Rear Hubguards

Q: How is a rear hubguard constructed?

Body The actual protective shell, usually cone-shaped to guide the wheel and drivetrain away from the obstacle. Core (on Nylon guards) Often an alloy or steel core that holds the structure while the outer nylon sleeve slides. Mount Either replaces the hub's cone nut or slides over it (or sits outside on the frame).

Q: What types of rear hubguards are there?

We distinguish based on the side and the design type: NDS (Non-Drive Side) Protects the side without the cog. DS (Drive Side) More complex shape as it must enclose the driver (cog) and the Chain. Hub Specific (System) Replaces the cone nut of the hub. Best fit, but requires the exactly matching hub. Universal (Inside) Is placed on the axle between the hub and the dropout. Fits many hubs but requires space (frame spacing might need stretching). Overguard (Outside) Is placed outside on the dropout, sitting between frame and peg and additionally protects the frame. Fits almost always.

Q: What materials are used for rear hubguards?

CrMo Steel Standard for Overguards. Must be thin and extremely strong to avoid bending. Nylon Popular with system guards. Slides great, low weight.

Q: Which rear hubguard is the right one for my needs?

Situation Solution in Shop Matching Hub Owned Hub Specific (Manufacturer's original part) No Matching Guard / Old Hub Universal (Inside) or Overguard (Outside) Max Protection (incl. Frame) Overguard

Q: How do I install rear hubguards?

Remove rear wheel. System: Swap cone nut, attach guard. Universal: Slide onto axle (frame might need slight spreading during install). Overguard: Install wheel, slide guard onto axle from outside, screw on peg.

Q: How do I identify and fix common rear hubguard problems?

Chain stuck/rubbing: Common with DS guards and wide chains (Halflink). Check chain tension and alignment. Wheel blocked: Guard tightened too much pressing on bearing? Check cone nuts.

Q: What do the specifications mean?

Term Explanation Examples/Available Side Side Drive Side (DS) / Non-Drive Side (NDS) Type Design Specific, Universal, Overguard Axle Diameter 14mm (Rear Standard)

Rear Hubguards FAQ

What is a rear hubguard and what is its main purpose?

A rear hubguard protects the rear hub (Cassette or Freecoaster) during grinds. It prevents damage to spokes, hub flange, and most importantly: the driver and chain (on the Drive Side).

How is a rear hubguard constructed?

Body: The actual protective shell, usually cone-shaped to guide the wheel and drivetrain away from the obstacle.
Core (on Nylon guards): Often an alloy or steel core that holds the structure while the outer nylon sleeve slides.
Mount: Either replaces the hub's cone nut or slides over it (or sits outside on the frame).

What types of rear hubguards are there?

We distinguish based on the side and the design type:

NDS (Non-Drive Side): Protects the side without the cog.
DS (Drive Side): More complex shape as it must enclose the driver (cog) and the Chain.
Hub Specific (System): Replaces the cone nut of the hub. Best fit, but requires the exactly matching hub.
Universal (Inside): Is placed on the axle between the hub and the dropout. Fits many hubs but requires space (frame spacing might need stretching).
Overguard (Outside): Is placed outside on the dropout, sitting between frame and peg and additionally protects the frame. Fits almost always.

What materials are used for rear hubguards?

CrMo Steel: Standard for Overguards. Must be thin and extremely strong to avoid bending.
Nylon: Popular with system guards. Slides great, low weight.

Which rear hubguard is the right one for my needs?

Situation	Solution in Shop
Matching Hub Owned	Hub Specific (Manufacturer's original part)
No Matching Guard / Old Hub	Universal (Inside) or Overguard (Outside)
Max Protection (incl. Frame)	Overguard

How do I install rear hubguards?

Remove rear wheel.
System: Swap cone nut, attach guard.
Universal: Slide onto axle (frame might need slight spreading during install).
Overguard: Install wheel, slide guard onto axle from outside, screw on peg.

How do I maintain and care for rear hubguards?

Rotate regularly.
For Drive Side guards, check if the chain rubs while pedaling (use spacers if needed).

How do I identify and fix common rear hubguard problems?

Chain stuck/rubbing: Common with DS guards and wide chains (Halflink). Check chain tension and alignment.
Wheel blocked: Guard tightened too much pressing on bearing? Check cone nuts.