Defy 2 needs mudguards... Crud Roadracer Mk2 or Giant's own ?

[Arjimlad]

http://www.parker-international.co....ign=pid15745&gclid=CJiGu-rZsa4CFUIj3godSB66RQ

or


http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-defy-avail-item166654.html#info

What does the forum think please ? Varying reports of each !

 

[Panter]

I have the Giant ones on my Defy, they work pretty well although there is an annoying gap where the brakes fit.
Quality is a little poor too, the front lug snapped off after a few miles of vibration heavy roads so I ended up cable tying it back on.

Don't get any spray from the tyres though so they're doing their job.
I didn't vote as I've never used the Crud's so can't compare

 

[Enw.nigel]

I bought my Cruds from Parker International early winter and wished I'd learn't about them earlier - found out about them from other CCers.
The Mk 2's keep all the muck off the front chain-rings besides keeping your feet and back free of water thrown up from the road surface. Eary to fit - just follow the video on their website.
As Panter said, I didn't vote because I've not used the others. Cruds for me all the time.

 

[Alembicbassman]

I used the cruds for a while on my Raeligh Avanti, they wroked well. I had to adjust my computer sensor on the front as the Crud stays run very close to the spokes and the magnet was clipping the right stay. They were a close fit for Conti 23c tyres, the Giant Defy has 25c tyres as standard so they will be a very close fit. I have fitted Giant's own custom guards on my 2010 Defy 4, the coverage is a bit less but I think they're more secure (bolt on stays as opposed to rubber bands) and they cover 25c tryes with plenty of room. I still had to trim the stays on the rear as they were about an inch too long.

 

[roadrash]

i have cruds on my giant defy 2 ,they do an exellent job.


http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-new-giant.88500/

 

[2Loose]

I have Giant ones on my Defy for the last year and a half (about 7k all weather miles) - working great, no rattle, but since having them fitted I have moved to 23c tyres which give a tiny bit more clearance than the big 25c's the bike came with.

I also think they look better than the Cruds... http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-return-to-road-bikes.61710/#post-1157051

Also come in Black, as you know.

 

[roadrash]

2loose..out of curiosity , what make tyres have you put on ...

 

[endoman]

Just make sure you keep the screws tightened up on the cruds, lost one of mine on Sunday, fortunatley I removed the stay and it worked ok on one stay for the rest of the ride. New screw fitted today and all back to normal . A godsend in wet weather,

 

[Arjimlad]

Thanks everyone... Poll is level-pegging ..I am leaning towards the Giant specific ones, as there is a bolt mount on the back of the seat tube which needs filling... got very wet coming home tonight !

 

[2Loose]

2loose..out of curiosity , what make tyres have you put on ...

I currently have Michelin 23c Lithion's in blue to match, but in the pics they were stock.

(1 pinch puncture in 3k miles on them due to under inflation - my bad, 4 in 4k on stock tyres due to grit\glass if it matters much - Krylions next if they still do them by the time I replace them in spring)

 

[Red Light]

Not in the poll but don't get the SKS Race Blades. The LBS persuaded me to get them on aesthetic grounds but they don't stay put on the bike so are continually rubbing on the front tyre on a bumpy road and when its wet they allow water to be thrown up and blown back onto you because the guard doesn't go forward of the front forks

 

[Arjimlad]

Yup - they're not all that great - better than nothing but I did found they can "wander" on the usual road surfaces round here.

 

[crumpetman]

I have only tried the Giant specific ones so have not voted but I think the quality is a bit poor. The bracket on the rear has snapped twice so now it is just cable tied. The front and rear rattle quite a bit when going over rough surfaces. I also find that mud and dirt builds up in the gap for the brakes.

I have some full SKS mudguards on another bike and find them much better quality, no rattling, no need for cable ties and slightly better protection.

 

[Arjimlad]

Thanks - I had SKS on my last bike and they were very good, but took considerable fettling to fit. I have plumped for the Giant specific ones and hope they may have improved... !

 

[2Loose]

Personally I don't find the quality poor, but they are very skinny and therefore I'd imagine fairly fragile if they are 'bent' into place while fitting, or the rear seat tube mount is overtightened, which could crack the guard at this point.

I've had mine off and on several times without a problem, but can suggest some fitting tips to help - I didn't work this out by myself, the shop did it and showed me how and why!

1. Unbolt brake calipers and let them hang by the cables.
2. Suspend bike (or at least one end) off the ground and remove the wheel with the bike right way up.
3. Attach the guard by reattaching the caliper throught the mounting and try to keep the guard straight - which is why hanging the bike the right way up helps.
4. At the rear, attach the guard to the seat tube mount, gently tighten the screw - the rubber grommit means over tightening is easy - don't do it.
5. Refit wheel into the frame\forks and guards and take the bike down.
6. Loosen the tops of the guard stays and attach the stays to forks\frame - keep them loose at the top of the stays.
7. Gently adjust the length of stays to get even clearance over the tyre and tighten them up.

One of the most annoying bits is when you find the guard is not aligned with the tyre. Loosening the caliper bolts and re-tightening while trying to keep the guard and caliper central is a pain...patience is a virtue here!