Selecting the right mudguard from your popular downhill bike shop could be quite tasking. There are a lot of mudguard options in the downhill mountain bike shop, so it is important to choose wisely.
- Part 1: General Description of Products
- Part 2: Product Advantages
- Part 3: Product Classification & Introduction to Clearance
- Part 4: Buying Guide
- Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions
Part 1: General Description of Products
If you want to have a light and clean ride, use a mudguard also called a fender. A mudguard traps most of the moisture and debris thrown off your wheels. You can get one from the downhill bike shop.
What are the Best MTB Fenders
Fenders do not necessarily introduce an aesthetic effect to the bike. Most riders improvise by using fragile fenders. These unstable fenders are usually with the fork crown. They do work but not on difficult trails. In muddy trails, these wobbly fenders reveal their true identity as frauds. They are incapable, and they are not the best. Good fenders keep the rider and the bike clean. The best fenders provide effective mud coverage, keeping off the dirt from your goggles. Further, the best MTB fenders in the downhill shop will be those which are easy to install, wider than the tire by at least 8mm, and have enough frame clearance. The best MTB fenders are flexible. They revert to their original form when distorted by a crash. The mudguard that keeps the wheel from splashing is the best pick out of the numerous options in the downhill shop.
Tire radius is an essential criterion considered in the selection of a mudguard. The tire radius measurement can be seen on the side of the tire. The common tire radii for mountain bikes include 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches. Another important measurement is tire width. If the tire width is 60mm, select a fender that is 68mm. Selecting a fender with an 8mm width difference provides enough space between the tire and the fender. This prevents dirt from getting caught between the tire and the fender. Frame clearance is also a necessary measurement to consider when choosing a fender from the bike shop downhill.
Placing a fender between the tire and frame requires an interval of 20 to 30 millimeters between the tire and bridges and between the tire and fork crown. Choose the fender that is narrow enough to be placed in the interval between your fork and brake clipper.
Products
When you choose fenders from a down hill bike shop, you need to consider certain things like the eyelets, tire width, and clearance. Here is the description of some products:
Mucky Nutz Face Fender
Mucky Nutz Face Fender can be bent into an arch; further, it makes a great front fender. It is installed using Velcro. It is lightweight, and it sits low. This makes it possible for it to trap as much mud and water. It is available in two sizes; regular size and XL. The XL size provides more coverage.
Bontrager NCS Mudguard
Bontrager NCS Mudguard can be installed easily. This fender uses a pair of clamps for its installation. This means you can swiftly make an adjustment without having to cut the stay. This means it can be adapted for use over a range of tire sizes. You need no special mechanical skills to be able to install this fender.
Mudhugger FRX
The Mudhugger FRX weighs 83g. It is robust and has a forward lip that extends backward. You can easily increase the coverage by attaching a MAX extender via studs. You install Mudhugger FRX using zip ties. It has an iconic, simple design. It does not wobble and is firm. This is one good pick from the downhill MTB shop.
Blackburn Barrier XL
Blackburn Barrier XL is a flexible mudguard. This fender brings additional protection via folds and contouring. It is installed using Velcro straps. If you wish to achieve a perfect fit, you can trim the underside. The underside has trim lines which you can easily cut. In addition, it uses zip ties as well.
Zefal Deflector FM20
You can install Zefal Deflector FM20 using Velcro straps or zip ties. Its installation uses a four-point mounting system. The deflector is sturdy, providing proper anterior and posterior coverage to the fork arch. The mounting procedure is simple. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you don’t have to worry about getting it close enough to the tire. It can fit any frame.
Part 2: Product Advantages
Firstly, the Mucky Nutz Face Fender works well with forward and double bridge fork designs. It is resilient.
Bontrager NCS Mudguard is extremely easy to fit and adaptable. It has a neat rear light integration.
The Mudhugger FRX is sturdy and you can adjust it easily. It is also cost-effective.
