Just bought this for my road bike. Works perfectly. Had to view this video to learn how to properly adjust (why were there no directions with the unit)? Highly recommend it, despite it being pretty pricey!
Great video ! I never thought chain drop would be an issue with the SRAM XPLR RD I use, only because the Clutch system is really tight, but last weekend at Vermont Overland I dropped my chain 3 times (!) , all at critical moments that cost time and positions!. The only other benefits I would add to this discussion (esp if you're not a competitive rider and don't see the point of adding this) are Safety: dropping a chain on a slow steep rocky technical climb or descent can take you by surprise and lead to a crash (when you drive a pedal downwards and there is suddenly nothing there = it's not good!), and Conservation of your frame! Chain Drops are not good for carbon and can really damage your frame really quickly so that alone justifies cost to me! Thanks for a very thorough video!
I got the 3T front derailleur mount from my local bike shop where I bought the bike. You can also try the spare parts section on the 3T website: www.3t.bike/en/spare-parts/frames/front-derailleur-hanger-kit-525.html I hope you find what you are looking for!
Yep, fully agree! It’s only on very smooth gravel roads that you don’t need a chainguide. Any washboard or rough gravel and a chainguide becomes a must for 1x.
Do you think that with a mountain bike the chain wont fall off if you have a relatively strong derailleur (without the on and off clutch) but also a chain guide on the chainring. do you think the chain will still drop or it will be ok. Thanks
This chainguide really works very well and I’ve been extremely pleased with its performance. I haven’t tested it on a MTB yet, but I did recently make a video (th-cam.com/video/kiqCb5CPAo0/w-d-xo.html) where I rode my gravel bike on the MTB trails. For that video the Gnarwolf was on the bike, and the clutch was actually switched off. I didn’t have any issues with a drop chain. So perhaps a chainguide and strong derailleur can work.
I like your accent. Where are you from? When setting the horizontal guide alignment do you ensure equal clearance on either side of the chain and the guide while on the middle sprocket? That would be the best setup to allow the chain to have clearance at the highest and lowest gear? Lastly is there a vertical adjustment indicator so we know how low to set the guide on a 30T or 32T or 34T chainring? Thanks
Thanks! My accent is South African - Mix of British English and Afrikaans (Dutch) that you hear. As for the Gnarwolf: For the horizontal setting I just make sure that there is no rub on either side of the range. I’ve found that setting it slightly more towards the frame, as to allow clearance for the climbing gears, works best for me. But in the end it’s a bit of trial and error to dial it in. For the vertical adjustment, do take note that the Gnarwolf that I have is limited to a minimum chainring size of 34T. Here it’s again a case of trial and error since there is no indicator. I’ve gone with a height that allow about 3-5mm clearance between the chain and the chainguide.
@@MountainRoadRide I bought one and have been using it. It gives me a great sense of security and I don’t give care to be gentle when shredding those trails.
thanks for the great review I've ordered one. I am running a 48t front chain ring and a 12 through 42 in the back I'm wondering if I can put in some spacers in order for it to clear the 48t chain ring in the front. I know it all depends on the particular chain ring my particular bikes chain line etc just wondered if anybody had done it. Giant revolt 2021 gravel bike.
Is this a solution in search of a problem? Because I can say that in nearly two years of hard riding a 1x on my Trek Marlin 8, I've only dropped the chain once, and that was most likely due to my rear derailleur being out of alignment.
It's a huge problem solver for me. Care to share which groupset you've been riding on your Trek? You can watch this video that I created which shows a ride of when I really wish that I had a chain catcher on my bike: th-cam.com/video/VXuUR6OFiRg/w-d-xo.html
@@MountainRoadRide My Marlin 8 is running a SRAM 1x12 with a 34T chainring and an 11-50T rear cassette. Chain has only dropped once in 24 months, and I ride some pretty chunky stuff. Maybe gravel bikes are configured differently than cross country?
Just bought this for my road bike. Works perfectly. Had to view this video to learn how to properly adjust (why were there no directions with the unit)? Highly recommend it, despite it being pretty pricey!
Great video ! I never thought chain drop would be an issue with the SRAM XPLR RD I use, only because the Clutch system is really tight, but last weekend at Vermont Overland I dropped my chain 3 times (!) , all at critical moments that cost time and positions!. The only other benefits I would add to this discussion (esp if you're not a competitive rider and don't see the point of adding this) are Safety: dropping a chain on a slow steep rocky technical climb or descent can take you by surprise and lead to a crash (when you drive a pedal downwards and there is suddenly nothing there = it's not good!), and Conservation of your frame! Chain Drops are not good for carbon and can really damage your frame really quickly so that alone justifies cost to me! Thanks for a very thorough video!
