Moon on a stick or is there a product out there which is fairly compact, yet actually keeps your bum dry? Never used a rear mudguard, but figured it would not hurt to give one a try.
Thinking something like [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/CycraGuard_Rear_Mudguard/5360031447/ ]this[/url] maybe?
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Of course all requests to MTFU will be taken as par for the course 8)
Don't think there is anything out there other than things like the one you've pictured. I use a Crud Guard which is the same basic design as that and does what it's supposed too, but I've always thought it was bigger and flimsier than I would like it to be...
What bike have you got? Rear suspension adds a whole new set of problems for mudguards.
Old rear Crudguard - brilliant.
New rear Crudguard (or raceguard I think) - utter cr4p.
The worst bit of "evolution" of any bike product ever. I'm glad I kept my old one!
Jamie - looking at that bracket, it might suffer from the same issue as the newer Crudguards - you just cannot get the seat tube part to tighten enough.
The old Crudguard had two bolts and is about 324523455 times more secure.
IMO this is about the best mudguard ever made, everything else since has been about making it look 'cool' (to the detriment of there mud stopping abilities), as mudguard & cool will never meet.
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The Cycraguard pictured or the newer Cridcatch are about as best as you'll get 'compact' wise, get some waterproof shorts to compliment them.
Zippy - looks like it has two bolts? Just like the old Crudguard. Ideal.
S_M, I reckon you right the previous verion of the CC was better than the newer incarnation. Not sure about the fixing on the original crud catch (pictured), I've only ever seen one in the flesh & I think he's retired that now (fetching clear plastic)
Matt, it's from 1994.
I wish they would bring the Wolfguard again (can't find a pic).
ah. I still have my original race guard. tis ace.
For unobtrusive you want to get some waterproof shorts. Any guard that works will stand out.
Oh, and Wolfguards were a load of rubbish. Mine would never stay tight for any period of time.
Al - I know (I have eyes fitted too) - proves that newest is not always best.
Mudguards have taken a step backwards IMO with single bolt fixings.
I use [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10680 ]these[/url] seem to work ok and don't look too ridiculous.
I was joking re teh Wolfgard. Apols Matt, not sure what your point was there!
Someone (Zefal I think) used to do a mini fender that fitted actually onto the seat kinda like a seatpack would. It wasn't brilliant but kept most of the dreaded vertical brown stripe off you.
I'm going to design an inflatable or folding one, maybe hidden under the saddle or in the seatpost, with a remote switch so it can be activated only when riding over puddles, for the uber-cool. Just think, no one will ever see a pic of your bike with a mudguard ever again!
Version 2 will have a sensor which detects puddles and deploys said device automatically.
I've patented the "dry-bum" mechanism and registered it's name already.
Topeak do an inflatable don't they? No remote switch though 
Crud seem to have improved the current design, you're spot on though, the old design was ace, the new one when it came out just didn't work at all, and it was obvious it hadn't even been tested with a 27.2 post because within days of them coming out the whole internet was moaning. They blame their machinist which might be true but how do you ship a product without ever testing the final version?
They've revised the bolt now which should help. Failing that you can drill out the bolt and stick a standard nut and bolt through it, that works well. And they do look nice.
If you have V rake bosses, Decathlon make these, and they are great. Clamp on the matching front one isn't great though.
[url= http://www.decathlon.co.uk/products-pictures/gd-asset_7135393.jp g" target="_blank">http://www.decathlon.co.uk/products-pictures/gd-asset_7135393.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Click pic to link. Now does anyone still make bolt on canti bosses I can bodge onto square section seatstays on my Horst Turner?
If you still have v-brake mounts....
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and a whole £8 from Decathlon
Fitted...
[url= http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4484568740_44d52a5d50_z.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/druidh2000/4484568740/ ]02/04/2010[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/druidh2000/ ]druidh_dubh[/url], on Flickr
Black Hill looking good druidh,pity the forecast is shite for tomorrow grrr
Do like the fact that guard isnt attached to the seatpost tho!
I have to admit that decathlon one us really good, probably the best I own or have tried, but only of use if you have canti mounts, so no-good for my FS
Thought of using a rear rack? 2 functions for the price of one.
It's about time someone developed some "strap-on" canti-mounts for that mudguard....
I was trying to figure out if I could glom half a crudcatcher onto my hemlock's seat stays. Probably, is the answer, but maybe not for very long.
i always thought
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was the best rear guard...
MTFU and use the washing machine, if we wanted to stay clean we would go to the gym
MTFU and use the washing machine, if we wanted to stay clean we would go to the gym
Now if I had posted that I wanted a mudguard to keep me clean then you would have a very valid point. Unfortunately I didn't, so you don't. To save you actually reading the OP, It is about keeping dry.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone else. Think I might give the one I linked to in the OP a go and see how I get on.
