Do I even need a mudguard?
Mudguards may be needed if you happen to be using your bike in wet/muddy conditions and the condensation/mud that accumulates is disturbing. This should be considered according to your own cycling habits. Example: if you cycle frequently, there is a good chance (especially in autumn and winter) that you will cycle after (during) rain, showers or thunderstorms, and if you don't want to get your light clothing dirty, it is a good idea to use mudguards. If you're going out for sport even when you know that you and your bike will be up to our necks in mud, but it doesn't bother you, then mudguards are not really necessary. Between the two extremes, there are many situations in everyday life that need to be considered and decided.
Fixed or easily detachable fenders?
For a bike used for urban commuting or touring, where performance is not the main concern, it is a good idea to choose a fixed mudguard that provides full protection and wraps around the wheel from the centre section upwards. What you need to make sure is that the mudguard is at least a few millimetres wider than the tyre itself, otherwise the mud could come out the side. If a mudguard extends too short at the front, the water/mud that is precipitated in the direction of travel can easily land on your feet.
Fenders that can be snapped on and off, mounted on the seatpost, down tube, fork or saddle are a compromise solution. None of them give near perfect mudguards. However, they can be useful if you use your sporty (road or MTB) bike for transport or if you don't want to get dirty up to your neck. On a scale of 10, they can offer 1-7 degrees of protection depending on the type. For example, you might get your shoes or pants dirty, but it will protect your outerwear.
Which detailing solutions do you prefer?
As simple as possible. Avoid special fixings. For example, snap-on plastic bindings that can be adjusted to the fender flange can be difficult to replace if they break. They may be less design, but simple bolt-on solutions and fixing points using metal are a more durable solution. In a bicycle repair shop, don't be surprised if it's not cheap to fit a mudguard, as there are up to eight points of adjustment and it's not always fully compatible with the bike's unique design. If you're fitting a mudguard to a bike that you'll be fitting and removing frequently, be sure to take into account how long it will take you to fit and remove it yourself, and how comfortably you'll be able to do it on your bike. For example, a cable tie is a great solution if someone doesn't have a pair of pliers at home...
If you've made a rough decision about what kind of mudguard you want, we'll be happy to answer any further questions you may have in the K2 Shop, by phone or email. We can help you choose the right mudguard from nearly 100 different types.
