What is the purpose of a chain guard on a bicycle? (read additional details)?

Question

i think it's called a chain guard, but i'm not shure,

heres a picture:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31KGX950Z1L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

whats the purpose of that thing? is it bad if i don't put it on my bike?

Answer 1

when the chain is exposed, your shoelaces or pant leg can get caught in it, causing problems. beleive me, it  happens

Answer 2

it really has no purpose other than keeping your jeans from getting caught in the chain!!!

it has happened to me so many times thats y i finally put a chain guard on my bike

Answer 3

That is a chain guard and it's purpose is to keep your clothing out of the chain sprocket. If you don't wear clothing that may get caught then leave it off.

Answer 4

Stops things from getting caught in the chain, such as trousers(pants in the USA =]) shoelaces and long p***s' (thats a joke by the way)

Also some people think they look cool

Answer 5

I do not have to ask how young you are. I do know you are a young lad.

The purpose for a chain Gard is for your trousers foot not to catch under the chain and that wheel that the Chane go over  & the next thing is the oil that is on the chain will not catch on your trousers foot or if not then you will have to clip up the trousers foot with a clip or some men wuld ues a latch

pin on the trousers foot so the gard is very usefull on the Bicycle. So if you are wearing a short trousers then you do not

need the Gard a pin or a clip so that's the ans. to your question little man.

Answer 6

it is used to keep your pants or socks from getting cought in the chain and geting ripped (it kinda discribes it's self LOL)

Answer 7

purpose is to not lose a finger

Answer 8

to keep you pants from ripping but they look bad and ripped jeans are in style so

Answer 9

It's mostly to keep your shoelaces or pants leg from getting caught in the chain or gears. It also keeps the chain grease from staining your leg. It's okay to take/leave it off, as long as you tuck your laces and roll up your right leg.