I run a normal ring with a top guide on my XX1 drivetrain. I could run a n/w chain ring but I hate how bikes look without chain retention in the front.

 I was planning on getting a guide until I found out about the n/w rings. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible so if I don't actually need it then I don't think I'll mount it. I almost picked up an mrp top guide for 50 bucks a few days ago but decided to try the n/w ring first. I've heard some guys have there guides loosen up and they have to retighten/adjust them regularly. Is that true?

 I've never had my guides come loose.

 OK that's reassuring. What kind of guide are you using? I think the Mr P's are some of the cheaper ones

 I use E.13 guides. I have an XCX+ on my SC Solo but I have used the LG1, TRS+ Dual, SRS, and TRS+ Single.

 Thanks for the input, man. I might be looking into a guide/bashguard eventually. Just finished riding some trails and never had the chain come off. Need to test this n/w ring some more but so far I'm loving it. Btw I love that orange and blue Solo build you have. Looks really sweet. I'll be getting blue accents on my ticket down the road.

 really smooth jumps or a clutch derailleur with a jacked up spring?

 It's not a clutch derailleur. Standard XO. Shortened the chain though so the derailleur is really stretched out and tight on the big sprockets. I probably don't ride as hard as most guys, but I still definitely have some hard landings. I haven't had a chance to seriously test it with my new n/w chainring, but I'm going to hit some trails today and see if it ever drops the chain

 n/w 's really really work. im thinking of getting one for my xc hard tail, and dropping the mrp 1x guide i have on there now. i dont have a clutch derailleur so its the ultimate test.

 Yeah definitely, man. So far I'm very impressed with n/w ring. Chain hasn't popped off so far. Seems to be gripping it well. I think it's a really cool design and a clutch derailleur isn't necessary. If you get a n/w you'll probably be able to just throw that guide away haha. If you do try a n/w ring on your xc let me know how it works out for you.

 will do phil

 Thanks! I'll be building up a newer one in a few months

 frame looks super short. does the pedal hit the front tire?

 Yep. This frame is famous as having a ridiculously short wheelbase. And the front tire will hit the forward pedal in barspins, but I don't do barspins so that's not a problem for me. Definitely tight clearance, though. I've had to learn to position my feet correctly on the pedals. Otherwise the toes of my shoes will rub the front tire when turning. Don't know what trek was thinking when they built this frame. It's still a fun bike once you get used to it but definitely has its disadvantages.

 ahh, I cant barspin anything but a bank... sometimes

I bet it spins quick, it must have a shorter wheelbase?

 Yeah really short. This is called the "regular" size ticket but Trek makes a long size and everybody who owns one seems to like it. I'll be getting the long version of it in a couple months and it'll probably be much more comfortable

 so, you work for a trek shop I take it? arent those frames like 1k ?

 Nope. Don't work for a shop. Just done my share of research on the tickets and I'm a trek guy. And this is a 2011 frame. This frame might be worth about 400-450 dollars. I'm actually trying to sell it right now. Long versions are more valuable and a used one might be about 600. Trek is releasing a 2014 version of this frame in a couple months and the retail on them will be 700. That's the one I'm getting. So yeah these frames are cheaper than you think

 yep, I paid 700 for my ns majesty 3 years ago...

also im by no means a trek guy, but the ticket slope is basically my dream bike. I wish I could afford and justify buying it but I cant. and its a limited # of production frames

 That's cool. I really want the ticket slope too and I'd probably have it if I could afford it. Also really like NS Soda Slope. Never been able to ride either of those bikes but I really want one. For right now I'm just going to stick with the ticket hardtail though. And if I had to guess... Trek will probably eventually release the ticket slope again. So many people want it and trek is making so much money off of it

 if they release the green one that rheeder rode in x games. id have to buy it lol

 Haha yeah that would be sick!