"MTFU and use the washing machine, if we wanted to stay clean we would go to the gym "
Staying clean isn't really the goal IMO, staying drier and so warmer is. When you're out in serious cold getting wet is not pleasant, a nice spray of ice-laden reservoir water up your chuff doesn't add much fun to a ride, especially if you do it in the first 10 minutes of a 6-hour sub-zero ride.
[i]"MTFU and use the washing machine, if we wanted to stay clean we would go to the gym "
Staying clean isn't really the goal IMO, staying drier and so warmer is. When you're out in serious cold getting wet is not pleasant, a nice spray of ice-laden reservoir water up your chuff doesn't add much fun to a ride, especially if you do it in the first 10 minutes of a 6-hour sub-zero ride.[/i]
Too bloody right, as I've learned over the past 20 yrs of MTBing! Even my brand spanking new Orange 5 has a 'tart guard' on. Looks crap, but who cares, I can't see it when I'm on it!
If you still have v-brake mounts....
Which unfortunately I do not on my Dialled PA. Shame, as looks ideal.
The current lack of a decent crud guard bugs me too. I have the current crud guard on my main bike, and it has weak points I don't recall on earlier designs.
Specifically, it rattles A LOT at the join between the two moulded components (the actual guard and the clamping arm); this is unacceptable to me because I've made sure the bike has no rattles other than the chain. Also the single alloy bolt is prone to seizing if not kept well greased - I don't expect to have to maintain a mudguard.
The crud guard MK1 is my favourite design too, but it isn't going to work or sell well in an era of full bounce. I'd like one though as all my bikes are hardtails.
Mr Tomkins are you reading this? I've been using your products since day one, and for the first time I'm actively looking elsewhere for something to keep my arse dry.
Using a Cycraguard here. Previously used Crudguards, but the Cycraguard is much easier to move between bikes: doesn't involve removing seatpost from frame. Clamp on mine is a QR-style lever, different to the one in the first pic - clamps OK but despite a rubber spacer kit, I wrap a bit of leccy tape around the seatpost to help it grip.
i went to the effort of making my own bracket for the RaceGuard to keep it out of the way of the suspension while keeping it close to the wheel.
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There is a cross brace on the old superlight attached by four allen bolts which was perfect for attaching the bracket. For the last year it's worked well and i've been pretty smug (apart from druidh pointing out the decathlon guard) until the steel fatigued last sunday and the thing fell off!
For me it is time to admit defeat and buy a decathlon guard, i just need to find some v-brake posts in my spares bin.
I think the Cycraguard is a good choice. Not the lightest by a fair margin, but all the others I've tried all broke off after a few weeks/months. The Cycraguard is solid.
I think the Cycraguard is a good choice. Not the lightest by a fair margin, but all the others I've tried all broke off after a few weeks/months. The Cycraguard is solid.
Not to sound like a complete tart, but do you have a pic with the Cycraguard fitted?
Woah! That Decathlon guard looks just the ticket to stick on my Inbred through the winter.
I agree about the raceguard. The best one was the flat blade one. I've got a clear one that's developed a long split in it, so is pretty unusable now.
My new raceguard works OK, but the threaded insert has started rotating in the plastic bracket. Need to send off for a new bracket, although might just try supergluing the insert in place.
I am running one of the previous generation Crud Guards - brilliant.
I have run the new generation ones - no problem getting them tight enough. Major issue keeping them in once piece. The flap bit falls off and gets lost halfway down the trail. Utter carp!
V8_shin_print - great work with that bracket! You should make another.
packer - thanks! In practice it wasn't stiff enough so the guard would slap off the tyre once the trail started getting lively. I would like to have a go at redesigning it to have the plane of the steel perpendicular but realistically it isn't worth it. Even the raw materials are more expensive than buying the decathlon one and that's before you factor in several hours graft which could be used riding / drinking beer. 🙂
If you still have v-brake mounts....
Which unfortunately I do not on my Dialled PA. Shame, as looks ideal.
Why not remove the Vee-mount brackets from the guard and replace them with appropriately-sized P-clips?
Must remember to pop into Decathlon myself next time I'm passing...
ETA: How come nested quotes work in Preview but not when you post? 😕
Not to sound like a complete tart, but do you have a pic with the Cycraguard fitted?
They all look shite IMO, but at least serve a purpose - this is the Cycraguard:
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(excuse the lack of mud/rain, but the weather cleared somewhat since setting out that morning!)
