Do you Need a Spoke Protector?

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Question is, do you need a spoke protector on your bike?
No, you don't need it. #spokes #spokeprotector
When the derailleur is set probably, you shouldn't have to worry about the chain going in between the spokes and the gears.. If that does happen it's because the hanger or the derailleur may be bent. The thing is, if it is bent, having the chain go between the gears is the least of your worries.
When the derailleur is bent towards the spokes, the derailleur will get caught, and the gearing system will unravel a part. Best case scenario, just the hanger will break, which is the point of the hanger.

Here I show you how to remove the spoke protector.

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[johnd]

I’m glad I found this video right after I decided to break mine off

[billnelson]

A spoke protector will protect your spokes in the event that the chain comes off the cassette. In my opinion, accepting a little (minimal) extra weight to save a costly repair job on your back wheel is worth it. It would have been more useful to see a video showing how to select the best protector and fit it!

[LeoJablonski]

I discard them when they get nasty. In the early 80s, some bit of debris got inside my Dura Ace freewheel (yes freewheel), causing it to intermittently bind briefly. That threw off my chain which jammed behind the largest cog. That brought me to an abrupt stop and tore-up the outbound spokes at their bends.

[noushinscuisine]

But I have a metal spoke protector which does not break but sometimes gets scratched so in my opinion I say buy a metal spoke protector rather than plastic because it lasts longer and is not so expensive you can find it in about 5 dollars

[E-hab]

The benefit for me in this video is how to unscrew the gears.

[leestever]

Im new to biking, and your video help alot

[kylehill]

thanks I had no idea I thought it was some packaging material left by the Trek store.

[mikek]

That's the answer I was looking for

[ricardofranco]

I Think, if not necessary, why all old and new bikes have one? . Good try, but I think there is no need to remove it. Thank you.

[Panzerbeast]

I've left mine on. Doing no harm. The people who remove them care about their image ..

[FrankJSelkeIV]

i recently had one end of a bungee cord come loose and end up in my spokes--snapping the cord in half, ended up tangled up in my hub but the dork disc absorbed the blow, no spoke or hub damage and luckily didn't end up mashing up my cassette. (fwiw, bike is a Marin Muir Woods SE)

[jandeiification]

I say we keep it. Maintained or replace it. If that was my bike I won't let it turn old and yellow, ugh...

[nexussix]

I saw a recall for a cannondale 2009 road bike because a spoke protector was not included with the bike. Sounds pretty important to have one?

[B_r_u_c_e]

Yes, yes it is needed. In real life, chains bounce around, and it protects from potential problems.

[MKhavik]

Mine is brittle and breaking off. Came here for the answer 👍

[nonyabiz]

Dork discs cause more problems than they solve... They are like those curb feelers people used to swear were needed for cars back in the day or like those turning knob things that people just had to have on there steering wheels.

[jedisentinel]

I think the disc is the bike manufacturer’s effort not to get sued. I can’t say I blame them.

[omniyambot]

my hubs became slightly silent after it was repacked. what was the problem?

[terrortorn]

Do you need a spoke protector... yes you do! As the name suggests they protect the spokes. Don't throw them away, they don't cause problems that is a fantasy and if they become brittle replace them. And if you don't know how to replace them you are probably not doing enough with your bike to even consider naming them Dork Discs.

[freewoodencrosses]

I replaced my spoke guard (aka dork disc) and now my cassette rubs against it and the turning of the rear wheels makes the cassette turn and also the chain moves. Did I install something wrong? Please help