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Bike Fenders – Always Stay Dry
There is no wrong weather, only wrong clothing. To a certain extent, this saying also applies to bicycles. Because with the right equipment, your bike can also contribute to this. We are, of course, talking about fenders. Mounted at the front and rear, it protects you from splashing dirt and water, helping you to reach your destination safely even on rainy days. To help you find the perfect fender for your needs, we have summarized everything you need to know about bike fenders and mudguards below. Read more
The Bicycle Fender and Its Importance
Small component, big effect – if you're often out and about in the wet, you'll know what a big difference a mudguard can make. Both on the front wheel and the rear wheel, it ensures that wetness and dirt don't hit you and that your trousers and co. stay clean and dry.
Due to its practical function, the fender is part of the basic equipment for city bikes in particular. But there are also mudguard solutions for sporty bikes such as gravel bikes or mountain bikes, which are popular bike accessories. For city bikes, these are often solutions that are permanently integrated into the bike design, while ambitious athletes rely on so-called mudguards for their training sessions on the road and off-road.
What Type of Mounting Do I Need?
As already mentioned, there are basically two main groups of bike fenders:
- Fixed mounting: Fixed fenders are ideal if you regularly ride in wet conditions and therefore need protection on your bike for a longer period of time – for example, from fall through winter. Fixed mounting means that the fenders are bolted on. However, this requires the appropriate threads on the frame and fork.
- Plug-in mudguards: If your bike does not have threads for mounting fenders, plug-in mudguards are ideal. This also applies if you only want to mount the fenders occasionally. Depending on the version, these models are attached with Velcro straps or quick-release fasteners or are attached to a fixed mount. Also be attached with cable ties, but these are less convenient and not as easy to remove
Where Can the Fender Be Attached?
Before you buy a fender, you should check where you can mount it on your bike. Here you have the following options:
- Fork: The fender on the front wheel is usually always attached to the fork – usually with screws. There are numerous plug-in mudguard variants for forks without corresponding threads.
- Down tube: If you only need a mudguard for the front wheel, a mudguard on the down tube can be a good minimum solution.
- Rear triangle: Most rear wheel fenders are attached to the rear triangle. There are models for different mounting points: Seat stays, the stay between the seat stays, dropout.
- Seatpost and seat tube: If the rear triangle does not offer suitable attachment points or you are looking for a simple solution, a fender attached to the seatpost or seat tube is a good option.
- Pannier rack: If your bike is fitted with a pannier rack, there are also fenders that you can attach to it.
- Saddle: Small mudguards that are inserted into the saddle frame are currently in fashion. They are a simple solution for road bikes and gravel bikes, but only offer limited mudguard protection.
What Material Should the Fender on the Bike Be Made Of?
There are also differences in materials. A fender made of metal or aluminum is very stable and is therefore particularly recommended for permanently mounted fenders that enclose the tires. The disadvantage is the slightly higher weight compared to plastic. A plastic fender is light and usually somewhat flexible. This makes it the first choice for smaller, non-fixed solutions.
How Do I Find the Right Mudguard for My Bike?
First think about whether you need a permanently mounted fender for maximum protection or whether a flexible solution will meet your needs. Then you should check what mounting options and points your frame offers and whether it even has threads to attach a fender with screws. You also need to consider whether you want maximum protection that shields as much of the tires as possible or whether the mudguard of a smaller, lightweight fender is enough for you.
No matter what requirements your bike offers: With us, you are guaranteed to find suitable mudguards and fenders for the front and rear – from top brands such as SKS and rie:sel design. Our range also includes a large selection of special mudguards for MTBs and road bikes.