Why I protect my derailleur, brake levers and my hands when mountain biking
15.4.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
It’s often the little things in life that make a big difference – little helpers that make the day easier, like the Branchy rear derailleur guard and Sendhit handguards.
There’s something in the air. No, wait, that’s wrong. There’s something on the ground, and it’s wood. A lot of it. To be honest, I’ve no idea how the Swiss forest is doing. From what I can tell, not that great. Where do I get that assumption? I’ve been travelling around Northwestern Switzerland on two wheels for a few years now and I’ve noticed just how much dead wood is lying around. Significantly more than a few years ago. And when I’m in the forest, I regularly hear the rattling of a chainsaw. It’s like they need to fell more nowadays.
I don’t want to speculate on the reasons why, and perhaps I’m completely wrong in my judgement anyway. This article’s not about an environmental issue, but about two handy parts for mountain biking.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
I destroyed my rear derailleur once...
Two years ago there was already lots of wood on the ground. I’d borrowed my mate’s MTB, and all was swell, until a branch got in my way. It was hidden under foliage and when I rode over it, the branch lifted up, got tangled in the rear derailleur and tore it off the chain stay. 1:0 to the branch.
I’ve recently been able to explore the world around me with an E-Fully-MTB by the Swiss brand Bixs. And as I still have vivid memories of my encounter with the branch two years ago, I’ve taken action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Branchy rear derailleur guard
The Branchy rear derailleur guard is designed to protect the rear derailleur from direct impacts, branches, sticks and any other obstacles that get in your way on the trail. The guard weighs just 39 grammes. According to the manufacturer, it’s made of a thermoplastic material which has high mechanical resistance. This ensures high impact resistance without too much additional weight. The Branchy rear derailleur guard is said to be compatible with all rear derailleurs on the market and is very easy to fit without tools. Although I can’t confirm the former, the latter is true.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
...I broke my hand once
A few years ago, I broke my metacarpal bone in my hand while skiing. Since then I always wear protective gear on the slopes and trails. Recently, I’ve also taken to wearing a full-face helmet and a protective vest. Elbow and knee pads too. But what about my hands? Luckily, there are ways to protect them too.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Sendhit Nock Handguards V2
The Sendhit handguards weigh a total of 168 grammes per pair and are attached to the handlebars with two aluminium clamps. The manufacturer states its product is compatible with all standard brake levers. The handguards are quickly fitted and in the event of a crash will protect both your hands and the brake levers. You can use a flip chip to adjust the distance to the handlebars or move them to the right or left. It was super simple and hassle-free when I fitted mine. The delivery includes left and right hand guards, two aluminium clamps, two flip chips, two screws, two stickers for the guards and clamps as well as assembly instructions.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Of course, there’s no such thing as one hundred per cent protection. Neither from broken bones nor technical defects. Plus the best thing to have is a good riding technique. That’s clear. But you won’t learn it from the comfort of your couch, you learn it on the trails. Getting better also means exploring your own limits. This can get a bit tricky from time to time and that’s why I like to protect myself and my bike as well as I can. Be it from branches lying around or any other eventualities.
If I feel safe (also thanks to protective equipment), my position on the bike is improved. If I’m anxious on the road, I tense up and it quickly becomes dangerous. Will the handguards really protect my hands effectively in the event of a fall? To be honest, I hope I never have to find out.
Header image: Daniela Rohr
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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