1. Bike Size: 26 Inch
The 26 Chain Guard 626 Chrome is specifically designed for bikes with 26-inch wheels, which is one of the most common wheel sizes for adult bicycles. This size is typically found on cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, lowriders, and vintage-style bicycles.
- 26-inch bikes generally have larger frames and longer chainstays, which necessitates a longer chain guard to provide full coverage for the chain.
- This chain guard will be suitable for any 26-inch bicycle that accommodates a full chain guard, typically cruiser and lowrider models.
2. Overall Length: 20 5/8 Inches
The overall length of the chain guard is 20 5/8 inches, making it slightly longer than standard guards used for smaller bikes.
- This length is measured from the front part of the guard near the crank (chainring) to the rear part that covers the chain near the rear wheel.
- This extended length ensures the chain and sprocket are adequately covered, preventing grease and dirt from splattering onto the rider and providing a smooth, sleek look to the bike.
3. Hole-to-Hole Length: 17 Inches
The hole-to-hole length of the chain guard is 17 inches, which refers to the distance between the mounting holes that are used to attach the guard to the bike frame.
- This measurement is crucial for ensuring the chain guard fits securely onto your bike. The 17-inch hole spacing is common on cruiser and lowrider frames, which are built with mounting holes or eyelets to accommodate accessories like chain guards.
- For proper fitment, the bike frame must have compatible mounting points spaced 17 inches apart.
4. Material: Steel
The 26 Chain Guard 626 Chrome is made from steel, which provides several benefits:
- Durability: Steel is highly durable and can withstand regular use, impacts, and exposure to the elements (rain, mud, etc.).
- Strength: Steel offers excellent structural integrity, ensuring that the chain guard maintains its shape and offers long-lasting performance.
- Protection: Steel provides better protection to the chain and sprocket from debris and potential damage compared to plastic or aluminum options.
5. Style: Smooth
The style of the chain guard is smooth:
- This means the surface is free of intricate engravings, designs, or patterns, giving it a sleek and minimalist appearance.
- The smooth finish is common on classic and vintage-styled bikes, as it complements the clean lines of traditional bicycle frames.
- This style enhances the overall look of the bike by providing a polished and elegant finish, perfect for lowriders or custom cruiser builds.
6. Color: Chrome
The chain guard comes in a chrome finish:
- Chrome is a versatile and neutral color that easily matches with various bike frame colors, particularly common on lowrider and cruiser bikes.
- The chrome color adds a sleek and understated appearance to the bike, complementing chrome, gold, or colored accents found on many custom builds.
- The paint on the steel is typically powder-coated for durability, helping to resist chipping, corrosion, and fading over time.
7. Brand: Vintage Lowrider
This chain guard is manufactured by Vintage Lowrider, a brand known for producing high-quality components that cater specifically to lowrider, cruiser, and vintage-styled bicycles:
- Vintage Lowrider focuses on parts that enhance the aesthetic appeal of bikes, offering a retro and custom look.
- They specialize in durable, well-designed components that not only provide protection but also add to the overall vintage or custom theme of a bike.
Applications and Fitment
The 26 Chain Guard is designed to fit 26-inch bicycles, and here are the types of bikes that typically work well with this chain guard:
26-Inch Cruiser Bicycles:
- Cruiser bikes feature larger frames and extended chainstays, making them ideal candidates for this chain guard.
- Many cruisers already have mounting points for chain guards, and the 17-inch hole spacing will align with standard cruiser frames.
- The steel construction and smooth chrome finish match the durable yet stylish build of cruisers.
26-Inch Lowrider Bicycles:
- Lowrider bikes are often customized with chrome accents, colorful paint, and other enhancements, and this chrome chain guard offers a subtle, complementary style.
- Lowrider frames typically have chain guard mounts, making installation straightforward. The chrome color contrasts nicely with the flashy chrome or gold often found on lowriders, creating a balanced aesthetic.
26-Inch Vintage and Retro-Styled Bicycles:
- Many older vintage bikes or retro reproductions are designed with chain guards for protection and style.
- The smooth design of this chain guard fits the look of retro bikes, giving them a clean, classic appearance.
Custom Builds:
- For custom bike builders, the smooth and simple design allows for easy integration into a variety of custom projects, where the chain guard may serve as a canvas for additional paintwork or accents.
Installation Considerations
Pre-Drilled Mounts: Ensure your bike has pre-drilled holes spaced 17 inches apart for attaching the chain guard. Some bike frames may require custom drilling or brackets if the mounts do not align.
Chainring Size: Make sure the chain guard provides adequate coverage based on the size of your bike’s chainring and the length of the chainstay. The overall length of 20 5/8 inches ensures it should fit most 26-inch bikes.
Custom Adjustments: If the chain guard doesn’t fit perfectly out of the box, some minor modifications to the mounting holes or brackets may be needed. However, for most 26-inch cruiser and lowrider bikes, it should fit without major adjustments.