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Long Term Review: Gamut Trail SXC Guide Provides Extra Security for 1x Drivetrains

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Gamut Trail SXC Guide (2)

Like bad Enduro Jokes, and 650B envy, 1x drivetrains are suddenly cool. Recent advancements such as narrow wide chain rings, cassette adapters, and silly expensive drivetrains, have allowed the masses to ditch the front derailleur, without sacrificing gearing.

An unexpected outcome of this new technology is the gradual extinction of the full chainguide, because the new stuff works so well, it’s rare to drop a chain when using a narrow wide chainring and clutch equipped derailleur. Of course, when racing or simply out there pushing the limits, it pays to be prepared. For those who desire a little extra security, the Gamut Trail SXC guide is a inexpensive solution, that comes with a minimal weight penalty.

Gamut Trail SXC Guide (6)

Available for BB, ISCG, and ISCG05 mounts, the guide works with 32-40T chainrings.

Gamut Trail SXC Guide (1)

Installation is a simple and straight forward process that requires removing the drive side crank arm. On our Specialized Stumpy Evo test bike, which was running Raceface Next SL Cranks, we made use of all 9 washers supplied – plus 4 more sourced around the shop.

This coins stack of washers was required due to how far out the chainring on the ultra light carbon cranks protrudes from the frame.

Gamut SXC Trail Guide Actual Weight Scale Shot (1)

On the scale, the svelte package weighed a mere 67 g. Claimed weight for the BB mount is 52 g , but the claimed 54 g for the ISCG05 version does not factor in mounting hardware.

Gamut SXC Trail Guide Actual Weight Scale Shot (2)

The siren red anodized plate and grey polyurethane slider weighed 55 g, while the three flush Allen bolts weighed 12g.

Gamut Trail SXC Guide (5)

With a few hundred miles on the Gamut SXC now, it’s been through a variety of conditions with no issues, and continues to run silently while preventing any dropped chains. It’s the type of component that when it’s doing its job, you don’t even notice it’s there.

X01/XX1 drivetrains are notoriously silent, and the guide has not intruduced any undue noise, except when the chain is in the smallest cog in the rear. Even then, it only slightly rubs because of the cranks used, and how far away from the frame the chainring sits. There is no added friction to the system, and we have noticed no visible wear on the guide mechanism.

Gamut Trail SXC Guide (3)

While a system like SRAM XX1 should prevent dropped chains, using a chain guide is the only way to ensure seamless performance in all conditions. Whether you race, or just want 100% confidence in your drivetrain, the Gamut Trail SXC guide is a great piece of lightweight and reliable kit, whcih retails for only $59.99.

Learn more at Gamut

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Brian
Brian
9 years ago

For 1X drivetrains with a narrow-wide ring and clutch RD, a chainguide should be unnecessary. What I find of greater value is a bashguard or taco to protect the uber-expensive rings. This has none = fail.

I’ll stick with my MRP AMg that has both.

James S
James S
9 years ago

You can get RaceFace narrow wide chainrings for as low as $30. I wouldn’t call that “uber-expensive”.

Superstantial
Superstantial
9 years ago

I’d like to hear some bad enduro jokes, please.

fleche1454
fleche1454
9 years ago

@brian,
I cant remember ever bending a ring or see a bent ring on 1X SRAM set up yet. The ring is pretty close to the frame on my rig so it hit my chain ring its hit the frame too, maybe its just me and the people I ride with ?

Im curious since my bike doesnt have a guide on it, does the guide even show any sign of wear other than that it has collected dirt?

Joe
Joe
9 years ago

Remember folks, a chain is a wear item. Smashing your steel chain against a rock isn’t the end of the world. Youll probably be fine.

buriedundersnow
buriedundersnow
9 years ago

Agreed, Brian…..agreed.

sascetti
sascetti
9 years ago

I’m slowly learning that these 1x Frankenstein setups require something like this if you really crank on your gear. I typically never dropped a chain during training rides. It was only when it mattered in races that I would constantly have chain issues.

adam_k
adam_k
9 years ago

Brian: This is not entirely true. Most N/W + Clutch setups work fine up to a point. But when sufficient amount of chain “stretch” accumulates along with cog/ring wear then chain drops become likely, especially on the high gears.

Tom
Tom
9 years ago

I’ve had really good luck with the little Bionicon chain guide, and it’s really simple to install.

Q: How can you tell that somebody races enduro?

A: Trust me, he’s told you already!

MulletRacer
MulletRacer
9 years ago

If you ride your bike really hard and often, you will drop chains.

Chainrings wear out and rear derailleurs malfunction. I have dropped a chain with my XX1 setup and cracked a helmet. I learned my lesson after that.

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