Great explanation, thank you.
So glad that you found it helpful.
Thanks for the video! Very illustrative. Where did you buy the front derailleur mount? I also have a 3T bike
I'm sold. Ordered one.
I'm sure you'll like the GnarWolf just as much as I do. Still works great for me!
Thank you for the review. Could you share where did you find the braze on plate / mount. I am struggling to find one to add the same chain guide.
I got the 3T front derailleur mount from my local bike shop where I bought the bike. You can also try the spare parts section on the 3T website: www.3t.bike/en/spare-parts/frames/front-derailleur-hanger-kit-525.html I hope you find what you are looking for!
♥Mountain Road Ride
grx should come with a chainguide option, and all others 1x cranks
Yep, fully agree! It’s only on very smooth gravel roads that you don’t need a chainguide. Any washboard or rough gravel and a chainguide becomes a must for 1x.
Do you think that with a mountain bike the chain wont fall off if you have a relatively strong derailleur (without the on and off clutch) but also a chain guide on the chainring. do you think the chain will still drop or it will be ok. Thanks
This chainguide really works very well and I’ve been extremely pleased with its performance. I haven’t tested it on a MTB yet, but I did recently make a video (th-cam.com/video/kiqCb5CPAo0/w-d-xo.html) where I rode my gravel bike on the MTB trails. For that video the Gnarwolf was on the bike, and the clutch was actually switched off. I didn’t have any issues with a drop chain. So perhaps a chainguide and strong derailleur can work.
I like your accent. Where are you from?
When setting the horizontal guide alignment do you ensure equal clearance on either side of the chain and the guide while on the middle sprocket? That would be the best setup to allow the chain to have clearance at the highest and lowest gear?
Lastly is there a vertical adjustment indicator so we know how low to set the guide on a 30T or 32T or 34T chainring?
Thanks
Thanks! My accent is South African - Mix of British English and Afrikaans (Dutch) that you hear. As for the Gnarwolf: For the horizontal setting I just make sure that there is no rub on either side of the range. I’ve found that setting it slightly more towards the frame, as to allow clearance for the climbing gears, works best for me. But in the end it’s a bit of trial and error to dial it in. For the vertical adjustment, do take note that the Gnarwolf that I have is limited to a minimum chainring size of 34T. Here it’s again a case of trial and error since there is no indicator. I’ve gone with a height that allow about 3-5mm clearance between the chain and the chainguide.
@@MountainRoadRide I bought one and have been using it. It gives me a great sense of security and I don’t give care to be gentle when shredding those trails.
thanks for the great review I've ordered one. I am running a 48t front chain ring and a 12 through 42 in the back I'm wondering if I can put in some spacers in order for it to clear the 48t chain ring in the front. I know it all depends on the particular chain ring my particular bikes chain line etc just wondered if anybody had done it. Giant revolt 2021 gravel bike.
I have a 46. I had to modify it to fit.
@@rickylee7657 Thanks for reply, I was lucky with the chainline on this bike I guess. Fit the 48t with 11sp fine.
Is this a solution in search of a problem? Because I can say that in nearly two years of hard riding a 1x on my Trek Marlin 8, I've only dropped the chain once, and that was most likely due to my rear derailleur being out of alignment.
It's a huge problem solver for me. Care to share which groupset you've been riding on your Trek? You can watch this video that I created which shows a ride of when I really wish that I had a chain catcher on my bike: th-cam.com/video/VXuUR6OFiRg/w-d-xo.html
@@MountainRoadRide My Marlin 8 is running a SRAM 1x12 with a 34T chainring and an 11-50T rear cassette. Chain has only dropped once in 24 months, and I ride some pretty chunky stuff. Maybe gravel bikes are configured differently than cross country?
Think it will work for roadbike if I have an Oval front?
This won’t work with a 2x setup, but if your road bike has a 1x then it will. Wolf Tooth states this will work up to 46T chainrings, even oval ones.
@@MountainRoadRide i have a Stone oval chainring 1x
Works great until the inner guide breaks off. $20 to replace two bits of plastic.
Will this work on a chainring as small as 30T ? Edit - never mind. Website has an MTB version for 28-36T.
Glad you found the answer👍 The one that I have is stated to work with 34T to 46T chainrings.
Will this work on a road bike? 53t?
I think Wolf Tooth specifies on their website that this works up to 46T chainrings only.
clamping the frame 😓