Full guards or SKS - clip ons?!

[Anders]

So ive got my new Boardman Road Comp , last week on my 1st commute week got a little wet and dirty due to the British summer .

question is do i get full guards for my only road bike or try the SKS clip on's http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sks-race-blade-long-clip-on-mudguard-set/ least then i can pop them off when the sun is out?

 

[martint235]

I've got a clip on rear guard on my commuter but no mudguards at all on the best bike. It's only rain.

 

[Fnaar]

I used to have full guards on the roadie, but a bolt sheared off, and I never got round to drilling it out of its hole (+didn't want to damage frame). Got some clip ons, and once you master the art of getting them in the right position, they're useful (though obv not as good as full guards) and easy to fit/remove. Use the protective pads though, or they'll damage ur paintwork (speaking from experience)

 

[Red Light]

I've got the clip on ones (short rather than long ones though). I would go for the proper guards myself. The clip ons are difficult to set up and tend to move around especially when you lean the bike up against something, as their fixing points are tied rather than bolted down.

 

[lulubel]

For commuting, I'd use full mudguards, even on a road bike. I tried clip ons, but didn't get on with them. It was difficult to get them in the right position and even more difficult to get them to stay there. When I did get them positioned well and staying in place, I ended up leaving them on for ages because I couldn't face taking them off and having to position them again.

You could go for the no mudguards at all option if getting covered in dirty water off the road doesn't bother you.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Ive used some clip on ones by Decathlon http://www.decathlon.co.uk/shield-35mm-id_8061395.html

The rear one has worked well but the front moves, and ends up rubbing the wheel causing me to stop and adjust again (and again).

Think i'm going to employ some full time / full size guards when I get back from Spain - though I did see a post a few days ago where one of the chaps had a 'proper' set he could remove in 5 - 10 mins (but I cant find that post anymore to see what brand they were.) Neil

 

[Hacienda71]

Ive used some clip on ones by Decathlon http://www.decathlon.co.uk/shield-35mm-id_8061395.html

The rear one has worked well but the front moves, and ends up rubbing the wheel causing me to stop and adjust again (and again).

Think i'm going to employ some full time / full size guards when I get back from Spain - though I did see a post a few days ago where one of the chaps had a 'proper' set he could remove in 5 - 10 mins (but I cant find that post anymore to see what brand they were.) Neil

I have the same type from Decathlon and had the same problem with my old bike so I ended up using Mk2 Crudracers, They worked well gave superb coverage and weighed next to nothing. When I changed to my new carbon bike I found the rear Crud won't fit so I will be back to the clip on rear. Caveat that with only when it is bucketing

 

[potsy]

[QUOTE 1910035, member: 45"]You can't beat full guards. SKS Bluemels are what you want. If they'll fit.[/quote]
Agree with this, if the bike can take full guards then stick 'em on, can be taken off in 5 minutes if there's a spell of good weather.
Once they are set up they should go back on easily, and with minimum fuss

 

[judder]

I have the sks raceblade longs and if you don't have a lot of clearance they are great and are more sturdy than cruds and also give great protection.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Agree with this, if the bike can take full guards then stick 'em on, can be taken off in 5 minutes if there's a spell of good weather.
Once they are set up they should go back on easily, and with minimum fuss

Will they fit a 25mm tyre?

 

[400bhp]

If you've got the Boardman Road Comp I'm not sure they will take full (permanent) guards.

 

[Moodyman]

Depends what you use the bike for.

Commuter bike has full mudguards year round. Weekend bike only gets ridden when its dry so no mudguards at all.

 

[potsy]

Will they fit a 25mm tyre?

I have the blumels on my CX bike, have a pair for my 35mm tyres and another slimmer pair for when I use 25mm's.
Give yourself a good couple of hours when you fit them though, does take a bit of patience, once fitted and stays cut to length, adjusted for fit etc you can then take them on and off easily

 

[chewy]

I have full SKS jobbys on the commuter and the 'best' bike has none (but I don't tend to ride it when really wet - but if I do I'm usually fully kitted up so don't mind getting a bit grubby.


But plan to put mud gaurds on the 'best' bike one day and buy another 'bestest' bike so then I have one for both on the weekend.


But then I'll save for one that I can use in snow........


N+1

 

[scouserinlondon]

Cruds are ace. Despite the fact most of the bolts fall off to be replaced by cable ties they're easy to fit, do the job perfectly well, and don't ruin the 'look' of the bike.