The Gardy Guard - Update #1

So far, I have had lots of interest show in these guards so if you want one get onto me quick. So far, some of the people who might be riding the first batch include Marnold, Rhys Yeomans, Sean Falkenstein, Flagz and Oli Zeffert to name a few.

After working away from 4pm today till just getting in from the garage the first 'prototype' has been successfully machined. It's not the same size as the Ratchet Non-Drive Side will be, with the proper ones being .3 of an inch larger in diameter to protect your spokes more. In all other dimensions though, it is identical to the proper Ratchet ones which will be made from 4140 Heat Treated and Tempered Chromoly. This one is made from High Speed Steel, which although is not as strong or slippery as the chromoly ones will be, is a damn site better in both aspects compared to aluminium ones.

Seen with my hand in the frame are the respective front (above) and back (left) view of the hubguard. After completing this one, the non-drive side Ratchet guard is confirmed to be going ahead, as well as the Marmoset guard also going ahead. This is because these two guards share the same dimension, except the Marmoset guard is slightly smaller in diameter, as well as being slimmer in width.

Seen to the right is what it looks like when fitted to my rear Ratchet hub, it fits snugly and is pinched between the bearing and dropouts whilst slipping over the axle; replacing the original collar/cone.

Below shows how the guard fits over the hub axle. This combination of having a chromoly guard fitted to a non-threaded 20mm axle means that this is effectively the strongest guard/hub combination available.

To the left shows how it fits in between the dropouts of my frame and hub, leaving enough clearance to not rub on the spokes.

This guard clocks in at a sturdy 205grams, with the proper Ratchet guard projected to weigh roughly 250grams, and the Marmoset guards to weigh sub-180grams. Both guards will be the strongest combination of hub/guard available as well as being much more slippery.



This guard will be run soon by Oli as a break in test, before he gets his chromoly guard. For all who have shown ans interest in one, the G-Sport ones have been confirmed to be produced, and I will confirm the production of Odyssey style guards next weekend. Prices for the first run still confirmed at $30, with multiple orders already being received. The first production run is going to take about six weeks, because the grade of  material required needs to be imported from America; so expect guards in a month or two. Unfortunately, chromoly is not made in Australia. However, it will most certainly be worth the wait. Just try not to destroy your hubs before then!

Peep this blog for more updates soon...