Blackburn Barrier XL has a contoured shape and Velcro straps.
Zefal Deflector FM20 is a solid fender model. Its set-up is firm and faff-free.
Part 3: Product Classification & Introduction to Clearance
They all fall under the class of mountain bike-style mudguards. This class of mudguards fits almost any bike. They provide enough clearance regardless of the frame size. They could be in the form of a front mudguard that you can fit to the downtube or a rear mudguard that clips to the seat post. Their ease of installation makes them attractive.
Clearance between the Fenders and the Tires
Ideally, fenders should be wider than the tire by at least 8mm. Observing a clearance of 10-12mm is much preferable. Moreover, clearance becomes a priority if your tire is wide. This is to prevent specks of dirt that are being flung by the tire from getting stuck between the fender and the tire. You can measure the inflated tire to get a better idea of the width of the tire. The correct measurement of the fender’s width is taken on the exterior and not the interior.
The three places you assess clearance are at the brake, fork crown, and the seat stays. Firstly, measure the interval between the seat stays and apply the brake to assess it. This ensures the brake pads touch the rim of the tire. Secondly, measure the distance between the arms. Ensure that there is a vertical distance of 10mm between the tire and the brake. Brakes with short reach caliper support fenders having widths between 35-37mm. Brakes with longer reach can accommodate fender widths ranging from 43mm-52mm.
Another useful measurement is the width and height of the fork crown. You assess the interval between the seat stays to ensure they maintain a reasonable distance apart. These measurements enable you to choose the right fender to fit your wheel size.
One advantage of metal fenders over plastic fenders is their flexibility. You can adjust metal fenders easily. If you feel it is staying too close to the tire, you can easily adjust it to your preference. Sometimes, you may neglect the tire radius when choosing the right fender. It is however important in the selection process. Although a fender that fits into a 700c wheel also works for a 27inches wheel. It is preferable that you select a fender in line with your tire radius.
Part 4: Buying Guide
Price
Firstly, Mucky Nutz Face Fender costs $20/£13/€20.
Secondly, Bontrager NCS Mudguard costs $44.99/£59.99/€54.
Thirdly, Mudhugger FRX costs $33/£25/€24.
Fourthly, Blackburn Barrier XL costs $16/£15/€16.
Lastly, Zefal Deflector FM20 costs $25/£13/€15.
Frame Material
Firstly, Mucky Nutz Face Fender has entirely recycled plastics.
Secondly, Bontrager NCS Mudguard uses polypropylene.
Thirdly, Mudhugger FRX uses recycled polypropylene.
Fourthly, Blackburn Barrier XL uses recycled polypropylene.
Lastly, Zefal Deflector FM20 is a unique fender. It uses tech polymer resin.
Wheel Size
Most fenders can be appropriate for any wheel size with the exception of thicker bikes—particularly those with wider tires. The numerous fenders in the downhill shop are available in different sizes and shapes. When choosing s fender, the important features you should consider are price and flexibility. The best MTB fenders are versatile. For instance, they can be appropriate for wheels of different sizes. This makes it possible to configure the fender to work with your wheel size
- Mucky Nutz Face Fender is compatible with 26 inches, 27.5 inches and 29 inches wheel sizes.
- Bontrager NCS Mudguard can be appropriate for wheel sizes ranging from 25mm to 45mm.
- Mudhugger FRX is appropriate for all wheel sizes.
- Blackburn Barrier XL can be appropriate for any wheel size as much as 3inches wide.
- Zefal Deflector FM20 works on any wheel size.
Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mountain Bike Fenders be Blocked by Mud Blocks
Under normal conditions, mudstones don’t clog mudguards. If you wish not to have your fender clogged with dirt, the RRP Proguard XX is the best choice. It is a firm polypropylene fender. Further, it is available in two major sizes; standard and maximum. Both dimensions offer protection against dirt. This is because of their large sizes.
