WHERE ARE YOUR MUDGUARDS!!??!!......

.....Was the first thing I was quizzed about on the first ever club run I took part in. "I don't have any...and I don't think they will fit on my frame" I pleaded, trying not to make myself look a fool among seasoned cyclists, with full mudguards, excellent winter gear and supplies to match. "Well you'll have to ride at the back so you don't spray other riders" was the response I got from the old dude who was clearly in charge of the route and final destination of that ride. So I was made to ride at the back by myself...the newbie who only wanted to ride with like minded cyclist and make some friends.

Mudguards are a commonly discussed item at this time of year. Club runs pretty much insist that they are present as its not only to keep you clean and looking good in your best club kit that you are proudly marching around in on a Sunday morning, its also for the poor guy or gal behind you tasting what the ground is like at that particular time.

There are two approaches to winter riding.

1. Buy a dedicated winter bike with mudguard clearance. Preferably steel framed, running campag and having full SKS mudguards with the additional rubber strip riveted to the back mudguard that then nearly touches the floor.

2. Get your regular summer/all year round bike, fit some Crud road racer guards and hope for the best.

Both options are a compromise on performance...or your wallet. Until now...

The SKS Raceblade Long mudguards are a revelation. Consumer are now able to fit full length, rigid mudguards to your race clearance bike. The 4 bar mount quick release system fits easily to any road bike and gives a finished product that is as stable as a traditional full mudguard!

Coming in at £44.99 these guards are a damn sight cheaper than a second bike and being quick release the mounts could be left on all year round if you decide to. Stu has recently put some onto his Cyfac and here is the finished article:

Fitting took around 20 minutes and was really straight forward with well pictured instructions. The guide tyre width is for 18-23c however Stu is running a Hutchinson Intensive Tubeless 25c rear tyre and there is still ample room around the guard.

The fixing point for the rear guard is nice and tight to the calliper giving good protection and also resulting in a subtle finish when the guard is removed.

The fitting to the quick release is also straight forward and the release system to remove the guards is both convenient and easy to use.

Don't get caught out this winter thinking that the weather will stop you riding. This SKS mudguard is there to help you maintain your fitness and your cycling in even the worse British weather. Available in black or silver these guards are a must for any cyclist looking to keep ticking the pedals over.

Please feel free to contact the shop if you require any more information on the guards.