Wooden Chain Guard for Bicycle Restoration

Hello,

I like to restore old "semi racing" bicycles. But often the old plastic chain guard is broken. So instead of installing, an optically not fitting modern one, I make wooden ones by myself.

• The old chain guard (or a fitting one)
• The screws which held the old chain guard (or other scews/ smaller screws and a nut, if fitting)
• Hardwood Oil
• Any saw to cut straight and thin wood, like Japanese saw/ jigsaw e.g.
• Sandpaper
• "Dremel"
• Long clamp (I like to use my "one hand clamps")
• Steam cleaning device or a pot with hot water
• An small angle bracket (for mounting in the back)

First of all:

Not all mountings for chain guards are the same. So have a first look, if yours can be replaced like this and if all the metal parts are still in place.

Most of the time it's one screw from underneath, one near the top of the chain wheel and one in an 90-degree angle at the back. (Sometimes from the top, sometimes from the chain stay)

(Dutch bikes e.g. have often a different chain guard)

Clean the old chain guard, so you can use it as a form for your wooden one.

Measure the width, but probably something around 25mm will be fine. Leave it longer as the old plastic one. You can cut it to the right length in the very end.

You can use any saw you are able to cut straight and clean. I use an japanese saw.

Mark the 25mm x 400mm on the 2mm thick plywood and cut it out. (or make a guide for the jigsaw)

To get the right shape use clamps and the old chain guard.

Clamp the wood with one clamp on the outside of the plastic chain guard and use steam and another 1-2 clamps to bent it. Be gentle and patient with it.

As soon as it has the same shape as the old chain guard, leave it clamped on, until the wood is dry again. (At least over night, if not longer)

As you still have the new chain guard attached to the old chain guard, you can use it to mark the position of the 2 -3 holes in the curve.

Then use a drill to make a hole at each end of the longhole and a dremel with a small blade to cut the inside out.

Make the holes just a little wider as you need for your screws (so you will not weaken the material).

Now you can have a look where to put the last hole at the end of the chainguard.

I was lucky to find thin, 90 degree metal plates with longholes (for mounting fenders) which fit perfectly. If you don't have something like this, cutting and bending your own, out of thin metal would be an good option. (or finding one in a hardwarestore)

Then you can screw the angle bracket on and mount it with a small screw and nut.

At last you can cut the right length and make every thing smooth with sandpaper (there a probably some rougher spots from cutting and drilling).

I use hardwood oil for the sun- and water protection.

I had a bike sitting outside for years and I still liked the style. It became grayish. (Where I live it is often raining, not really much sunshine and nearly no snow.)

And for me, the wood on the top is enough to protect my trousers from getting dirty. I would just recommend to use small screws for mounting, so nothing could get tangled up.

Greetings and have fun,

Lydia