Clear disc on back wheel of new bike?

Question

I bought a new bike. There is a clear plastic disc, about 1" wide, behind the real wheel sprocket, attached to the spokes. What's the purpose of this thing? Is it a piece of packaging to be removed, or does it protect the spokes and chain in case I overgear past the largest ring on the sprocket?

Answer 1

it is called a spoke protector

i would leave it there

Answer 2

It's to prevent the chain from going into the wheel. Keep it.

Answer 3

This is to protect your cassette and your spokes. If your chain falls between the cassette and the spokes bad things can happen. Mostly a stuck chain and broken spokes.

I always remove the plastic ring, if your end limits screws on your derailleur are set properly you wont have any problems.

Answer 4

This disk is to keep your chain out of the spokes. You might want to leave it there.

Answer 5

It is annoying, take it to your bike shop and they will remove it for you.  If it works it is fine, but if it breaks it can be annoying and stop the wheel from having free motion.  You never see them on high end road bikes?