K-Edge Chain Keeper -- MUST BUY ACCESSORY

Coach Rich

All,

After dropping my chain 2-3x's on the IMWI course during the camp, including once at the VERY bottom of the steep Timberlane hill, I installed a K-Edge Chain Keeper Friday evening.

Very easy to install, makes it physically impossible for you to drop your chain when going from the big to the small chain ring. Great piece of mind on a hilly course like WI.

Daniela

I have one on hold at our LBS for when I take my bike in for a tuneup next week. The K-Edge was the one they recommended as well. Out of the 4 times I've ridden the course in the past month, I've dropped my chain twice. At Kansas 70.3 this year, I dropped my chain going up a hill. Took 12 seconds plus lost momentum to put it back on. I lost a Worlds 70.3 slot that day by 9 seconds. Wouldn't have taken it because of IMWI, but still would have been nice to say I qualified. It's pricier than I thought, but will be well worth the $$$.

Coach Rich

I got mine in anodized red, goes with the back and red of the bike

Brian Quarton [OLD]

I got one too. I was thinking about it after my wife called me out to put her chain back on. This thread convinced me.

mattsull

I got mine on Friday just as I was walking out the door to go to Madison. I didn't install it. Dropped my chain 2x on Saturday. Grrrr.

Sue Chapman

Got mine a few weeks ago AND had it installed. But, still managed to drop my chain during RR - GRRR - felt like I didn't pull the shifter all the way back so maybe operator error? Back it goes to LBS to check it out. But, I'm convinced it has saved me several other dropped chain episodes.

Coach Rich

Sue, have them check the installation. The K-Edge goes between your frame, the chain, and your chainrings, and you can get it so close that the chain physically cannot go between the K-Edge and the small chain ring.

You can still drop the chain to the outside but this is very, very unusual. Has only happened to me a couple times in a billion miles.

This week I'll shift under load while combining and in general give the thing a workout, increasing my confidence in it.

mancona

@Sue - the k-edge is pretty easy to adjust. put your chain on the small chainring and largest cassette cog and spin the crank a few times. There should only be about enough space between the chain catcher and the chain to get a dime or maybe a penny in there. If you have more room then that, just stick a penny in there and then tighten the chain catcher up so the penny is held in place, then spin the crank to get the penny out.... now it will be close enough.

FWIW, i have used a chain catcher for over 2 years and I have tired to drop my chain to the inside and have yet to be able to do it. If you cross chain really bad and then slam the FD down under full load (exactly what you should never do), you will actually hear the chain hit the catcher and the within a second it will be back on and you will be riding just fine. I have however dropped a chain to the outside but that was because my limit screw wasn't set right (my fault for being lazy when swapping cranks).

Dave Tallo

I have the 'Far Near' version.  Weight penalty is 4-5g.   I'm a chain-crossing fool, so it has saved my bacon many many times. 

Coach Patrick

Sounds like this should go on a pre-race mandatory equipment list!

Sue Chapman

Thanks all - I'll check out the installation and spacing!