Mudguards

[Will]

As I was about to leave for work this morning I heard some noise outside. I tried to convince myself it was strong & persistent wind but suspected it was rain. When I pulled back the curtains my fears were confirmed...

My heart sank at the propect of getting wet then having to cycle home in cold wet clothing. So I sat down to watch TV for 10 mins in the hope the rain would stop. Fortunately it did. As I was cycling in I picked up some spray from the road and my leggings got a little wet, if not quite wet through.

While riding it occurred to me that mudguards would be a great thing to have on my bike. But that's the first time I've ever thought that.

I wondered why... Am I wrong? Am I getting old? Why haven't I thought that before?

[Snoop Doug]

I've got some fake temporary mudguards for my bike, race blades I think they are called. They're crap for me because they don't fit my sexy frame (he he he) and so they rub (fnarrrr) a lot.

D'you want a borrow...? If you lik e'em then perhaps we can come to some arrangement

Finbar Snoop

[Sylv]

Of course mudguard rules for commuting, if it's been raining heavily but just stopped, you will stay dry as opposed to completely soaked.

I can remove mine, the rear in 5 seconds (DYI job with rubber bands when the proper mount snapped), and the front about 30 by undoing a bolt. I'll only do it if I'm absolutely sure it won't be raining on the day though.

Did get a proper soaking this morning though!

[Andrew G]

I always thought mudguards were only something to ruin a bike's look with but once you commute, and/or don't get put off by a bit or rain then mudguards make perfect sense if you have a separate communting/winter bike. Huw doesn't like them but then he get's a steady supply of new exotica to test from CW . For a mere mortal they help keep rubbish off the bike and you keep a dry backside so you haven't got to put soggy clothes on when you come home.

I've only got race blades at the moment on my commuter as it's my old bike slid down a rung rather than a proper winter bike, so doesn't have the proper braze-ons. The temporary straps they come with are useless and the guard will keep slipping. I've found that if you hold them on with zip ties (as they recommend for a more secure fit, then they stay in place nicely. Also drill a pilot hole in the bridge and secure the bridge/guard position with the self-taping screws they come with, this locks them tight and they hold their position well.

That said I only use the rear one as up front I have a similar problem to Snoop in that the fork has an aero tapering. This means that the "blade" doesn't hold in place properly as I can't get a secure strapping to the fork. I don't miss the front that much as long as I remember to put waterproof overshoes on (which I forgot this morning so got wet feet ), but even when it's chucking it down my bum stays nice and dry .

At the end of the year I plan on getting a new winter frame which Huw will be pleased to know will have full guards, rack, and a dynamo hubbed front wheel.

[Dominic]

Yep another vote for mudguards. It might be an age thing as I wouldn't have dreamed of them 20 years ago. But they do make a hell of a difference over the winter!!

If it's any consolation apparently Robert Millar got a frame built specially (at his own cost) with the correct brazings so he could use mudguards when training in the winter and sprayed in his teams colour.

[huw williams]

[quote="Will"] While riding it occurred to me that mudguards would be a great thing to have on my bike. But that's the first time I've ever thought that.

[Amy]

Actually Huw wants to save money on colonic irrigation

Not my idea of fun though I'm a firm believer in mudguards

[Roy Green]

Age thing? When I was young and feckless, I always had guards on my winter bike. Now, only have Raceblades, and don't use them often, then usually only the rear. But then I can pick my times for rides according to weather prospects ...

[Jon H]

After riding in to work this morning, my bum was about the only part of me that was still dry. Full length SKS mudguards rule.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote] I tried to convince myself it was strong & persistent wind