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New job means my commute is going from a 5 minute journey, to a more worthwhile 9 odd miles. If it was wet, I used to take the 20 minute walk instead, but don't have that option now. So, I need some decent mudguards, bike is a Ridley crossbow and I have 35mm Schwalbe cx pro tyres fitted.
Any recommendations?.
Does it have eyelets? If so, SKS Chromoplastics are the default choice, they're not overly quick to put on/take off though, how much of a problem that is depends on you.
If no eyelets I guess you're looking at RaceGuards or such like.
Aye, it's got eyelets.
In that case, my original comment stands, SKS Chromoplastics.
I despise mudguards, but had to settle for SKS Chromoplastics ...they've been fine...hateful, but fine.
I'm running 37c tyres and bought the 45s, but should've bought the 50s; the clearance is...tight.
Do you reckon 50's would fit?
SKS on my Arkrose. Think the online stores had a tyre width guide for sizing?
not tried schwalbe but p50s are fine on my pro6 with a variety 35c tyres
takes a bit of time first fit, manipulating the stays around disc calliper etc, but I have removed them for bigger drier rides, 5mins to remove maybe 10 to put back on.
Greg - I have a set of unopened P45's if you want them. Black, £20 pickup/meetup ? 😀
I've also used the chromoplastics on my cx commuter for years but switched to SKS Longboards last winter and they provide a lot more coverage.
I also drilled out the front stay mounts and mounted them on the outside of the guard rather than on the inside. Its a 5 minute job if you have a drill and rivet gun and stops water spraying out from the inside of the guard at the mounting points.
I found chromoplastics a pain in the 'arris to fit. Got the SKS Urban Velo 42s instead which were a doddle, and much cheaper. Ones with the u-stays are rock solid. 42mm wide, perfect for 35mm tyres
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sks-velo-42-urban-mudguard-set/rp-prod68582
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woody2000 - they're much cheaper as they are shorter, don't have a reflector, only have one stay and clearly don't have the same profile as sks.
I'd get SKS chromoplastics - they last and are very good quality.
SKS Velo 47 Trekking on mine.
SKS Raceblade XL (23 - 32c version)
Review here:
Cheapest I can find is here:
i just noticed you are running 35c, they should keep most of the spray off
is there a consensus that this is actually an issue? I've only heard 1 or 2 people mention it and guard makers continue to stick em on the inside.I also drilled out the front stay mounts and mounted them on the outside of the guard rather than on the inside. Its a 5 minute job if you have a drill and rivet gun and stops water spraying out from the inside of the guard at the mounting points.
willyboy - I've had chromoplastics before, rattly, bendy piece of crap that's unnecessarily difficult to fit IMO. I've had 2 sets of chromoplastics fall apart too, so they're not that reliable.
The SKS Velos are much more solid in every way, even with the single stay - the lack of length at the back is only really an issue for someone following you, you can add a bit to the guard at the frame end if you want a bit more protection for the front mech etc. But if dogma's your thing, then as you were 🙂
Iainc - it just so happens I'm in Glasgow on Friday, bring em into the office and I'll take them off you. YGM.
[i]is there a consensus that this is actually an issue?[/i]
Dunno but if I'm riding in torrential rain for a 20 mile each way commute I want as little spray as possible hitting my feet. Works for me.
Those velos don't offer anywhere near the protection of full guards, your bike must get manky in heavy rain.
woody - mine don't rattle, or bend in use, and are about 4 years old.
I wouldn't suggest they are that difficult to fit; they come with lots of bracket options so you just need to decide which is suitable for your bike.
Each to their own though.
Full length guards are unbeatable, but they are best for a dedicated commuter IMO.
If you're commute/CX bike also gets used off-road at the weekend etc.. the Velo ones are a good compromise. Also easier to whip them off to put the bike in the car etc.
SKS chromoplastics take a bit of work to fit, yes, but it's a marvelously satisfying job to do when you do it well and get them lining up *just so* with the tyres. For extra OCD-ness I don't use the little plastic caps on the end of the stays after cutting them down, I file them to a smooth rounded profile.
Am I on my own on this ?
[i]Am I on my own on this ? [/i]
Yes, I cut the tops off the caps, put them on, file the cut stay flat then paint it black.
or just don't use the caps? (any reasons not to do this that I've not thought of)
mine are fine once fitted, can put up with a lot of abuse without tyre rubbing/rattle issues. My first set of p50s lasted 18months of offroad riding (I'd expect - and have had - a lot more out of road use) which I thought was acceptable for the cost (and i re-used the stays on my next set cutting down on setup time 🙂 )I've had chromoplastics before, rattly, bendy piece of crap