What are the benefits of a bike mudguard?
There are plenty of reasons to get a couple of bike protectors. They include:
Reduces the volume of destructive or bothersome dirt particles and grime that can get into your bicycle components and wreak havoc (so you essentially avoid spending more money on replacement parts).
Minimises the amount of time you spend cleaning your bike.
Keeps your bum and backpack dry and your face clean.
Avoids dirtying cyclists around you - good cycling etiquette goes a long way!
Choosing the mudguard for your bike
Mudguard for MTB
The type of mountain bike fender you need ultimately depends on your bike and the style of bike riding that you do. For example, it needs to protect against more than a bit of grime. It has to fend off sticks, stones and any other debris the trails want to throw your way. As a result, you need a particularly robust model. However, the current trend is to keep a mountain bike front mudguard fairly discrete and minimalist.
If you’re riding with a mate, then you want your mtb rear mudguard to do its best to protect them as well as you, so you’ll probably want to opt for seatpost-mounted MTB fenders that sit at a distance to the back wheel. If you have a dropper seatpost, though, just double-check you can get away with this.
Mudguard for CX, enduro road, vintage, commuter and touring bikes
Most of these bikes will call for bolt-on mudguards. We explain more about these and how to affix them in the next section.
Clip-on bike fenders
You can opt for these if your bike doesn’t feature pre-drilled eyelets. Again, we provide more information in the next section.
How to put a mudguard on your bike
Bolt-on fenders
If you want to use your bicycle mudguards regularly throughout the year (or for a concentrated season) and your bike comes with pre-drilled eyelets for mounting, then bolt-ons are for you. You will need some basic tools but don’t worry about having to get a university degree - just follow the instructions provided with the product and allow for a bit of ‘finicky’ time!
Clip-on fenders
You would use these if you don’t intend to rely on protection for you and your bike all the time or if your bike doesn’t come with pre-drilled holes. You should be able to identify opportunities to affix these to the seat post, front fork, downtube or even the seat stay. Instead of tools, you will likely rely on zip ties or velcro mounts.
Are mudguards necessary on bikes?
The short and honest answer is no, they are not necessary. Unlike other bicycle parts, like the bike drivetrain, you can still get from A to B without fenders. However, you may just arrive looking like something the cat dragged in. So, if you have to turn up to an important work presentation or you’re meeting your partner’s parents for the first time, then the answer to this question could swing the other way…!
Are mudguards worth it?
With some models starting below $10 a pop, this is a very affordable price point for something that can make a big difference to the upkeep of your bike and your riding gear. We think this is the kind of achievable investment that pays for itself ten-fold (and then some). So yes, we think they are absolutely worth it!
Contact us about purchasing a mudguard today
Have we helped you with any questions you had today, or is there something else we can assist you with? Just contact our friendly team, as we’re more than happy to help with any more information. Or are you here browsing for someone else? If you need to purchase a gift for a bike riding enthusiast, why not get them a BikeChain E-GiftCard? That way, you will be sure they love what they receive!
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