Mudguards for wet rides

Mudguards (fenders) come in three styles. This guide sums up the choices and the fit checks.

The three styles

• Clip on: removable blades that clamp to the seatpost, saddle rails or seatstays. Quick to fit, inexpensive and suited to occasional wet rides. Coverage is more limited, especially at the fork.
• Full coverage: bolt on or stay mounted guards that follow the wheel's arc. Best splash protection for rider and bike, but heavier, and some frames lack mounting points.
• Integrated: made for a specific frame or wheelset, with a clean fit and good coverage.

Check your clearance

• Measure the gap between tyre and fork crown or seatstays.
• Measure the installed tyre width at the pressure you normally run, not the labelled size.
• Many clip on guards are built for narrower road tyres and will not cover wide gravel tyres.
• Check the guard never touches the tyre through a full wheel rotation and the gap is even.
• Confirm brake clearance.

Practical tips

• Test fit with zip ties or temporary clamps, then ride a short, controlled loop to check for rub and chatter.
• Check fasteners and stays after wet rides.
• Clean the inside of long guards to protect the frame finish.
• If you are unsure about guards near the brake or axle, ask a mechanic to fit them.