Handy hints and tips to help with your cycling practice.
Not all mudguards will work with all bikes, so you’ll need to consider the type of bike you have and also the kind of terrain you’ll be riding on. Then think about where you want your mudguards to sit, or more simply, which bit of you you’d like them to protect.
Road Bikes - lightweight and thin, road bikes mudguards help to keep the bike in good condition during the winter months and can be easily removed during summer. Club riders need to use mudguards that cover the full length of the rear wheel to avoid making enemies with fellow riders during wet group rides.
There are several types of mudguard available depending on your bike type.
Hybrid And City Bikes
Hybrid and city bike mudguards are long and thin, covering the entire back wheel and/or front wheel.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bike mudguards are wider and shorter than those designed for the city. They are also stiffer and more stable, which makes them better suited to riding on rugged terrain as they won't touch the wheel.
Mudguard Position
Mudguards protect cyclists in different ways depending on whether they are fixed to the front or back of the bike.
Rear Mudguards
Rear mudguards are generally fixed behind the saddle, above your back wheel. If you have a mountain bike, go for a model that fixes onto the seat post. This kind of mudguard protects you from mud a bit less, but mud is the lesser of two evils – the advantage is increased sturdiness so it won't touch the wheel at all.
On city or hybrid bikes, the mudguard tends to attach to the frame. This fixing system is reliable and offers good protection.
Front Mudguards
Front mudguards are fixed to the fork or underneath the frame of your bike to offer maximum protection from dirt and splashes. They therefore keep you safe by protecting your vision.
