SKS Speedrocker Mudguard Set, Black

Product Information

The fact that full-length mudguards can only be fitted to frames with the necessary mounts and clearance does limit them, but there are plenty of bikes designed to accept them. Most common are those that fall into the touring/Audax category, with a variety of frame materials including the most common: steel, titanium and alloy. It’s also possible to buy a carbon fibre frame with the necessary eyelets and clearance for these mudguards.

Mudguards can even offer a performance advantage. Yes, really. By keeping you dry and comfortable, they allow you to train more effectively than if you’re wet and cold. By keeping as much of the water off your body as you can, you're going to be able to ride for longer, and faster, when the roads are wet.If your road bike doesn't have mudguard mounts, there are still a lot of mudguards options available to you. Weighing 60g, the Fendor Bendor Big is certainly lightweight but remarkably stable with some well-designed creases and folds giving the thin polypropylene its shape and rigidity. Fitting is straightforward, the single Velcro strap means you can easily attach and remove it from your bike, but we did find compatibility issues with frames that had a mono stay and it may well not play nicely with rim brake calipers either. Read more: Ass Savers Fendor Bendor Big rear gravel mudguard full review Gravel fenders / mudguards: Things to think about

If your bike has rim brakes, you’ll usually need long-reach brake callipers, especially if you want to use mudguards with tyres that are 25mm or larger. Mudguards are key to keeping dry – or drier than you’d otherwise be – in typical British conditions. That’s especially true in winter when water tends to stay on the roads for longer. If you’re riding year-round, make sure you have some of the best bike lights to keep you safe too.

You have to like the mountain bike-ish look though, and not be worried about spattering people behind you.

Another pitfall to be aware of is clearance on the other side of the guards: i.e., how nicely they play with your bags and feet. On smaller frames especially, toe overlap with the front fender / mudguard and giant saddle bags fighting for position with the rear mudguard are real issues. Given all this and the five-year warranty, it's really hard to look past these guards. The availability of spares is a plus too, and my personal experience of SKS's warranty dept is second to none – they really look after customers. Value Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

KranX FendR Full Length Mudguard 45mm

To prevent this, it’s worth getting yourself some helitape. This clear tape that is incredibly strong and won’t be worn through by the straps of your guards. It’s almost invisible when the guards are removed, so your frame will stay looking as pretty as ever.