how good are the smaller half mug guards ?
Choice of mudguards depends on whether you're going to have to put it in the back of a car. Fixed full mudguards almost preclude that option. However SKS do a neat mudguard (seen on another cyclist's winter bike), which allows one to 'click off' two sections of each guard, either side of a metal fixing which stays on the seatstay bridge/drilling in fork crown, and the guard stays are secured on the (front and rear) QRs. (NB As much cover as most full guards) The fitting seemed to make the best use of the clearance available. I think these were the
Raceblade Long. And no reliance on mudguard eyes/braze ons.
There are other versions of this 'click' arrangement which offer various levels of 'cover'. The shorter guards are for keeping mud and water off you, not anyone following – and the short front guard really only protects your face, not your lower legs much.
If you are not riding with others, on full guards a rear flap is less important (and
vice versa) and many riders do without a front one (the latter does reduce the winter detritus hitting your feet/cranks/chainrings and bottom bracket though).
