E*thirteen are one of the go-to brands for top quality chain guides and the excellent TRS Dual Ring is one of the best examples of a dual guide setup we’ve used here at Bikemagic.

It might be popular currently to opt for a 1×9 and1x10 (or even 1×11) drivetrain configuration, but many trail riders are quite happy with two chainrings up front and, with certain bikes or events, having two chainrings (and the granny gear) can be mightily useful.

The harder and more aggressive your riding, the more chance of losing the chain over rough ground. What you need is a lightweight guide that will give you the added security of a single ring guide and still allow you full use of the front mech. The E*thirteen TRS Dual Ring does just this – and does it very well.

Like the XCX ST chain guide we tested a while ago, the TRS Dual Ring is exceptionally well made and there’s the usual attention to detail we’ve come to expect from the company.

Constructed with an 6061 aluminium back plate and direct mount bash guard, and aluminium bolts everywhere, it’s certainly light at 150g. Keeping the chain in place is a replaceable smooth-running dual lower roller made from a ‘stealth’ rubber material. Up top is a shark fin that prevents the chain derailing over the top on rough terrain and there’s a taco-style bash guard too.

Fitting is as easy as removing the cranks and bolting the guide to the ISCG 05 mounts (other mounts options are available). The lower bash plate can be replaced, with two sizes catering for 36 to 40-tooth outer rings. The TRS can be bought with one lower taco or two.

The stepped roller does a very good job of keeping the chain in place (with the front mech acting as a top guide) and is very quiet in operation. Rollers can sometimes be a source of noise but the material they’ve used here works remarkably well.

Despite its light weight, the guide is very solid and secure. We didn’t experience a single ride with the chain slipping of the at the front, and shifting wasn’t adversely affected with the guide fitted. We tested it at the Megavalanche earlier this year and in this tough testing arena it passed with flying colours, keeping the chain securely on the chainrings in every gear combination. It’s the perfect addition to any trail bike that’s going to be pointed downhill in an enduro-style event.

With the proliferation of 2×10 dual ring chainsets, a guide like the TRS+ can seem like a very good choice for the harder hitting and more aggressive trail rider, where the chance of dropping a chain is higher.

Verdict

Light, very sturdy and solid chain device that is a welcome relief to anyone who keeps losing their chains.

Pros
Keeps the chain on
Light
Easy installation

Cons
Clutch-style rear mechs render it slightly unnecessary

Price: £129.99
More information: www.e13components.com

What E*thirteen says about the TRS+ Dual Ring chain guide:

The TRS+ Dual[Trail Security] is designed to fill the expanding Enduro and All-Mountain categories. Engineered to take extreme punishment dealt by riders on enduro bikes, they are still light enough to use on XC specific bikes.

– 2x 10 And 2x 9 Speed Compatible
– Front Mech Compatible
– High Tensile Chro-Mo Backplate
– Direct Mount Bash Guard
– 48-53mm Chainline Compatible
– Accommodates Up To 40T