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The past summer was truly not for racing cyclists. Not only did it feel like it was raining all the time - the months of June, July and August were also statistically the rainiest in ten years. Anyone who undertook extensive tours and continued to diligently collect kilometres after a promising spring was either tough or had mudguards on their bike: mudguards. Now the peak season for cycling in inclement weather is upon us - high time for our test of four models each for fixed and quick mounting.
Mudguards on a road bike: struts for stability
The most important criterion is and remains protection against splash water - namely that which is whirled up by the tyres. This is why only a long mudguard provides good protection against dirt. Unsurprisingly, the fixed models perform better because they are longer than clip-on mudguards and stay in place even on rough terrain thanks to their stable attachment. "This is crucial for us," says Sven Kordes, Chief Developer at accessories specialist SKS Germany. Because: "I want to remove a mudguard that constantly rattles after five minutes."
Specialized's bolt-on Dry-Tech fenders and the Mudhugger mudguards mark the extremes in the test in terms of length. The Specialized fenders wrap around the wheels over a wide area, while the Mudhugger fenders are so short that they can only be used as a quick-fit temporary solution.
The important thing for both types of mudguards is that they are easy to fit - with different centres of gravity. Experience has shown that clip-on mudguards that are only ready to go after 20 minutes of fiddling remain in the garage. Fitting fixed mudguards requires more time - but can also drive you to white heat if the mounting parts and fixing points do not fit together. Even modern marathon bikes or gravel bikes, whose integrated eyelets or threads promise easy mounting of accessories, are not immune to this. Improvisation is the order of the day, as our mounting tips (see page 40) show.
There are hardly any differences in terms of material: plastic is the trump card. Only Specialized uses heat-treated aluminium for its test-winning set. Carbon models such as the Flexi-Carbon for 170 euros, which we tested in TOUR 11/2019, are expensive and very rare.
Optics of the mudguards
SKS development manager Kordes is not surprised that mudguards are still viewed critically by many road cyclists. "Road cyclists want their usually expensive bikes to be minimised. That's why the mudguard shouldn't really stand out at all," he says, adding with a wink: "A Porsche driver doesn't mount a roof rack on his car either." That's probably true. But you don't need to train outdoors in all weathers to drive a Porsche.
Test summary of the road bike mudguards
As a rule, clip-on mudguards are quick to fit and lightweight, but are more suitable for occasional use in wet conditions. If you want to cycle regardless of the weather forecast, you should opt for fixed mudguards. The best ones will keep your back and feet dry even on longer rides in the rain. However, fitting them can be a test of patience. Important before buying: check the attachment points on the bike!
Category 1: mudguards with fixed mounting
Our four models all offer good moisture protection. However, fitting them is somewhat complex and requires skill.
All of the fixed mudguards in our test provide good to very good protection from the wet. The Specialized Dry-Tech Fender is the best at this - no other mudguard set encloses the wheels to a greater extent than the American brand. This not only provides reliable protection for your own feet and back, but also allows the rider behind you to keep a clear view when riding in the slipstream.
However, at € 80, the robust aluminium plates are also by far the most expensive models in the test. Available in three sizes, the set offers space for tyres up to 55 millimetres wide - making it suitable for Gravel bikes. The Bontrager NCS, which is also available in three versions, came in a close second. At more than 600 grams, these are the heaviest set in the test, but you shouldn't attach too much importance to this with mudguards, as they don't usually stay on the bike permanently.
The worst overall score for the fixed mudguards goes to the Procraft Rainbow. They demanded the most patience from us during installation. Although we also had to use bolt cutters to shorten the struts on the mudguards from Bontrager and SKS, the Procraft mudguards proved to be particularly unruly. In addition, the edges of the mudguards are barely rounded and the plastic is very soft overall. In terms of safety, the mudguards from Procraft and SKS offer a release mechanism: if a branch gets caught between the mudguard and the wheel, the struts disengage to prevent the wheel from locking. The mudguards from the two US manufacturers lack this solution.
All tested road bike mudguards for fixed mounting
Bontrager: NCS
- 50-60 Euro >> available here
- 25, 35, 45 millimetres
- 617 grammes
Conclusion: The shiny plastic plates can be fitted relatively quickly and the struts can be easily adjusted. Heaviest set in the test.
Procraft: Rainbow
- 36 Euro >> available here
- 35, 45, 50 millimetres
- 454 grammes
Conclusion: Patience is also required when fitting due to the brief instructions. However, once the shiny plastic set is attached to the bike, it fulfils its purpose and protects against splashing water.
SKS: Bluemels Shiny 35 Black Set
- 26 Euro >> available here
- 28 millimetres
- 474 grammes
Conclusion: Impeccably finished, with safety clip to release the stays. Point of criticism: The strut length on the rear mudguard was largely exhausted when fitted to the test bike.
