Spoke Protectors

Looking for spoke protectors for your bike? We’ve got options for you! Whether you are after a plastic one or a steel vintage look version, we have them all.

Is a Spoke Protector Necessary?

Many bicycles come with a plastic spoke protector guard disc slid between the largest cog of the cassette or freewheel and the spokes of the rear tyre. Most amateur riders and beginners don’t pay attention to this little disc. But some wonder why it’s there and whether it has an important role to play. That’s a spoke protector or spoke guard. And it keeps your chain from ending up in your wheel!

Why are some steel & some plastic?

The traditional spoke guard was a variation on the old chain guard or dress guard. These were made from steel – as everything was – and were heavy & tough. But of course this made them heavy too, and harder to work with if your bike had sustained impact. While you will want your spoke protector to be tough, you won’t want it too tough. Especially if you need to fish your chain from between the guard & your wheel!

But if you have an old steel frame vintage bike then you will definitely want to keep the look. We stock steel guards for chains, spokes & chainrings. And these are generally sized around the crank or go by wheel size. Because they will need to be bolted to the bike, it’s important to check compatibility.

How Do You Install or Remove a Bike Spoke Protector?

To remove or install a spoke protector, it depends on the design of the guard. Some guards will require you remove your rear wheel & cassette or freewheel. Where others will allow you to slide & clip the guard on. Removing different cassettes and freewheels all require different tools and techniques. For expert guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.