MRP G2 Carbon - Sea Otter 2011

Apr 19, 2011 at 10:42

MRP's G2 Carbon explained:

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Carbon for a chain guide back plate? MRP debuted their new G2 Carbon guide at Sea Otter that does just that. There are bound to be many naysayers, but MRP feels that when done right, this is one of the ideal places to use carbon fiber. Yes, the G2 Carbon is 35 grams lighter than their aluminum version, but it is the impact resiliency that could be the real benefit to this design. Have you ever buried your guide's aluminum back plate into the ground or smashed it on a rock or log as a result of your speed or timing being off? The result can be a bent back plate that needs to be straightened by hand, although it can be terminal damage on occasion. MRP says that their carbon back plate is able to flex and absorb the hit, then spring back to its original shape, and after using one MRP's older carbon guides, I would have to agree - I've never had a guide survive so much abuse for so long. For those who won't ever be swayed by carbon, MRP will still have their G2SL guide available as well.

MRP has taken their popular and easy to install G2 guide and added carbon to the mix. The new carbon back plate is not just for light weight, but also for resiliency - MRP says that the carbon back plate is far more likely to spring back to its original position after an impact, whereas the aluminum version may bend and stay in place. It also doesn't hurt that the G2 Carbon is also 35 grams lighter than the standard G2.

MRP G2 Carbon details:

- Carbon back plate
- Integrated and replaceable skid plate design
- Sealed bearing pulley wheel protected in skid plate
- Front-access, single-bolt positioning of upper and lower guide
- Captive hardware
- Fits 32-36 and 36-40 tooth rings
- Weight: 140 grams (approx)
- Price: TBA

The G2 Carbon is available in two sizes and adjustable to fit either 32-36 or 36-40 tooth rings by way of sliding up and lower guide pieces.

The G2 carbon uses MRP's integrated and replaceable skid plate that no only protects the chain ring from damage, but also shelters the sealed bearing lower roller from impacts.

Visit the MRP website to see their entire lineup.

After putting an older MRP carbon guide through the ringer in the past with great results, I am sold on the idea. The guide was flexible enough to not sustain major damage that would render it useless, but stiff enough to keep the chain in place on the ring. Are you as convinced as I am? Put those thoughts down below.

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91 Comments

Score Time

+ 268

HOJJJ (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:05)

I paused my porn for this.

+ 17

k00laidman (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:12)

Rofl , made my day

+ 15

cydaps (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:56)

Brilliant, needed a laugh today and that was it! Thanks mate!

- 79

rejean (Apr 19, 2011 at 13:05) (Below Threshold) show comment

i had to watch porn after this because it gave me a hard on

+ 30

eder Plus (Apr 19, 2011 at 13:41)

I hope you are not using touchscreen.

+ 12

baca262 (Apr 19, 2011 at 13:49)

lol fetish fail

Jelley (Apr 19, 2011 at 13:50)

HOJJ i mean pos prop lol, i failed im sorry =[

- 11

bomberdave (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:10) (Below Threshold) show comment

I just kept it going for background noise.... the guide looked better then the chick so i just went with it

EddyGreen (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:57)

ahh hoj how classic yet orginal. so much can be said for rejean's poor effort at popularity :/ when will he learn.

EddyGreen (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:57)

oh and it looks pretty sexi aswell Wink

chrispilling (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:46) (Below Threshold) show comment

gonna crack everywhere just like the non carbon... the plastic is junk

Chamakazi (Apr 19, 2011 at 18:57)

...Or a really sexy chainguide

cali-rid-305 (Apr 19, 2011 at 21:36)

this IS my porn

HOJJJ (Apr 20, 2011 at 1:11)

Ahhhh, just pressed play...

mtbforlife4 (Apr 20, 2011 at 19:00)

HOJJJ u just made my day lol

Konakid1324 (Apr 22, 2011 at 11:17) (Below Threshold) show comment

It's not THAT great! I like the E THIRTEEN LG1 better though...

dirtworks911 (Apr 16, 2012 at 22:53)

I'm selling mine if you are interest:

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1069247/

[Reply]

taletotell (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:49)

Flexible is a good idea. I remember an article with a bent guard a while ago. A lot of people said they thought that meant it was junk, but a lot of us pointed out that, by yielding, it saved the frame from a total fail. This kinda makes me feel vindicated. Flexible beats rigid.

mtblocos1 (Apr 19, 2011 at 21:15)

definitely a good point ^. but putting a carbon structure on a MAJOR impact zone.....just doesnt sound very wise to me. my mind tells me that the first major impact will simply shatter the backplate....but hey who knows, it may hold up just long enough to show it off to all your freinds.

sure is damn nice looking tho!

