Riding in dirt roads requires power and fenders, but which mtb mudguard set should you buy? We explain seven aspects of the best mountain bike mudguard options for you.
- Part 1: Why You Should Choose a Mountain Bike Mud Guard Set
- Part 2: Does an MTB Fender Set Get Blocked with Mud Blocks
- Part 3: Does a Mountain Bike Mudguard Set Fit Any Wheel Size
- Part 4: How do I Attach Mudguards
- Part 5: Will My MTB Mudguard Set Crack in a Crash
- Part 6: How Does an MTB Mudguard Help Me
- Part 7: Are They Worth It
- Part 8: What Kind of Mudguard Is the Best
- Part 9: Other Things to Consider
Part 1: Why You Should Choose a Mountain Bike Mud Guard Set
A mountain bike mudguard set is an essential piece of kit, as long as you have a mountain bike! The reason for this is simple – if you want to ride off-road in all weathers and at all times of the year, you need to protect well your bike. Trying to fend off rain, snow, ice, and the roughest of terrains without some form of protection can be difficult.
An MTB mudguard set essentially extends to your bike’s frame, or fork, which protects your clothes and body from the spray of mud and water kicked up by the tires. Tubeless tires have become increasingly popular on mountain bikes in recent years, as they offer several advantages over standard clincher tires. However, tubeless MTB tires are more susceptible to picking up small stones and other debris from the ground that can puncture the inner tube if not ejected properly. The addition of mudguards to your mountain bike will ensure that any loose debris is thrown clear of the tire and won’t damage your ride.
One of the most valuable features of mudguards is how easy they are to install, with most brands offering a clip-on solution for ease of use. As such, you should be able to have them fitted and ready to go in minutes. Furthermore, they can be removed just as quickly when not needed, so you don’t have to compromise on performance.
If you’re thinking about buying a new bike and are looking for an excellent mudguard to protect your back wheel and rear tire, continue reading as we explore what you should be looking for.
Part 2: Does an MTB Fender Set Get Blocked with Mud Blocks
The short answer is that they do not, but it depends on the conditions. There are ways to avoid having the fenders blocked with mud. One option is clip-on mud blockers. These allow you to add the mudguards when you need them quickly. Some people might want to take their fenders off all the time, while other people might only take them off when they head through muddy trails or when they know it’s going to rain. There are so many considerations like these, so it’s essential to find a model that fits your lifestyle and needs. Mudguards that stand too low will block by themselves right after some time because they get blocked by mud and other debris flying around on the trails.
So please check before buying if your set comes with fenders that will allow you to ride at top speed.
Part 2a: Remember That Maintenance Is Essential
Maintaining your mountain bike is essential if you want to have the best ride possible. Cleaning your bike will also make for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. Your MTB mudguard set can’t do all the work, however.
You need to clean your bike before and after every ride, even if you’re riding in the yard or on a short trail that doesn’t produce much mud or debris. Cleaning your MTB regularly will protect its finish, keep it running smoothly and help you avoid the frustration of fixing a broken chain or stuck shift lever.
Every time you get off your mountain bike, walk around it, and survey the tires, chain, cables, and anywhere else, you see dirt or grime that you need to wipe away. If your bicycle has a chain guard, remove it if possible so you can clean the chain. You’ll probably have to remove the cassette from the rear wheel for this to be possible; consult your owner’s manual for instructions. Spray degreaser on any greasy parts and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse with water from a hose or bucket, then dry everything with a soft cloth.
Doing all of this will ensure that your MTB fender set, or MTB mudguard set, will give you optimum performance.
Part 3: Does a Mountain Bike Mudguard Set Fit Any Wheel Size
Because of the variety in wheel size, optimum performance will vary depending on the mud blocker. The majority will effectively reduce spray and block mud, but some may perform better than others because of the wide variety of tires. Mudguards are available in multiple sizes, giving you options for different types of wheels. For example, large-size fenders can be adapted to fit 26-inch mountain bike wheels. You can also get models for 29er mountain bikes with larger-diameter wheels than other MTBs. When choosing a mudguard, you should prioritize size and flexibility. The best models are designed to work with a range of wheel sizes, so you can adapt your fenders to the type of bike you have.
Part 4: How do I Attach Mudguards
Installing your mudguard MTB set will depend on the model you purchase and the bike you have.
Full-length mudguards are a bit trickier to fit on your bike because you’ll need to install eyelets on both sides of the fork and both sides of the dropouts. If your bike has a suspension fork, you’ll also need to install brake bridges. If your bike doesn’t have mudguard eyelets, then there are clip-on mudguards you can use.
