MRPs Paul Aieta Pays A Visit
Paul Aieta, Mountain Racing Products, stopped by to take a ride and discuss some new products. The new mountain bike triple bash guard was the focus of the conversation. Paul explains that a replacement big ring for a Shimano XTR crankset could cost upwards of €200. This means that if you ride on the rocks like the MRP folks in Fruita, Colorado and Moab, Utah then one rock strike could pay for the 59-dollar price tag for their new XCG guide system.
Patented MRPsXCG Chain Guide. The backing plate and clear bash guard are made of durable polycarbonate. The plate’s wavy upper section tucks under front derailleur to keep the chain from bouncing off the granny chainring.
The XCG can be used under any threaded EX bottom bracket and replaces right-side spacer. The XCG does not intend to be a freeride system where you can do every stunt, but instead is designed to save your money and bacon in the event of a log crossing or rock step.
Pauls Knolly’s trailbike features a 1 X 9 drivetrain. It uses a 32-tooth crankring and an 11 x 34 tooth cassette. The MRP Mini G2 crankset has a single-ring crankset that includes a bash guard and an upper and lower guide system.
Paul was riding his Knolly dual suspension bike with a Race Face crankset. The lowest gear was slightly under-drive32-teeth in the front. A 34-tooth rear cog was paired. Aieta, who can handle a single-speed bike well, was able to make short work of the 1.5-mile switchback climb on our ride that day. According to Aieta, the front derailleur, leftshifter, two chainrings, and the shortened chain weigh more than the MRP G2 guide. Paul’s bike was quiet as we descended the more difficult sections at high speeds. We will soon see more 1×9 drivetrains.
For more information on White Brothers suspension forks or MRP drivetrain products, visit www.MRPbike.com
