Plastic chain guard-rear

I was taking my bike off the trainer to go ride, it slipped and the rear chain guard, hit the side and broke. It also causes some drag when I coast. I have never really paid much attention to it or if other riders use it, but after looking at some photos, it looks like a lot of riders don't use them. Do I really need to replace this part or can I just take it off and forget about it?

Thanks

As long as your RD is adjusted correctly, i.e. doesn't push the chain beyond the largest cog on your cassette, then there is no need of the spoke guard. The spoke guard is only on there in case the adjustment is off and the chain is pushed too far. It keeps the chain from getting lodged between the large cog and the spokes which usually damages the spokes.

I have seen cheap department store bikes where the spoke guard was needed because the RD could not be adjusted precisely enough to prevent overshifts.

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Super, thanks!