get a spare one in the box and you could pick up something that’ll fit from any decent hardware shop for a few pence. And, if all else fails it’ll still work without one, it’ll just be a bit noisier and not quite as smooth.
This P30s fits 35 or 36t chainrings but Gamut also make identical guides that fit other size rings, and they’re equally as impressive. Mounting wise bottom bracket, ISCG and ISCG 05 are all covered, plus you get a choice of either a black or white bash ring. Overall it’s fair to say that this is our favourite guide which features a full bash ring, and if that’s what you’re after then you’ll love it. Even the price is pretty good.
Price: £99.99
www.madison.co.uk
www.gamutusa.com
If you’ve missed our other favourite DH chain devices then here they are…
