You may ride a downhill hardtail through muddy tracks in bad weather conditions. You can prevent this by using a mudguard. It reduces sprays from the wheels. If you want to go for a hardtail DH ride on muddy trails, it’s a great addition.
- Part 1: Which MTB Fenders Should you Buy
- Part 2: Do Mud Blockers Obstruct Mountain Bike Fenders
- Part 3: Are Fenders Compatible with any Wheel Size
- Part 4: How Much Fender-to-Tire Space is Required
- Part 5: Will the Fenders on my Downhill MTB Hardtail Crack in a Crash
- Part 6: How to Install Fenders on your Downhill Hardtail
- Part 7: What If you Want to Remove the Fenders
- Part 8: General Description of Products
Part 1: Which MTB Fenders Should you Buy
Riding a hardtail DH is a daunting sport. However, it is not impossible to ride downhill with hardtail. If you want to improve your riding abilities and confidence, it’s a good route to go.
Fenders do not always add to the aesthetic appeal of the bike. The majority of bikers make do with flimsy fenders. The fork crown is frequently fastened to these shaky fenders. They do the job, but only on easy trails. Fenders help to keep both the rider and the bike clean. Fenders with the best mud coverage are the best. The best downhill hardtail fenders are easy to put together, have larger girth, and provide more frame clearance. Flexible downhill MTB hardtail fenders are the best. The appropriate hardtail mudguard stops the front wheel from splashing.
When choosing a mudguard, consider the tire radius. On the side of the tire is a measurement of the tire radius. For mountain bikes, the most common tire radii are 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches. Tire width is another crucial factor. Choose a fender that is 68mm wide if the tire width is 60mm.
The tire and the fender will have ample space if you choose a fender with an 8mm width difference. This helps to keep dirt out of the space between the tire and the fender. Before choosing a fender, make sure the frame is clear. When installing a fender between the tire and the frame, leave a 20 to 30-millimeter gap between the tire and the bridges, as well as between the tire and the fork crown. Choose a fender that is small enough to fit between your fork and brake clipper. A fender that is longer provides extra protection.
Part 2: Do Mud Blockers Obstruct Mountain Bike Fenders
Sometimes, riding a hardtail DH, mud and other debris can clog your fender. Mudstones do not clog up in your mudguards under normal conditions. If you do not want dirt jamming into your fender, the RRP Proguard XX is the best option. A polypropylene fender is firmer. It comes in two main sizes: standard and maximum. Both dimensions provide dirt protection. This is due to their enormous sizes.
Choose RRP Proguard XX if you want to go downhill with hardtail through muddy trails without getting mud all over you and your bike. Even at high speeds, it is extremely effective at keeping mud blocks from lodging in between it and the tires. The maximum dimension offers far superior protection. It measures in length 21mm in the front and 68mm in the back. It has a three-point attachment with the support of the brace and fork lowers. The crown hole on the RRP Proguard XX is 24. As a result, it can accommodate a wide range of brace sizes and shapes. It accepts the standard tire radii of 26 inches, 27.5inches, and 29inches. It also includes lateral moldings to protect the fork seals. RRP Proguard XX keeps debris from your eyes and keeps your clothes dry because it doesn’t splash water – a good fender for an MTB.
What’s more, the Crud Fender XL is yet another option. It also keeps dirt from getting stuck in mountain bike fenders. It has a wide range of coverage and is simple to set up. It keeps mud out and protects you from whatever is thrown off the wheel. The fork arch features a non-rigid nose. This stops the mud or other particles from clogging it.
Part 3: Are Fenders Compatible with any Wheel Size
With the exception of heavier MTBs, most fenders can fit over any wheel size. Those have broader tires, in particular. Fenders come in a variety of sizes and forms. The most crucial factors to consider while purchasing a fender are pricing and versatility. The best mountain bike fenders are adaptable. They can be mounted on a variety of wheel diameters. This allows you to customize the fender to fit your specific wheel size.
Part 4: How Much Fender-to-Tire Space is Required
Fenders should be at least 8mm broader than the tire. It is more preferable to keep a clearance of 10-12mm. If your tire is broad, clearance becomes a top consideration. This keeps dirt from being caught between the fender and the tire thrown by the tire. To gain a better picture of the breadth of the tire, you measure it while it is inflated.
The breadth of the fender should be measured on the outside rather than the inside. The brake, fork crown, and seat stays are the three areas where you should measure the clearance, as well as the distance between the seat stays. To assess it, you press the brake. This guarantees that the brake pads are in contact with the tire’s rim. You should measure the distance between the arms. Maintain a 10mm vertical distance between the tire and the brake. Further, a short-reach caliper can support fenders with a width of 35-37mm. Brakes with a greater length can handle fender widths ranging from 43mm to 52mm.
What’s more, the width and height of the fork crown are also useful measurements. You measure the distance between the seat stays to make sure they stay at a safe distance apart. These measurements allow you to select the correct fender for your wheel size.
For instance, metal fenders have the advantage of being more flexible than plastic fenders. Metal fenders are simple to modify. You can easily adjust it if you think it’s staying too near to the tire. When picking the correct fender, sometimes you may overlook the tire radius. Although a fender designed for a 700c wheel will fit a 27-inch wheel, you should choose a fender that matches your tire radius.
