We’ve created this fit and f.a.q. page to help you determine whether the 2x will fit your bike and to address some frequently asked questions.
What kind of cranks is the 2x compatible with?
The 2x is compatible with a wide variety of cranks from several different brands. It was originally conceived to work with the new variety of double cranks on market, but it can also be used with traditional triple cranks. To use with triple cranks, you must remove the outer ring (generally a 44t) and swap some washers in the guide’s pulley assembly as outlined in the instructions. You should not change the position of any of the other rings. You will need either short chairing bolts or chainring bolt spacers if converting a triple crank to a double configuration.
Is the 2x compatible with a bash guard?
The 2x guide is not designed to work with a crank mounted bashguard, the patented integrated skid serves to protect the chainrings from damage. If you’d like to use a bashguard, consider our LRP.
What size 2x should I get?
We offer two sizes of the standard 2x; 36-38 and 39-42. Determine the tooth count of your largest ring to decide which size is right for you.
What mount (ISCG, ISCG-05, or BB) should I get?
FRAME LIST HERE
Which mount version is appropriate depends on the frame you’re using. If your frame has three threaded holes around the drive-side of the bottom bracket shell it is likely that it features ISCG or ISCG-05 tabs. Information about the ISCG standard (including dimensions) can be found here. If your farme features ISCG or ISCG-05 tabs we highly recommend you choose a matching 2x instead of the BB mount. Guides that mount to tabs are superior in functionality to BB mounted guides in that they resist rotation better when struck and offer more adjustability/fine tuning for fit. If your frame has no ISCG or ISCG-05 tabs and features a traditional thread-in bottom bracket shell you can use our BB mount versions. Our BB mount versions work best with external style bottom brackets (Shimano Hollowtech 2, Race Face X-Type, SRAM/Truvativ GXP, FSA/Gravity MegaEXO, etc.), while they can be used with cartridge-style BB’s you’ll need one that’s E-Type front derailleur compatible and potentially a different spindle length.
Does the BB-mount work on SRAM/Truvativ GXP cranks?
Yes. Even if there are no spacers installed on your BB. On a 68mm shell the BB mount 2x guide should be installed between the drive-side spacer and the BB cup. On a 73mm shell the guide should be installed between the BB shell and BB cup.
I have a pressed-in style BB, can I use the 2x?
Only if your frame features ISCG or ISCG-05 tabs, the BB mounted version requires a thread-in style BB. Some popular frames from Giant and Trek unfortunately have no way of mounting a 2x guide.
My frame has ISCG03 (or ISCG-OLD) tabs, what are those?
ISCG03 and ISCG-OLD are both unofficial names for standard ISCG (ie not ISCG-05) tabs.
Will the 2x fit my Niner full-suspension frame?
No. The CVA suspension design interferes with the clocking of the guide and the skid.
Will the 2x fit my VPP bike?
Most likely, yes. The 2x fits many more VPP frames than the LRP did due to the smaller spacial requirements of the pulley vs. the LRP’s roller as well as the captive hardware found on the 2x’s backplate that doesn’t protude. Despite our best efforts to make this guide universally compatible, sometimes a little creative modification is still required.
Are the 2x guide and Truvativ X-guide the same?
While we did design and do build the Truvativ X-guide, and they share many of the same parts, they are not identical. Aside from cosmetic differences, there is also a difference in the width of the backplate on the 36-38t version which makes the X-guide incompatible with triple-style cranks (only compatible 2×10 cranks).
How does the chain move from pulley to pulley on the guide?
Magic. No, not really. But trust us, it works, and it works wonderfully. How it works is essentially the same way a rear derailleur works – chain alignment.
How much drag does the guide add to the drivetrain?
It’s hard to quantify given so many variables in setups. But, we can wholeheartedly say “not much”. The pulley’s roll on sealed bearings and there is reduced surface area contact between the chain and pulley vs. a roller design, so the setup moves pretty freely. It’s infinitely more efficient than a dropped chain, that’s for sure.
Given that the 2x has no upper component to mitigate chain drop from the top of the ring, how effective is it in that regard?
We believe that most chain drop from the top of the ring is caused by a poorly performing front derailleur – due to using incorrect model, over shifting, or improper positioning. Since you’ll likely be in the exposed big ring of a double setup quite a bit of the time (whereas with triple chainrings the middle ring is typically the most used), front derailleur setup is crucial. If you’re using a SRAM front derailleur, they have a handy setup guide here to help with positioning.