Rear Cycraguard:
[url= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3991849619_5d7a959c2c.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/mountaincarrot/3991849619/ ]08102009193[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/mountaincarrot/ ]mountaincarrot[/url], on Flickr
No mention of the [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32474 ]Topeak Defender M2?[/url]
Great bit of kit.
No mention of the Topeak Defender M2?
It is currently between the M2 and the CycraGuard. CycraGuard is a touch cheaper tho.
My M2 broke in a very minor get off on its first outing
M2 is best for actually keeping the mud and spray off as it's big enough. QR clamp isn't up to the job though - mine was replaced with a hose clip and wrapped in electical tape. Effective but not pretty. The other problem is that the plastis is fairly brittle on the 'arm' and the joints - sit on it and you'll probably break it.
The Cyraguard is pretty good. Better coverage than the crud and the materal and the rubber pivot point mean it can take some rough treatment. The QR bracket is pretty bulky and heavy so the new bolt on clamp would be good if you're going to leave it on the bike.
Decathlon looks best of all - *almost* worth speccing a bike with canti mounts to fit that...
Just ordered CycraGuard as it was a bit cheaper. Probably only get used in the wettest of weathers. Also treated myself to one of those nifty [url= http://www.muckynutz.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=24 ]Bender Fenders [/url]from Mucky Nutz for a tenner.
Sorted.
Anyone got one of [url= http://www.woodysfenders.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=237 ]THESE[/url]
Crudcatcher looks OK...
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But it did take quite a bit of work to get that to stay where I wanted it to and stop rattling and rotating. New shims, plastic welded the bracket to the blade... Supposedly both issues now resolved with the new ones, guess we'll see.
I'd be interested to know how effective those "Bender Fenders" are, please post feedback once you've tried it out.
have a look at these
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10680
never used one mind.
I'd be interested to know how effective those "Bender Fenders" are, please post feedback once you've tried it out.
Will do. I went for one as I do not ever have a mudguard on the front, but figured as it is so light and out the way and actually works then why not if it stops the odd dog egg from launching itself at my face. Also the design seems to keep the crap away from the stanchions, which those [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/RapidRacerProducts_NeoGuard_Standard_Neoprene_Mudguard/5360042909/ ]RRP[/url] ones I looked at as well seem to cause an increase in as mud etc sluices off the guard.
I tried the new Topeak rear after I foooked a crudcatcher DIY..erm..mod..
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32474
[u][b]utter shite[/b][/u], and the 'quick release' is about as user friendly as a Lumicycle bar clamp 😯
I've found that they work until it really chucks it down and the puddles become BB deep. Then, if you're razzing it, they're virtually useless...get covered/soaked anyways.
Someone needs to make em in carbon fibre, not carbon 'look' craaap, what about a colour choice....might help to detract the eye??
I think the solution will be of the form of MotoX goggles. Where one can rip off a strips (that are layered..up to 5 or 10)of clear plastic as they become caked in mud.
We could then drop said plastic onto the trail for others to follow, add colour and bingo, trail markers! It'd virtuallt eliminate the need for a Gaymin over-night 😆
Hi Singletrackers
We had a whole load of tolerance probems with the original single-bolt Raceguard, but they work great now.
They are also much lighter than the competition, and better-looking in my opinion.
All the ones in the shops will now be of the latest design, but anyone having problems with a single-bolt one, contact me through the crudproducts website, I will upgrade you for free.
With the previous Raceguard, sales were so poor we were losing market share, and nearly had to lay off our only packer. Now we have a more stylish design, we have 2 packers working full-time to keep up with demand. You are right, the previous design was tighter, but this new one is half the weight, works great (now!) and looks a lot better.
And it's made in Pickering, North York Moors!
Thanx for all your support over the years. Say 'Hi' if you see me in Dalby.
Mr CRUD
MisterCrud,
I have to say that your original rear (two bolt) guard was great but I fudged it DIYing.
I wanted to mount it just below the seatclamp, allowing seatpost adjustment that obviously goes out the window if you bolt straight to the seatpost.
Can you confirm that all rear 'one bolt' raceguards in stock now will be the revised version. And yes, I would agree that the aesthetic of the new raceguard is about as pretty as it's gonna get...unless your going to use carbon for the next gen? Can you make one for me 😛
EDIT: What about offering anodised (colour choice) bolts for the single bolt raceguard. They'll all take the p*ss but, just like all who've matched their hubs, skewers, brake hose bolts etc, they'll sell. I'll have a gold bolt please, to match my Hope bore caps 😉
I use one of these: [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25803 ]SKS[/url]
It is quick release so you don't have to remove the post to take it off.
Oh - Mr Crud..
