With their classic orange roller affair MRP were the guys to beat when it came to chain devices back in the day. Then the competition upped their game, and some new names entered the fray, but even so MRP have still managed to keep coming out with chain devices that are hard to beat.
The G3 features what’s now a fairly standard top guide along with a new lower guide which is integral to the bash guard. This design means that the whole thing is very light and stiff, plus there’s the added benefit that the whole lower section neatly swings out of the way when you undo just one bolt, which makes fitting cranks or a chainring a doddle. Of course you also have to deal with the top guide too, but again this swings out of the way after just unscrewing one bolt.
These features make this guide a joy to work on, and all the hardware is captive so you won’t be losing any little bits in a field at the bottom of a race track. Another little detail which we really like is the bit of softer tubing that is fitted to the most rearward part of the upper guide. A lot of riders used to fit cut off bits of hydration hose to this area to help reduce noise and so MRP thought it would be sensible to do something like this from scratch. Nice one MRP.
The G3 has another unique feature up it’s sleeve that should keep everyone happy. You see there’s been a bit of a trend of late for ‘sliders’ as the lower guide rather than a jockey wheel or roller. MRP found it hard to decide which design to go for as both have their merits, and their fans, so instead of just going for one they went for both. So, if you want the lowest drag and noise possible then you’ll probably want to run the jockey wheel, but then if the conditions turn proper muddy then you might want to swap it out for the slider as that tends to work better in those kind of conditions. Basically it just gives you more options to run your bike how you want to.
With excess material having been removed from anywhere possible this guide weighs in at just 174g, yet it’s still incredibly stiff and strong. Of course it kind of goes without saying that it’s not going to let your chain come off. As for options, it comes in either a 32-36t ‘Mini’ size or a 36-40t ‘Mega’ one, and both of those are available with a carbon or aluminium back plate. Mounting wise everything is catered for; bottom bracket, ISCG and ISCG 05. Oh, and you get a choice of a black or white finish too.
This is the chain device that made it into our 2013 Dirt 100, and that should kind of say it all really. This is a top piece of kit.
Price: £119.99
www.ison-distribution.com
www.mountainracingproducts.com
If you’ve missed our other favourite DH chain devices then here they are…
