Mudguards on Mountain Bikes?
Game changing mudguards?
Personally I’m not a fan of mudguards, and consider mountain bikers to be a muddy bunch by default. But when it gets really soggy the pile of dirty washing, not to mention spending a few hours on the trails with a wet arse, starts to grate on me. Previously rear mudguards have attached to the seat tube, which is all well and good until they spin round and end up out of place. Or you drop your seat post and knock it off the bike. You still end up with a wet backside and not many of them have done a great job in my experience.
Revolutionary seat stay design keeps it close to the wheel and allows the suspension to work.
When the Mudhuggers arrived I was a little intrigued to say the least. First of all lets look at the front guard, a small front guard has almost become de rigour on the DH world cup in wet conditions and they have certainly made a comeback and are deemed acceptable attire for any bike. The beauty of the Mudhugger guard is that it is 3d moulded to the curve and arc of the wheel, rather than just being flat. It hugs the tyre really closely and stops virtually all spray onto your face, keeping your glasses and goggles clean. You can connect it with the Velcro straps or if you prefer with cable ties. It’s a solid connection either way and is quick and easy to install. I don’t throw this word around much but it really is a game changer, and at just £18 it won’t break the bank.
The front guard is tyre hugging and fits all wheel sizes…
By curving around the tyre you get far more protection.
The rear mudguard is far less conventional, but far more effective than previous guards we have used. It cable ties onto the rear seat stays of your bike, it works with full suspension bikes or hard tails. Ensure you follow the fitting instructions and use the provided helicopter tape to protect the frame. You can crank the ties really tight and it won’t budge. By putting the guard really close to the tyre, they recommend just a 10mm gap; you still get full travel out of your bike and also plenty of protection from flying dirt. It’s so solid on the bike you have to try it to believe it, OK the styling of mudguards may not be to everyone’s tastes, and we have certainly had mixed response about the rear guard, but it does a fantastic job of keeping your bum clean, which will keep your landlord happy for those after ride pints in the pub!
One of the best rear mudguard designs we have seen.
The rear guard is priced at £23 and both the rear will fit 26” and 27.5” wheels, the front guard will fit 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheels.
You can also buy them as a set for £39 and they include all the necessary cable ties and Velcro attachments as well as some frame tape for the rear guard.
They are available from Mudhugger direct: http://www.themudhugger.co.uk
