I received the the K-Edge Dirt Triple Chain Catcher from Jason Bauer at G-Fit (http://www.gfitstudio.com/index.html) to test.  I installed it on a couple of different bikes with different suspension systems to check for fit and clearance as well as function.  Weight of the Chain Catcher is 16 grams and it retails for $39.00

In summary, I thought that the Chain Catcher did it's simple job very well and installation was a breeze.  The fact that the manufacturer of the Chain Catcher, Ace Co Sports Group (http://www.acecosportgroup.com/) is based in Boise was an added bonus.  However, I would recommend that future versions of the Chain Catcher "fin" be slimmer to accommodate more suspension designs.  Also, I would like to see the recessed cup be narrower as well so I can use full engagement Outboard Bearing Installation and Removal tools (such as the Enduro Outboard Bearing Tool) during installation.

Pros:

Lightweight

Ease of installation

Cons:

May not fit all suspension designs (but it will fit all hardtail bikes)

In a response to our review, K-Edge's Joe Savola states:

We're coming out with an adjustable version to accommodate more combinations/manufacturers of cranks and BBs. The adjustable version utilizes 1/2mm thick shims to provide the fine tuning capabilities. As Gary also points out, we reduced the depth of the cup flange for better engagement of BB installation tools. We're also working on other mountain bike solutions for pressed in style BBs, 2x9s, and 2x10s. Oh yeah single ring MTB setups too.

The prototype pictures with the shim system should alleviate the slight rubbing issue I had on the El Guapo and the slimmer fin design should allow vertical installation on the Sortie Black.  The slimmer cup flange should make the easy installation of the Chain Catcher, that much easier.

Based on your bottom bracket width, the Chain Catcher replaces the driveside external bottom bracket 2.5mm spacer.  If you have a 68 mm bottom bracket shell it replaces the outboard 2.5mm spacer and if you have a 73 mm bottom bracket shell, it replaces the single driveside 2.5mm spacer.  Installation was very simple.  Remove the crankset, remove drive side bottom bracket shell, and replace the proper spacer with the Chain Catcher.  Reverse the process for installation making sure that the Chain Catcher has the proper clearance for the front derailleur and that you use a torque wrench to torque the bottom bracket cups and all bolts to specifications.  In this test, the Chain Catcher was installed and used on a Diamondback Sortie Black with a Race Face Deus XC bottom bracket mated with a Shimano XTR (M960) crankset and a Titus El Guapo with a Shimano XT crankset and matching bottom bracket (M760).

Diamondback Sortie Black

The Diamondback has an oversized main pivot directly above the 68 mm bottom bracket shell.  If installed vertically (per instructions), the Chain Catcher would rub the swing arm/main pivot.  I had to modify the install so that the Chain Catcher is at the 45 degree angle to clear the swing arm.

After reinstalling the crank, the Chain Catcher did not rub the chain or chainring bolts while riding.  I tested the function of the Chain Catcher by going for a ride while cross chained (small chainring-small cog combination) for maximum chain slack and jumping or dropping everything in sight and the chain did not drop off the small chainring.

Titus El Guapo

I also installed the Chain Catcher on a Titus El Guapo that has a 73 mm shell.  Because of the smaller main pivot and it's location a little behind the bottom bracket, I was able to install the Chain Catcher almost vertically.

There was still a tiny bit of rub with the pivot if installed completely vertical so I had to install the Chain Catcher in front of the pivot so it slightly clears the pivot/swingarm.

The almost vertical installation was superior to the 45 degree installation as it would be virtually impossible for the chain to slip off between the front derailleur cage and the Chain Catcher.

However, there was a tiny bit of rub with the chain but since this is SJ's FR/DH bike, a tiny bit of rub in the granny is not a big deal.

As with the Diamondback,  I tested the function of the Chain Catcher by going for a ride while cross chained (small chainring-small cog combination) for maximum chain slack and jumping or dropping everything in sight and the chain did not drop off the small chainring.

If you have any questions or comments about this review, please email me, Gary Dinoso at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it