Specialised: Dry-Tech Fender
- 80 Euro
- 35, 42, 55 millimetres
- 595 grammes
Conclusion: The test winner fits snugly around the tyre and offers excellent splash protection. Comparatively heavy and relatively expensive.
Category 2: Road bike mudguards for quick installation
Not all mudguard models provide sufficient protection against moisture and dirt. However, fitting them is quick and easy.
In contrast to the fixed-mount mudguards, the quick-mount models have to accept minor compromises in terms of wetness protection. The best performers here are the SKS Speedrockers, which enclose tyres up to 42 millimetres and, according to the manufacturer, have been specially developed for gravel bikes. The BBB SlimGuard also keeps you dry - but with limitations. The reason: The mud flaps only fit rim brake bikes with a single brake bolt, are only suitable for tyres up to a maximum of 28 millimetres and require sufficient clearance between the seat tube and tyre.
With our test model, an older Scott Foilthat was not the case. For this reason, we had to do without the plug-in section between the seat stays and seat tube - and got our feet wet as a result. The gravel huggers from Mudhugger, which are only available separately, are only recommended to a limited extent. The rear plate only protects your bum and back because it is attached to the seat stays. Feet and drivetrain get splashed with water and dirt - unless you are prepared to improvise and extend the mudguard yourself.
Fastening with rubber rings and cable ties is simple, but it is the quickest. We liked the attachment of the Crud Roadracer MK3 better. Thanks to an extremely stable and adhesive Velcro fastening system, the mudguard set can be attached to almost any frame shape and aligned effortlessly. Unfortunately, the plastic looks cheap and is comparatively soft. At 248 grams, the Roadracers are the lightest set in the test.
All tested road bike mudguards for quick mounting
BBB: SlimGuard
- 50 Euro
- 28 millimetres
- 365 grammes
Conclusion: The narrowest mudguards in the test can only be attached to the brake bolts and quick-release axle. For aero racers, you will have to do without the mudguard between the seat stay and seat tube due to the lack of clearance.
Crud: Roadracer MK3
- 40 Euro >> available here
- 38 millimetres
- 248 grammes
Conclusion: The long front mudguard provides good protection from the wet, while the asymmetrical rear mudguard keeps the drivetrain relatively dry and clean. There are deductions because of the material, the plastic looks cheap and is comparatively soft.
Mudhugger: Gravelhugger Front & Rear
- 56 Euro
- 50 millimetres
- 262 grammes
Conclusion: There is room for tyres up to 50 millimetres wide under the plastic mudguards; little protection against moisture, especially at the rear, because the mudguard only reaches as far as the seat stays. Very easy to fit.
SKS: Speedrocker
- 50 Euro >> available here
- 42 millimetres
- 415 grammes
Conclusion: Recommended for gravel bikes in particular. Versatile adjustment, good splash protection. Comparatively heavy.
Fitting tips for road bike mudguards
No hurry, please: Fitting fixed mudguards to a road bike takes time, as individual adjustments are often necessary. But the installation of mudguards for occasional use also needs to be prepared.
Correct width of the mudguards
As a rule of thumb for the appropriate width of a mudguard, we recommend half a centimetre overhang at both edges. For 28-millimetre tyres, the mudguard should therefore be around 38 millimetres wide. At the same time, you must make sure that the mudguards still fit through the struts or fork.
Keep your distance
The mudguards should be at least one centimetre away from the tyre, especially if the tread pattern is rough, so that stones thrown up or stuck in the tread cannot get stuck.
Check fastening points
Before buying suitable mudguards, you should take a close look at your road bike with regard to possible mounting points. Gravel bikes in particular are now equipped with appropriate mounting eyelets, but these are not necessarily in the right place.
Use protective film
Many mudguards for quick mounting come with a protective film. This should be placed between the mudguard and frame/fork to protect the paintwork.
Suitable tool
With fixed-mount mudguards in particular, you should bear in mind that the struts may need to be shortened using bolt cutters or a small hacksaw.
Caution during customisation
To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should only shorten the struts after the mudguards have been finally fitted and you have checked the tyre clearance. Otherwise it may no longer be possible to attach them to the frame. To avoid cutting yourself on the sharp ends, you can cover them with plastic caps.
More tips on road bike mudguards:
Clamps for retrofitting
If there are no eyelets on your road bike, you can retrofit the frame with special clamps. Be sure to measure the tube diameter before buying.
Extend splash guard
To further increase the wetness protection on the front wheel, you can make your own splash guard. An old tyre, for example, is suitable for this. Mark the necessary holes, fold the tyre crosswise at the marked point and cut off the corner. Finally, attach the flap to the mudguard with cable ties. The mudguard should end around ten centimetres above the ground. This will keep your feet and drive unit dry.
Julian Schultz
Editor
