Mudguards or not?

[Zippy]

I'm taking to a road bike, from a MTB with 3/4 mudguards, for commuting and I am expecting to get wet from the top down on some days but I hate water being jetted up my crutch from the rear wheel! i would also want to prevent water and crud being thrown up at the frame/headset etc.

Do I go for full mudguards or would race blades suffice? I am not bothered about getting a wet stripe up my back so much as preventing the wet crutch scenario and water in the bike bearings.

If it makes a difference, it's a Kona Honky Inc.

 

[2Loose]

Go for full guards if you can bear them, they stop all sorts of crap being thrown onto the front mech as well as keeping the bike much cleaner. A short front guard meant that it just moved the spray from my feet\legs\lap to up into my face and eyes.

The longest guards you can stand are fairly essential imho.

(Also, they lessen the chance of rain

, but for this to work best, pack an umbrella somewhere on you too )

 

[The Eighth Man]

I have blades on my bike, they have done a fine job over the last 4 years and are still going strong. I would have full guards if they would fit on my bike, but they will not and blades are a great option.

 

[Peter10]

I have a new set of Raceblades. I definitely notice a difference. My arse stays dry the whole trip home now compared to a few weeks ago. The front one still allows for a little spray, but is far more manageable than before.

 

[potsy]

I have Raceblades and would recommend them if you can't fit full ones,but if you can I'd go with the full length ones.
Raceblades are great for taking on and off when required,takes <2 minutes.

 

[Davidc]

I've always had full guards, keep most of the water and road grot off me and the bike, and IMO improve the look of the bike. My main bikes have always been tourers so full mudguards come with them.

The exception is the mtb I use around town 'cos it can't take them. Just do the best I can on that one with MTB guards and a rack with a solid plate at the back.

Whatever you get having the safety release fixings at the front is a good idea.

 

[guitarpete247]

I'm going to be putting mudguards back on the bike soon (full guards).
I remember a mates son a few years ago coming back into the house after being out on his MTB in the rain one day. As well as the brown stripe up his back he took his hoody off bits of a dog turd fell out of the hood. He'd flicked it up with the back wheel. It was probably up his back as well .

 

[jimboalee]

You will just about sqeeze SKS slims on that.

To keep the water off the rings, bracket, chain and rear mech.... do a bit of 'Blue Peter' with a rubber car mat, thus;

 

[Plax]

I'm going to be putting mudguards back on the bike soon (full guards).
I remember a mates son a few years ago coming back into the house after being out on his MTB in the rain one day. As well as the brown stripe up his back he took his hoody off bits of a dog turd fell out of the hood. He'd flicked it up with the back wheel. It was probably up his back as well .

LOL, even full mudguards don't stop everything. The last time I went cycle touring my touring buddy was in stitches laughing as I some how managed to get squished slug on my back, and that was will full length guards.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Full guards, deffo.

 

[jimboalee]

LOL, even full mudguards don't stop everything. The last time I went cycle touring my touring buddy was in stitches laughing as I some how managed to get squished slug on my back, and that was will full length guards.

That's because he saw it, stopped, picked it up, chased after you and threw it on your back.

 

[DrSquirrel]

If you don't have a rear guard that goes behind the seat tube - water will get pulled down and soak your feet, which sucks.

Personally on the main road bike I live with it.

The crud catchers (mk2) cover the full lot and are favourites it seems, don't need guard mounts either and are made for narrow clearances. If you have full bosses just regular full guards (SKS and the like) will suffice.

Front is semi important, water off the back of the wheel will be blocked by your downtube until you turn, if you dont have a guard that goes forward so much water will be thrown in front of you and then you will basically cycle into it (this sucks the most imo).

 

[Howard]

+ 1 to crud roadracers - the MKIIs look like a clear improvement over the MKIs that I have - and they are the business: light, effective and they don't spoil the look of the bike.

 

[ianrauk]

Raceblades for me. As Potsy has said, very easy to put on and take off. They not asa great as full mudguards but they do keep the majority of the crap off oneself and the bike.

 

[L.E.D.]

also +1 on the crud roadracers , just put them back on after a taking them off for the summer.