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.

He's the coldest man I know....

Is Mat's favourite thing to tell customers about me. It's no secret that I struggle when our beautiful island turns Mother Nature against us and the weather most definitely turns sour. This year I decided that I was going to do my upmost to not let the weather get the better of me and stop me from riding. 

The Northwave Arctic GTX MTB boot was my choice that was going to help me through the bad weather. At £169.99 they aren't by any means a cheap option so I was hoping that this was going to be a worth while investment. 

First impressions of the boots were good. Construction of the boots are to the usual solid standard that Northwave command with well finished seams and good quality stitching. The sole of the is the jaws carbon reinforced sole. They are made with thermoplastic material enriched with carbon powder and a natural rubber tread. It results in a stiff but not harsh feel which gives good power transfer and excellent support. 

One of the main appeals to these winter boots is the Gore tex membrane which keeps out moisture and wind that always kills my feet over the winter. The fleece liner gives an additional warm layer but it doesn't encroach on sizing. My 42 winter boots are exactly the same fit as my 42 road Northwave shoes which means that my summer socks and winter socks both fit in the winter boots comfortably. The system to secure the boots in place is both clever and convenient. The speed lace system means that getting the shoes on is both easy and gives a very even tight fit over the whole length of the shoe. Following this getting the shoes off at the end of a wet ride with cold hands is a breeze by simply pinching the release system and the shoes let off the tension easily. 

So the basics all looked promising, so what are they like to ride? Fantastic! Although a little heavier than a standard MTB shoe the comfortable, warm easy to use winter boot will forever be a permanent addition to my cycling wardrobe. Over shoes are a thing of the past when I now cycle to work now and knowing that I won't suffer with cold feet anymore, is a godsend. The colour is a talking point which will be a marmite subject for most people however you'll be pleased to hear that a more eye friendly black version is also available. 

If you suffer from cold toes and intend to carry on cycling throughout the winter, these are a must! I certainly won't regret separating with my money for them. 

Stu