If you intend to ride through the muddy trails without having all that mud splashed on you as well as the bike, choose RRP Proguard XX. Even at high speed, it is highly effective in preventing mud blocks from being stuck between it and the tires. What’s more, the maximum dimension provides much better protection. It has a length of 21mm at the front and a rear length of 68mm. It uses a three-point fixing with the aid of the brace and fork lowers.
The RRP Proguard XX has a 24 crown hole. This allows it to support a lot of brace sizes and shapes. For instance, it accommodates the common tire radii; 26, 27.5, and 29 inches. It also possesses lateral moldings for the protection of the fork seals. With RRP Proguard XX, debris won’t be in your eyes, and your clothes won’t be wet. It doesn’t splash water. It is one of the best fenders you can get in the downhill MTB shop.
The Crud Fender XL is also another good option for preventing grits and stones from getting stuck in the tire. This fender provides extensive coverage, and it is easy to install. It covers the tire to a large extent. This keeps off mud and also shields you from whatever is being thrown off the tire. It has a non-rigid nose at the fork arch. This prevents it from being stuck with mud and other debris.
Will my MTB Fenders Crack in a Crash
MTB fenders can wear and tear. They are frequently subjected to rigor and force. This brings about friction and deterioration. For example, constant impacts can make the fender come off, moving it out of position. Likewise, constant vibrational movements over a long period can wear off the fender. Keep the bridge bracket firmly attached to the fender. This helps to reduce vibrational movements. For example, polypropylene, composite, or plastic are the common material in the production of MTB fenders. The use of these materials gives fenders a form of resistance against crack. The SKS chromo-plastic guards which have a thin layer of alloy between two plastic layers, are strong and hard-wearing.
Moreover, it is worthy of note that when there is a crash, the force of impact is taken in by other parts of the MTB before it is absorbed by the fender.
How to Install Fenders on your MTB
Correct installation prevents rubbing, crackling, and breakage. Most fenders come along with an instructional guide on how to install them. These instructions vary according to fender type and brand. Therefore, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The design of forks in MTB is not tailored for being mounted on by a fender. It is up to the manufacturer to decide how best to attach the fender to the fork. Velcro and zip ties are popular in installing fenders. The plastic fenders usually utilize brackets in their installation. This gives the fender a more secure fit.
If you are looking to do a quick fix, zip ties are your best option. It fastens to the fork and the side portion of the front wheel while the other parts attach to the crown in front of the bike. You don’t need any tools when using zip ties. The major disadvantage of using zip ties is the lack of sturdiness – It rattles. The fender soon wears off, and it does not perform optimally.
Some Basic Instructional Guidelines
- Firstly, take out the wheel that will bare the fender you are about to install.
- Secondly, begin with the front wheel, detach the brake caliper and separate it from the fork crown. Fix the L-bracket mounting tab to the hole where you removed the brake caliper from, then connect the fender to the tab.
- Thirdly, reconnect the wheel, make sure the fender is oriented upright and it is of equal distance from the entire length of the tire.
- Fourthly, make the fender tight on the mounting tab, then reconnect the brake caliper.
- Fifthly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, keep the poles to the fork or eyelets stable.
- Moreover, it is a good idea to screw things halfway at first. This allows you to ensure that the fender is not rubbing on the tire in case you need to make little adjustments.
- Finally, screw everything tight.
What If you Want to Remove the Fenders
Firstly, the zip ties are easy to mount and unmount. Same with the saddle mount, quick to attach and easy to remove. It is a matter of preference. Some people prefer to use fenders only during winter. Some only use it if they have to pass through a muddy trail, and for some people, they would rather ride with a fender even if their trail is not muddy. If you wish to remove your fenders very often, it is best you use zip ties or Velcro in installing your fenders.
The current models of fenders are designed to be detached easily and are also much smaller. This gives them more aesthetic value. As a result, most riders would rather have them on their MTB all the time.