Eyon (Apr 20, 2011 at 1:50)

carbon doesnt shatter. It will flex and take a hit. Its as strong as any metal if made right. Even if you hit it insanely hard and you delaminate it, use some thin superglue and it will wick into the cloth and will set it back as strong as ever. Carbon = Good!

[Reply]

Kral (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:03)

After putting an older MRP carbon guide through the ringer in the past with great results, I am sold on the idea. The guide was flexible enough to not sustain major damage that would render it useless, but stiff enough to keep the chain in place on the ring. Are you as convinced as I am? Put those thoughts down below!

DH-Til-I-Die (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:08)

will it last as long as aluminium? or is it a 1 season thing..

atrokz (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:19)

In theory, it will last longer.

Probably the hotest looking guide in a while.

bunkey (Apr 19, 2011 at 14:28)

As stated in the article on ENVE carbon rims, carbon takes a lot more abuse than aluminium and doesn't loose its shape but when it fails - it fails completely.

Bjammin (Apr 19, 2011 at 17:02)

ya but a broken chainguide isnt as bad as snapped rims.

pieman6 (Apr 19, 2011 at 18:16)

Kral why did you just copy and paste why mike wrote already?

Rasterman Plus (Apr 19, 2011 at 19:43)

if your guide fails completely big deal, but if your wheels fail completely that is another story...

bunkey (Apr 19, 2011 at 21:05)

Totally, its definitely something to factor in. I'm personally all in favour of carbon though. If I bent an Alu chainguide I'd rather replace it than botch it, so why not have a carbon guide that isn't nessescarily botchable (new word) but takes a lot more to damage in the first place. It kinda makes sense for the season-by-season riders out there who replace parts instead of making do. Haha sleep deprivation has made putting my point across incredibly difficult but yeah, I think this is a step in the right direction for high performance MRP products.

[Reply]

cthorpe (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:34)

broke my Ethirteen in two weeks. stuck at whistler with MRP as only replacement option at the time. going on 2 season now. so im glad i switched to it. the idea of the carbon keeping shape is excellent as mine is definitely bent but working. if they can keep the cost down some I will try it once my current one finally fails.

Waldon83 (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:06)

I agree
My e-13 smashed to oblivion in the bike park because people stop there they shouldn't and then you avoid hitting them at mach-4 and smash your chain device into another time zone.

Had to get a G2 because there were no e13s around and I am wrapped with the result.
Thank you Mr.P

Cmontjumper (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:26)

icwutchudidther

GrantR (Apr 19, 2011 at 19:21)

"My e-13 smashed to oblivion in the bike park because people stop there they shouldn't and then you avoid hitting them at mach-4 and smash your chain device into another time zone."

Learn to write. Please

bigburd (Apr 20, 2011 at 1:48)

What is wrong with that statement? Apart from putting ' there ' instead of ' where ' which is a tiny mistake that any person with half a monkeys brain can read past and still understand?

elzorroinphilly (Apr 20, 2011 at 6:43)

were you trying to avoid a psychotic female who then tried to attack you with her bike? did she sit down and cry about it for 15 mins?

riggadon (Apr 20, 2011 at 8:58)

nice reference....

Waldon83 (Apr 21, 2011 at 1:20)

GrantR, what a tool you are.

Or maybe you're just dyslexic and that's why it didn't make sense to you. If you are dyslexic, I apologize, retard.

