Cruds or SKS Race Guards

[Nick W]

It's that time of year again.

OK, so not enough clearance for proper mudguards on my steel Butler.

Last year I went for Cruds Mark II. Ingenious but I found them a little compromised in that the securing arms did move up and down the frame/forks too readily and causing contact on the tyres (I had 23s on). Perhaps this because of the fact that the steel frame and forks are a little thinner than most modern frames. Also the extension on the rear did have the effect of acting like a sail and pulling the guards one way or the other. Maybe taping the frame and forks with electrical tape at the point where the arms are attached might help in bolstering the dimensions (it would certainly help protect the frame........).

Anyway, has anyone got a view on the SKS race guards which look like another sensible option? They look like the securing points on the frame/forks might be a more stable/better secured with the effect that the guards stay in place better.

Any experience or thoughts out there, other than buying a winter bike with eyes etc........

[Andrew G]

I've used the SKS race guards before and they work well for a clip on 'guard. The thing is you need to use them properly, not as a lot of people use them.

Once you have set the bridge position then you secure it with a small screw from the inside (these are supplied and this is what the instructions tell you to do). This stops the bridge sliding on the 'guard so you don't end up forever adjusting the position every time it gets a small knock. For fitting to the stays I found the rubber straps a waste, they don't hold securely enough so they can rotate. Fit with zip ties, just wrap a bit of old inner tube around the stay where you fit it and the zip ties won't mark the paint. Do it properly and they work well and keep your bum dry in the wet winter weather.

[Mike I]

[quote="Nick W"]Any experience or thoughts out there, other than buying a winter bike with eyes etc........

[Keith]

I've tried both SKS Race Blades and Cruds. Cruds are better in my opinion, in terms of fit, looks, and the protection they give.

[Marcus]

Amy could have done with either of these today

[Wal]

I'm with Keith; I've used both and found the Cruds to be vastly superior. With the SKSs my feet still got wet because the rear guard stops at the brake, allowing water to splash off the seat tube onto my shoes, whereas the Crud wraps all the way round to the chainstay/seat tube junction, affording much better protection. I've had no issues with the Cruds staying in position; I've had them on my commuting bike for over a year and have only had to adjust them a couple of times.

[Nick W]

Thanks everyone for their replies on this.

Nick