There was a time not so long ago when there was only one or two ways when it came to keeping the chain on a chainring over very rough ground. Nowadays there are dozens but still the balance of power remains in one, albeit different, company. e.thirteen has arrived and conquered in a relatively short space of time from when the first chunky devices started appearing on the likes of Gracia’s Cannondale a few years ago. The clear device with bashguard is a favourite amongst all the people who race for a living, but this season Fabien Barel has been running the LG1 system sans bashguard. The thinking behind this is that on many tracks there is no need for a strong bashguard. It is also said some riders are so hard on their bikes that many times the cranks have bent before the bashguard breaks. If you were to take a look at Barel’s pedals after a morning of practice then the abuse given out in the pedal and crank area is considerable. Surely though if you’re going to ground out hard then something is going to give anyway. It’s a fantastic recommendation for a product if someone as hard as Fabien runs your system.

There are several key features to the LG1. For starters clearance in muddy conditions is aided by the cutaways in the mouldings close to the chain line. Second the company have spent several years sourcing the perfect roller durometer and they have plumped for something just a little harder than a Maxpro, about 70. Boltings are minimal and stainless, set up is easy and finally for those seeking lightweight then they don’t get much lighter than this. Efficient, light and strong. What more do you want?