Any chance of a wider Road Racer guard - for CX width tyres on bikes with no mounts? You could call it the Cross Racer and I'll not charge you for that idea.
Any chance of a wider Road Racer guard - for CX width tyres on bikes with no mounts? You could call it the Cross Racer and I'll not charge you for that idea.
*runs off to patent office giggling*
Mr Crud - like lovetubs above I fitted it to the seat tube just below the clamp so it runs close to teh tyre but it doesn't move with the eat as you adjust it.
I had to modify the clamp to do this but it would be simple to make a clamp where this was easy to do.
It won't work on all frames but it would on many
I've used the same as Innes for nearly four years and the quick release and adjustability are as good as ever...stops most of the carp too...
5AM - Member
"I'd be interested to know how effective those "Bender Fenders" are, please post feedback once you've tried it out. "
Had one on the big bike for a fair while, they're surprisingly effective. No replacement for a proper crown mounted guard of course but pretty much exactly as good as those horrible RRP guards people fit, and you barely notice it on the bike. I did just mangle it in a crash and I'm thinking of just making my own but with a few tweaks for my own setup, but they're worth getting if you want a bit of mudguarding but don't want the fuglitude of a shockboard or similiar.
I use one of these: SKS
Also have one on my hack bike, not seen any mud yet but does a good job in the rain, QR is dead simple and very good.
2nd the bender fender ...pretty good protection and very inconspicuous .
didn't like the RRP jobbie ...scraped the tyre on full compression.
Thanks for the feedback on the fender bender guys, think I might just try one out 😉
Fender benders don't like manitou's could get mine to fit properly.
Earlier in the thread I complained about my rattly mud guard, and somewhere up there Pete Tomkins (aka Mr Crud) replied. I contacted him yesterday with my details and today in the post I got a new mounting bracket, and the rattle is eliminated.
I'm very happy, with that sort of customer service I think I'll stick with Crud Products. 🙂
+1 Bender fender, they've improved it too! Keeps my stanchions and shock clean-ish, the rest I just wipe off as you would anyway.
Depends on whether it's mud or water you need shielding from?
I used to love the mudguard, but the MTFU set in when my Rear guard snapped off-the bouncer compressed on landing and divorced the mudguard forthwith.
midlifecrashes - MemberIf you have V rake bosses, Decathlon make these, and they are great. Clamp on the matching front one isn't great though.
Many thanks for this. This is my fourth attempt at finding a rear guard that works.
Tried the crudcatcher and it strips before it tightens.
Tried the revolution, which attaches to the seat post with a fabric 'belt'- rubbish.
Tried the Topeak 2, again strips on height adjuster and the plastic on the quick release is like putty.
Fitted the decathlon number and it looks as though it will actually do the job! I didn't realise it was quick release into the bargain. A great buy, thanks for the tip.
ive been pleased with the Decathlon gaurd so far...
allows seat hieght to be dropped if needed and enough protection for a rear facing camera to stay clean... fits clown wheels too!
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I use a cycra guard, best I've had by a mile. QR works and stays tight and the guard itself is tough. If you have an inbred you can mount it below the seatclap (well I can on an 18"). This means you have flexibility to adjust your post while keeping the guard close to the wheel for best performance (and looks).
Next time i'm in a decathlon I'm going to pick up a couple of the v brake mount ones. I recon with a few p clips you could attach that to the seatstays on a hardtail or a full suss.
The reason guards look quite so gopping on fullsusses (and they don't work that well) is that you need to allow for travel and a bit of post dropping so the guard ends up nearl a foot above the wheel.
I our club very few people who use guards use them without any modification. Most designs can be improved for your bike. My latest one is running a front fender backward so it is under the downtube. Doesn't hit the tube as I trimmed it and works 100x better than an innertube between the drown and bridge. Coppied the cheap plastic triangle one as I had a broken topeak guard in the garage.
I was fed up of a wet bum so fitted a crud rear guard before last Saturdays ride. It didn't move or flop about and my rear end was comfy and dry all day.
It doesn't look great as it sits too high when seatpost is at normal riding hight, but looks ok when I drop the seatpost, so thanks for the tip jonb, I will try mounting it below the seat clamp on my inbred before tomorrows ride.
I've got sks bluemels mounted on my commuter/tourer and after a bit of fiddling they are perfect, but not for off road.
I have just bought one of these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=32474 as I wanted the arm with the 2 pivot points to get it nice and close to the rear tyre. I have it attached to the top of the seat tube rather than the seat post so I can still adjust the seat post. Works really well, has kept me very dry.
This is on a hardtail so don't suffer any suspension problems.
I think you can mail order from decathlon now? the website is pretty awful though.