Missing bit on rear cassette??

[JonnyRat]

Dear All, Apologies if this is a daft question (bear in mind I'm a grieving Welshman!!). I've just noticed that the clear plastic disc which was previously sited between the rear cassette and spokes on my Bianchi is missing after it was returned from my LBS following a service. Does this disc serve any important purpose (ie. stopping debris enter the gearing) or is it OK to ride without it? Aesthetically I have to say the bike looks better without, but I don't want a knackered derailleur in 6 months time!

 

[mcshroom]

You'll be fine without it.

It's there to stop your chain shifting into the spokes if the rear mech is not set up right, but if that is properly adjusted then that won't happen anyway.

It's also fashionable to remove them for some unknown reason.

 

[ianrauk]

Otherwise known as a Pie Plate.
Bikes look far better without it.

 

[gbb]

It's fine without. But there is a slight increased chance of wheel damage IF something goes wrong with your derailleur, if your mech hanger fails or in a crash, as stated, the derailleur could foul the spokes causing expensive damage.
It's like insurance...you'll probably never need it, but you'll be glad you had it if something goes wrong.

Personally, i refitted mine when i got the chance.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I'd rather send the mech into the spokes so hard it rips the rear triangle from the frame than be seen DEAD with one of those.

 

[HLaB]

Slightly OT, I thought I'd done it on Wednesday (the derailleur in to the spokes) but it broke and the hanger stayed oddly true and the lack of pie plate wasn't an issue.

 

[albion]

Fashion sheep are not always very practical though.

 

[JonnyRat]

Thanks all, have to say bike does look a lot nicer without, so will settle for that. 'Pie Plate'.... what a great name!