It's supposed to guard the rear derailleur from shifting into the spokes. But that would only happen if the derailleur was badly out of adjustment (i.e. the "L" screw was too open). Sometimes the adjustment can get just a little bit off and you'll hear the edge of the jockey wheel cage just tick a spoke as the wheel turns. That's not a big deal. I guess the spoke guard is really supposed to protect idiots from themselves when they really screw up their derailleur adjustment.
Generally spoke guard don't do any harm unless they rattle and drive you crazy. They are just unnecessary. And would certainly not be found on a very high end bike.



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