I had gt sensor 2014(btw, one of the brand frames which didn't have spacers between bearings) and chainstays around lower pivot were scratched as hell when I sold it, so yeah, bash plate is a must around lower pivot
Also it would be interesting to see how haideli implemented the idler and the chain guide around it.
IMO chainguide and that bash plate need to be good and available as spares since it's unique parts to this frames.
I still have my Sensor, I set it up like a Sensor X with a 150mm fork before I got an LTS Force — now my primary bike — and set the Sensor up for my son. It definitely has a lot of pretty heinous gouging on that lower link.
You’ve reminded me that I was never terribly impressed with its pivots.
A replaceable bash guard on the 838 with readily available spares, and readily available spare jockey wheels (preferably compatible with those used on other high pivot bikes incl. the Range), will be crucial. This bike, at least as much as the 831 or 830 lineages, has the potential to be very popular if it’s executed well enough. Being a high pivot bike, though, presents some unique design challenges.
I guess we’ll see in time whether those turn out to be easier or harder to overcome than the pivot and rear triangle issues on the 831.
The first big debate might end up being whether the idler has to have sealed bearings or if bushings are acceptable.