Part 5: Will the Fenders on my Downhill MTB Hardtail Crack in a Crash
Fenders on mountain bikes are subject to a lot of wear and strain. They are frequently subjected to a great deal of severity and coercion. Friction and degradation occur as a result of this. Constant hits might cause the fender to break loose and slide out of place. Constant vibrations over a lengthy period of time wear down the fender. Maintain a secure connection between the bridge bracket and the fender. This aids in the reduction of vibrational movements. The most popular materials utilized to make MTB fenders are plastic, composite, or polypropylene. The use of these materials provides fenders with a level of crack resistance. SKS chromoplastic guards are durable and long-lasting, with a thin layer of alloy sandwiched between two plastic layers. In the event of an accident other parts of the DH hardtail MTB take in the force of impact before the fender absorbs it.
Part 6: How to Install Fenders on your Downhill Hardtail
The fender must be appropriate for your DH hardtail MTB. You can avoid rubbing, cracking, and breakage with proper installation. The majority of fenders come with instructions on how to install them. These instructions are dependent on the type and brand of the fender. It’s better if you stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Downhill MTB hardtail forks are not designed to be put on by a fender. The manufacturer determines how the fender should be attached to the fork. Fenders are usually with Velcro and zip ties. In most cases, brackets can install plastic fenders. This ensures a more secure fit for the fender.
The following are some basic installation instructions for fenders:
- Firstly, remove the wheel that will be bared by the fender you will be installing.
- Secondly, detach the brake caliper from the fork crown and start with the front wheel. Connect the fender to the L-bracket mounting tab that you just installed in the place where you removed the brake caliper.
- Thirdly, reconnect the wheel and check that the fender is positioned upright and is at a constant distance from the tire.
- Further, reconnect the brake caliper after tightening the fender on the mounting tab.
- Maintain the stability of the poles to the fork or eyelets by following the manufacturer’s directions.
- What’s more, it’s a good idea to start by screwing things halfway. This ensures that the fender does not grind on the tire if you need to make minor adjustments.
After you’ve done all of the necessary changes, tighten everything up.
Part 7: What If you Want to Remove the Fenders
The zip ties are simple to install and remove. The saddle mount is the same way: it’s quick to put on and take off. It’s a personal preference. Some folks only need fenders during the winter. Some individuals only use it when riding through a muddy trail, while others like to ride with a fender even when the trail is not muddy. If you plan on removing your fenders frequently, use zip ties or Velcro to secure them in place.
Fenders on today’s vehicles are readily detachable and are also significantly smaller. This increases their aesthetic value. As a result, most riders choose to keep them on their mountain bikes at all times.
Part 8: General Description of Products
Mucky Nutz Face Fender has the ability to be bent into an arch. It works well as a front fender. It’s not too heavy, and Velcro can attach it. This allows it to capture as much muck and water as possible. There are two sizes available: standard and XL. More covering is provided by the XL size.
One of the first flexible fenders with a simple design was MarshGuard Original. It’s positioned right beneath the fork bracing. It comes with an additional stache attachment. This added element helps to reduce the distance between the tire and the fork brace. The spray from the front tire is greatly minimized thanks to the stache attachment. It is 32 grams in weight.
The Mudhugger FRX is 83 grams in weight. It’s sturdy and has a backward-extending forward lip. By using studs to attach a MAX extender, you can quickly enhance the coverage. Mudhugger FRX has with zip ties. It has a classic, straightforward design. It does not sway. It’s solid.
The Blackburn Barrier XL mudguard is a versatile mudguard. The folds and contouring of this fender give further protection. Velcro straps can secure it. Trim the underside if you want to create a perfect fit. Trim lines are printed on the underside, which you can easily cut. It also uses zip ties.
Velcro straps or zip ties can secure the Zefal Deflector FM20. A four-point mounting method is used in its installation. The deflector is strong, giving the fork arch proper anterior and posterior coverage. The mounting technique is straightforward. You don’t have to worry about getting it near enough to the tire if you follow the manufacturer’s directions. It may fit any frame size.
Product Advantages
- Firstly, forward and double bridge fork designs work just fine with the Mucky Nutz Face Fender. It’s a tough cookie.
- Secondly, the MarshGuard Original has a number of advantages, including its small weight, ease of installation, and the addition of the Stash attachment.
- Thirdly, the Mudhugger FRX is well-made and easy to adjust. It’s also budget-friendly.
- Fourthly, the Blackburn Barrier XL includes Velcro straps and a curved form.
- Lastly, the Zefal Deflector FM20 is a well-made fender. It’s easy to set up and maintain.
Product Classification & Introduction
They all belong to mountain bike-style mudguards.
Mudguards in this category will suit nearly any bike. Regardless of the frame size, they give appropriate clearance. They could be in the shape of a downtube-mounted front mudguard or a seat-post-mounted rear mudguard. They’re appealing since they’re simple to set up.
Buying Guide
Price
Firstly, Mucky Nutz Face Fender is obtainable for $20/£13/€20.
Secondly, the original Marshguard costs $12.20/£8/€10.
Thirdly, Mudhugger FRX costs $33/£25/€24.
Fourthly, Blackburn Barrier XL is obtainable for $16/£15/€16.
Lastly, The Zefal Deflector FM20 is selling for $25/£13/€15.
Frame Material
Firstly, Mucky Nutz Face Fender uses recyclable materials.
Secondly, Mudhugger FRX is manufactured from polypropylene that has previously been recycled.
Thirdly, Blackburn Barrier XL uses recycled polypropylene.
Lastly, the Zefal Deflector FM20 is a one-of-a-kind fender. It uses a polymer resin known as tech polymer.
Wheel Size
Firstly, the Mucky Nutz Face Fender can fit 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch wheels.
Secondly, Marshguard Original is suitable for all types of wheels.
Thirdly, Mudhugger FRX is compatible with all wheel sizes.
Fourthly, any wheel size up to 3 inches wide can be appropriate for the Blackburn Barrier XL.
Lastly, the Zefal Deflector FM20 is compatible with any wheel size.