In this article I will review the Scott Scale Direct Mount Chainguide that will support my 1×12 speed Shimano Deore XT M8100 set-up for the Scott Scale 925 mountain bike. On all my bikes I’m using a chain catcher, simply because a damaged frame will easily justify the investment of a proper chain guide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key features Scott Scale Direct Mount Chainguide 1×12 Speed
There are two versions of the Scott Scale Direct Mount Chainguide:
- Product# 254098 Chain guide for 30-36T chain rings
- Product# 254099 Chain guide for 30-40T chain rings
I’m running a 32T Shimano Deore XT M8100 single chain ring, and I don’t expect me to opt for a 40T chain ring on my Scott Scale 925 mountain bike. While the direct mount Shimano Deore XT chain ring with narrow-wide tooth profile will limit a dropped off chain, I will not take the chance for the investment of chain guide.
On the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 roadbike I use a Carbonice Stummer Eugen chain catcher while on the Canyon Grizl CF SL8 I’ve opted for a Wolf Tooth LoneWolf Aero Chainguide.
The key features of this chain guide is the fact that it can be used with different chainring sizes from 30 up to 40 tooth chain rings. While I run a 32T chain ring now, I can imagine to change it is some scenarios when going on a super flat course or when I need to pedal up in the mountains. Good to know I don’t need to change the Scott Chain guide.
I prefer to have a Scott Chain guide, so it is perfectly adapted to the bolt pattern in the Scott Scale 925 frameset. Another option could potentially be the Shimano XTR M9100 Chain Device SM-CD800, because the bolt pattern might look similar. However I haven’t done the full research if it would fit, given the Scott Chain guide option available.
Installation Direct Mount Chain Guide Scott Scale
I will try to describe a brief step-by-step installation instruction.
- Carefully remove the plastic cover on the seat-tube that basically protects the threads where you would normally position a Shimano Deore XT M8100 2x12sp front derailleur;
- Clean the threads in the frame and make sure it is free from sand or mud. Use a cotton swab when needed;
- Add Morgan Blue Aquaproof Paste or Weldtite TF2 Lithium Grease on the bolt thread;
- Add Dynamic Carbon Assembly Paste or Morgan Blue Aquaproof Paste on the backside of the chain guide, where the surface hits the Scott Scale frame;
- Hand tighten the bolts into the Scott Scale frame and make sure the aluminum part of the Scott Chain guide is well positioned before you torque the bolts to spec.
- Now it is time to dail-in the vertical position of the Scott Scale Chain guide;
As a mechanical engineer I’ve completely disassembled the mechanism for vertical positioning, simply to understand how it was designed. However this is not needed.
- Simply loosen the hex-key a bit with a long Wera or PB Swiss Tools hex key move the plastic chain-guide-part to the correct chainring size (and carefully examine the spacing between guide and chain)
- Tighten the bolt to specification.
- Now check the positioning of chain guide when you shift your rear derailleur so the chain line will change (rubbing is not the standard you would like to hear).
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price point of the Scott Scale Direct Mount Chainguide with product# 254099 is around 35,00. For me it is fair and reasonable to have that extra protection (preventing a chain suck or risking a dropped-off chain).
On the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 roadbike I use a Carbonice Stummer Eugen chain catcher while on the Canyon Grizl CF SL8 I’ve opted for a Wolf Tooth LoneWolf Aero Chainguide. So all bikes for different disciplines are equipped with a chain guide.
You cannot run a bike without a chain catcher or chain guide. If you damage and expensive carbon frame, you would bang your head against the wall, simply because you didn’t want to invest a couple of euro’s into a chain guide.
- Do you own a Scott Scale Mountainbike ?
- Do you use a chainguide or chain catcher ?
- Which brand chain guide or chain catcher do you use ?
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