Are you looking to get a BMX sprocket guard and wonder if it’s worth it?
You’re not alone!
Sprocket guards have become a bit of a hot topic among riders.
Some swear by them for that extra layer of protection, especially for street riding – and more precisely, for grinds and stalls.
Others? They’d rather skip the extra weight and cost and keep things simple.
It totally depends on what you need.
I’ve been riding street without a sprocket guard for a very long time.
And to be honest, the main reason for switching to a guarded sprocket is because of the look.
However, in this article, I’ll discuss the pros and cons so you can decide if a sprocket guard is right for you.
This post covers:
- What is a BMX sprocket guard?
- Pros of using a BMX sprocket guard
- Cons of using a BMX sprocket guard
- Should you use a sprocket guard?
- Conclusion: to guard or not to guard?
What Is A BMX Sprocket Guard?
Basics first, dude!
A BMX sprocket guard is a “bodyguard” for your sprocket and chain.
Mounted alongside (or built into) your sprocket, it takes the brunt of any hard impacts, especially when grinding rails or ledges.
Its main job is to protect your chain and sprocket from the dings, dents, and chips that come with (mostly) street riding.
Sprocket guards usually come in two main types: plastic and aluminum.
The plastic ones are often removable, which allows you to swap them out as needed.
Aluminum guards, on the other hand, are usually built into the sprocket itself.
They’re tougher but can add a bit of weight.
Each has its perks, and which one you choose might depend on your riding style or personal preference.
I tried both, but I prefer the plastic one more. Why? Because if I miss the grind, the chain or the aluminum guard won’t stop me.
Pros Of Using A BMX Sprocket Guard
Enhanced Protection For Your Drivetrain
BMX riding isn’t exactly easy on your gear.
Every slipped grind and hars stall takes a toll on your setup, and without some kind of guard, your sprocket and chain are usually the first to get battered.
A sprocket guard steps in here like a shield, taking the hit so your drivetrain doesn’t have to.
However, from my experience, when you run high-end sprockets and a half link chain, even without the guard, you’ll do barely noticeable damage.
Increased Durability
One of the best things about adding a sprocket guard?
It’ll keep your parts lasting way longer.
In high-impact riding, your sprocket and chain can wear out much faster, but with a guard in place, you reduce the chances of chips, bends, and other damage.
This means you’re not only protecting your setup but also saving yourself from constantly replacing parts – which, let’s be real, no one loves to do.
Confidence Boost For Learning Tricks
Here’s something that might not be as obvious: sprocket guards can give you a serious confidence boost.
When you’re working on a new grind or trick, knowing that your drivetrain isn’t going to get torn up if you mess up makes a big difference.
You can focus on nailing that trick instead of worrying about snapping a chain or bending a sprocket.
This peace of mind is especially useful for street riders who want to go hard on the grinds and stalls.
I Prefer A Plastic Sprocket Guard
I also want to mention that the plastic guard contributes to learning new grind tricks even more.
For instance, if you miss, you can still get away with it because the plastic slides and the metal stops you.
Cons Of Using A BMX Sprocket Guard
Additional Weight
Let’s talk weight.
Yes, guarded sprockets aren’t exactly feather-light.
This can be a bit of a buzzkill for riders who are all about a super-light setup.
Extra weight might not seem like a big deal at first, but an oz here and an oz there, and you have a heavy bike.
Some riders don’t mind the trade-off for the added protection (like me!), but if you’re picky about every ounce (primarily park riders), this might be something to think about.
Increased Cost
Now, sprocket guards aren’t the priciest BMX part out there, but they do add to the cost of your setup.
Especially the tougher, built-in guards can be a bit more of an investment.
If you’re already spending more than you should on a new sprocket, the guard might seem like an unnecessary expense.
That said, some riders see it as money well spent to save on replacement costs in the long run, but it’s definitely a factor to weigh out.
Reduced Clearance
One more thing that can catch riders off guard (pun intended): sprocket guards can slightly reduce your bike’s clearance.
But really, this will only affect frames that already have a low bottom bracket. Plus, if you pair it with at least a 28T sprocket, if not a 30T one.
When grinds are everything to you, this can be a big deal – but it will only impact a very low BB height.
For the majority, this will not have any impact at all, but I still wanted to point it out – you know, just in case.
Should You Use A Sprocket Guard?
Honestly, it all depends on your riding style and what you value most in your setup.
If you’re a street rider, grinding rails and hitting ledges regularly, a sprocket guard could be your new best friend.
The extra protection keeps your drivetrain safe and lets you go for it without stressing about gear damage.
Mixed riders who dabble in both park and street might also enjoy the guard for those intense street sessions but might want something easy to remove (hey, plastic guards!) for days at the park.
For park riders, though, a guard might not be as essential.
The extra weight and cost could feel unnecessary since park setups are more about flow and airtime with fewer abrasive surfaces.
Instead, park riders often prefer to keep their bikes light and maneuverable without the added bulk.
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and priorities.
A guard is worth the investment if you’re all about protecting your gear.
But if you’re focused on keeping things light or don’t mind a little wear and tear, it might be one piece of equipment you can skip.
Conclusion: To Guard Or Not To Guard?
Let’s recap: sprocket guards come with some solid pros and cons.
They’re awesome for protecting your drivetrain, adding durability, and boosting confidence for street tricks.
But they also add a little extra weight and cost and can impact your clearance, which might not work for everyone, especially park riders.
So, are sprocket guards worth it?
Here are a few scenarios that will help you decide:
- If you are heavy into grinds, then yes.
- If you ride a lot of street but don’t grind much, then no.
- If you are riding park, then no.
- If you are riding trails, then no.
But really, a sprocket guard is a very personal thing in my opinion.
There are riders like Courage Adams who don’t ride a sprocket guard and then you have riders like Gary Young who do ride a sprocket guard.
Like with everything in life, you need to try things out to see what works best for you and what does not.
Find what feels right for you!
Whether you’re a team guard or not, what’s important is this: Riding should make you feel comfortable and confident.
Further reading:
- Best guard BMX sprockets
- Street vs. park BMX sprockets (beginner’s guide)
- How BMX sprockets impact grind tricks?
- Grinding on drive side (best solution!)
- BMX sprocket maintenance (6 tips!)