Each manufacturer will have instructions on how to install your mudguards properly. Following these instructions will ensure the optimal performance and durability of your mudguards. One common, easier way to install mudguards is to use heavy-duty zip ties. This makes it easier to install and remove them. Especially if it’s something that you are not using all the time. The zip ties grab onto the fork and the side of the front wheel, and the other cable ties hold onto the crown of the front of the bike. The good thing about this is that it is quick and easy to install and doesn’t require any tools. The downside is that it may rattle. If you do not install it tight enough, you may not get optimal performance. Lastly, if there’s a fall or a crash, you may damage your mud blockers because they are not fitted to specifications.
Part 5: Will My MTB Mudguard Set Crack in a Crash
The most common issue with mudguards is wear and tear. Because they are constantly enduring vibrations and impacts, they will become loose or not be in a position that is optimal for endurance. If the bridge bracket isn’t firmly clamped to the guard, there will be vibration movement and wear on some mudguards. They are typically constructed out of Polypropylene, plastic, or composite material. This means that they should not be brittle or easy to break. In addition, if you crash, the other parts of your bike will absorb the impact before your mud blockers do.
Part 6: How Does an MTB Mudguard Help Me
One way this helps is with tire spray. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue – it can cause mechanical problems. Mudguards will help keep your chain and gears clean, improving their efficiency and extending their lifespan. The same goes for braking systems; keeping them free of muck will improve braking performance considerably. Even if you don’t find yourself in particularly muddy conditions, mudguards can offer protection against flying stones and other debris kicked up by the wheel in front of you. This is especially true on group rides, where riders tend to bunch up behind one another.
Mountain biking is different from road biking, and most of the time, it doesn’t involve paved roads. There is also more chaos and people there, which means more risks for accidents. That’s why, as a mountain biker, you should think about how to protect yourself and your bike from things like stones or pieces of wood or whatever can hurt you in the process.
Part 7: Are They Worth It
Mudguards are one of the most basic mountain biking accessories. They protect you from getting muddy and dirty. They might also save your bike from getting dirty, which is why some people remove their mudguards before riding in dry conditions. Trying to decide whether or not to install mudguards on your bike? Or maybe you’re wondering if you should remove them? Many mountain bikers prefer to ride without mudguards because they don’t like the extra weight. They also think that they can compromise your bike’s handling. However, there are many reasons why mountain bikers should always keep them installed:
1. You don’t want to get dirty and muddy! The main reason why everyone installs mudguards is that they keep you clean and dry when riding through wet or muddy terrain. These guards will hold water and dirt out of your backside, which can be a huge hassle at the end of a long ride. If you don’t care about how dirty your butt gets, then go ahead and remove them!
2. You don’t want to ruin your bike! Some parts of your bike will get dirty more quickly than others, but you will maintain a cleaner bike if you use mudguards.
All told, I think that MTB mudguards are worth it for everyone who rides off-road regularly. Even if you don’t ride in the rain or snow often, it’s still nice to have them installed, so your bike stays looking good between rides.
Part 8: What Kind of Mudguard Is the Best
What kind of mudguard is the best? The amount of activity you put your bike through, the types of weather conditions, your bike, and your preferences in style decide your choice.
There are clip-on varieties, ones you can install with zip ties and what you need to install. The first thing is, how long do you want it to last? If you expect to go off-roading at least once a week, then a clip-on guard will not be good enough. You will need something more sturdy and able to withstand the rigors of off-roading. And you will want to ensure that it is made out of metal or durable plastic material. You may also want it to fit your bike well so that it stays secure and won’t move around while riding.
An excellent place to start looking for a guard would be bike shops that sell off-road parts and accessories. They would have many different styles and types of guards for sale, including the one for riding style. A good shop should also help fit the guard correctly so that there’s no problem after the installation.
Part 9: Other Things to Consider
You will also want to consider things like weight, material, the amount of drag that the mudguards create, and, most importantly, budget. Mudguards are an essential part of any mountain bike. Not only do they protect the rider, but they also keep your bike clean and dry. This is especially important when riding in muddy conditions. It is crucial to consider more than just design when choosing a mudguard. If you’re going to buy your first set of mudguards, you may want to stick with a pair that isn’t a significant investment.
That way, you can see if it is something that you will use before making a more substantial investment later down the road. With so many different options available, it may be hard to know where to start, but if you stick to the information provided, you will be on the right path to finding the best options.