[Reply]

haydendmorrison (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:41)

My standard G2 is flimsy and weak. In my experience thee plastic is cheap feeling and only just strong enough for general DH use, I have broken two top guides. The back plate has been fine, I just want stronger rollers/guides really. I'm sure a lot of you guys wont like to hear this but it's just my experience...

cyrix (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:20)

So buy a stronger roller/guide. Problem solved.

haydendmorrison (Apr 19, 2011 at 14:53)

Good idea, I just bought a replacement G2 one when I snapped the first one tbh, it's a bit of a let down though

cyrix (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:08)

I never buy a product again if it lets me down in a way through use that would be considered "conventional" for the product.

dougies (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:03)

ive owned an lg1 and now a g2, i can honestly say the ethirteen plastic is far more britle. the top guide cracks/snaps so easy and the taco only took a small hit to snap.

cyrix (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:03)

Eww...that comment made a lot more sense in my head. Reading it now I'm just like "wtf?"

haydendmorrison (Apr 20, 2011 at 4:30)

Really Dougie? I've not used an lg1 but I thought they looked stronger but hey, the taco on the g2 has been good

[Reply]

NoahColorado (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:26)

Hi guys, just to clarify, the backplate is ~45% lighter than the aluminum version. That puts the weight of the Mini (32-36t) ISCG version I'm currently testing at around 140g. We are in the early stages of testing the guide, but so far sooooooo good. Cheers

[Reply]

doubledeuce (Apr 19, 2011 at 18:10)

Carbon is great, and has downfalls just like anything else. It is more forgiving than aluminum when it comes to light hits, as it will just bounce back into place - that's the beauty of carbon. The downfall, as mentioned before by someone, is that when it fails, its a disasterpiece. Its not like aluminum which will just bend or crack. Carbon will often times explode/disintegrate. Anyone remember the Spinergy Rev-X road wheels? Remember how many serious threats those posed? The wheels were poorly designed (to say it in short), and when they hit something and had to absorb too much energy (beyond the point of no return really), they exploded and splintered. There were roadies with broken noses, jaws, plastic surger to the face, splinters of carbon in their leg etc.

Ok, so a chainguide is not a REv-X wheel, and I am assuming the design is much stronger than some X shaped wheel, but still.... I would love to see someone doing a stress test on it, to see what happens when it gets pushed beyond the allowable limit, and if it can cause any problems to the rider etc.

Still, a very cool looking product with a good (so it seems so far) design Smile

GrantR (Apr 19, 2011 at 19:27)

Good point, their chainguide might break off causing....... their chain to fall off.

Rasterman Plus (Apr 19, 2011 at 19:47)

actually a lot worse, it could splinter and lock up your cranks, causing you to vault or fall at a very bad time and die, but so can a standard chain guide by bending or locking your chain, the chances are so remote though that it doesn't seem worth worrying about.

doubledeuce (Apr 20, 2011 at 6:49)

Hey, I never said it will happen, or that the chances are high; I was merely weighing the options and discussing postive and negative aspects. The Rev-X wheels were considered an amazing feat, and had a very low chance of error....look what happened there.

The only BAD thing I see happening is if it DOES break, it will splinter, and if someone is wearing shorts, I would hate to see the damage to their skin and tissue of carbon spinters embedded nicely in their leg.

[Reply]

robert80 (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:20)

I checked it out first hand at Sea Otter and was amazed at the weight and quality feel. Given that the G2SL is already $100+, it'll be expensive. Paul wouldn't reveal any projected pricing or availability though. But he said the proto seen above (one of 2 or 3 in existence) could be had for a mere $500!

[Reply]

KlanaRadikala (Apr 19, 2011 at 23:45)

this thing would fit PERFECT to a 2012 carbon session Smile

and carbon backplates are lasting very long, here in central europe there are many riders with self bild carbon back plates riding them for years right now without problems

[Reply]

slyfink (Apr 20, 2011 at 7:02)

This is exactly what I've been waiting for to go 1x9 (or 1x10) on my trailbike. I want a chain guide with taco (or skid plate) and current options make the weight savings negligible, and not worth the investment (IMO) - why run a DH guide on a trail bike?. I've been waiting for guide manufacturers to make a lighter version of the DH chain guides with skid plates for trail duties, and this seems to fit the bill. I'll be looking forward to seeing how much they come in at.

