MRP G3 Chain Device – First Look
Back in the day MRP really were the only name in proper chain guides, there were a few pretenders such as the Mr Dirt and Roox guides but really nothing quite matched the reliability and simplicity of the MRP System 1 (or system 2 if you couldn’t get a 1 on your frame). It just lasted and lasted, to the point where I was running my 2004 Slalom 1 until last year and would still be running it if it worked properly with my current frame and crank combination! Then e13 came along and changed the way we do things with the introduction of the lighter weight and simpler ‘taco’ style guides, which started off as a team/home bodge and soon became a product in its own right. Since then it seems like everyone has been playing catch up with e13 who seem to be the standard on most racers bikes at least. MRP released the G2 a few years ago which was a solid taco style guide and ticked all the boxes, until e13 came out with the lighter weight LG1+.
The MRP G3 is the latest guide by the original chain guide manufacturer and not only is it lighter weight but boasts a variety of new features aimed at making the life of the racer or rider easier. First up is the one piece lower guide and bash guard system, MRP claim that making this whole section 1 piece allowed them to make the whole guide lighter and at the same time stronger than the old G2 guide. Have you ever been fed up with having to remove your chainring/chain guide to remove your cranks? MRP have a solution here as undoing 1 bolt allows the whole lower guide assembly to pivot out of the way and your cranks should slide off unhindered. Simple, but very effective.
Among other new features there is a choice of either a traditional jockey wheel in the lower guide or a solid slider which can be bolted in place for muddier, grittier conditions where a roller would likely get jammed up. Another nice touch is the replaceable 1 cm or so of rubber tubing which covers the lower section of the top guide, where the chain is likely to run, preventing damage and easily user changeable.
The guide is available in 2 sizes, Mini (32-36t) or Mega (36-40t) and in either aluminium or carbon backplate, all of which come in a choice of black or white. All in all this looks like a promising new system from MRP which seems to be on a number of WC rides this year, stay tuned for a full review coming once we’ve had a chance to give it a good ride.
RRP £119.99
www.mountainracingproducts.com
Words – George May
Photos – Rob Lewis