[Reply]

NoahColorado (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:26)

[Reply]

acdhrider (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:24)

160 grams! so only 10 grams lighter than the aluminium version. doesnt seem worth it, unless your after a bit of bling!

nathanbirdseye (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:50)

10 grams ??? did you even watch the video ? 35 grams lighter which is a 45% weight saving ... almost half

ButtonPusher (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:43)

the weight isn't the selling feature, it's the improved durability that's the selling feature...

robert80 (Apr 19, 2011 at 13:01)

The 45% savings is the carbon back plate vs aluminum back plate. The number excludes all other components, which remain the same.

Bobeck (Apr 19, 2011 at 13:12)

how about that?
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5973850/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5973849/

[Reply]

paulpimml (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:44)

if you like carbon i'd check out the chainguide from carbocage which weights even less and works perfect on my 4x-bike.

Nobble (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:19)

the carbocage dosent have a bashguard though

[Reply]

Downhill340 (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:06)

Im interested in it woud be a good investment if the price wasnt too big.Just have to see what it costs now

[Reply]

paulpimml (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:43)

if you like carbon i'd check out the chainguide from carbocage which weights even less and works perfect on my 4x-bike.

[Reply]

PhoS (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:43)

Atleast no one will be suprised when they say retail is $180+

[Reply]

sh4dy (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:49)

I have a Shaman Racing Drake (the Al one) and it is 150 grams(proved).
It sucks that this one is 160 grams.

Bmxerch (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:05)

It sucks your lighter Al guide will bend and/or break before this one.

[Reply]

mikethebike27 (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:05)

i hope it performs as good as it look. Bet you you wont get change out of a 100 thou...

DownhillBro (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:18)

or two bills

Jamieep (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:54)

you'll be lucky to get any change out of 200..

mikethebike27 (Apr 20, 2011 at 5:51)

sorry thats what i meant, hit the wrong key :S

[Reply]

teamdoa (Apr 20, 2011 at 5:02)

That looks to good to use on a bike.

[Reply]

zombiemtb661 (Apr 19, 2011 at 17:53)

sexy as f*** i need 2 pls asap

[Reply]

faustuh (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:18)

beautifull :0

i want one

[Reply]

The-Dan-Jones (Apr 19, 2011 at 18:45)

Orange? Not a fan.

november29 (Apr 19, 2011 at 22:42)

white FTW!

[Reply]

pokalface (Apr 19, 2011 at 17:56)

if you lost 35 grams eh,you would all be a pro?

[Reply]

trevormann (Apr 19, 2011 at 19:22)

it's so nice but can you get different colors other than gold?

[Reply]

flyingryan (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:04)

I like the retro orange.

[Reply]

marzocchi548 (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:18)

It's sweet but the aluminum ones already cost a fortune.

[Reply]

briandiener (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:05)

looks sick, but the price will probably be pretty high

[Reply]

ScarBroTravis (Apr 19, 2011 at 15:19)

Deff getting this when i build up my TR450.

[Reply]

darter44 (Apr 19, 2011 at 12:30)

ooooooooh carbon

[Reply]

mike-hight-wizz (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:07)

:O I want that :O drool

[Reply]

scottchris (Apr 19, 2011 at 11:02)

Dayum new investment for me I think...

KURTSUCKS (Apr 19, 2011 at 14:33)

Investment?are you kidding?why call that an investment if the value goes down once u useed tha dang thing?

Chamakazi (Apr 19, 2011 at 18:56)

Maybe because it could save you the race, your chainring, and chain?

scottchris (Apr 20, 2011 at 1:24)

yeah man..i will buy it to keep my chainring and so on all in top condition...one may say this version is more flexy but its surely stronger if it is carbon...annd i will be "investing" on this because my gamuti is....shit!

[Reply]

Bananafish (Apr 19, 2011 at 14:11)

35 grams is NOTHING!

[Reply]

baca262 (Apr 19, 2011 at 16:34)

what is even more ridiculous is that this should be even cheaper to produce than cncing an aluminum one - i bet my ass these are simply cut from a big sheet of carbon that can be machine-produced unlike frames that require manual laminating...

robert80 (Apr 20, 2011 at 10:26)

That's exactly how it looked when I saw it in person.

[Reply]

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