Mudguards can help keep you and your bike clean and dry. Whether or not you need mudguards depends on the climate where you ride, the terrain you ride, and the type of riding you do. This guide answers the question ‘do I need mudguards on my bike?’ To answer that question, I’ll explain what exactly mudguards are for. I’ll also outline the pros and cons of mudguards. I’ll cover comfort, durability, weight, cost, looks, and more.
What are Mudguards?
Mudguards are designed to keep water and mud from spraying on you, your bike, your riding partners, and pedestrians as you ride. They protect your bike’s components, such as the derailleurs, chain, and suspension system, from getting contaminated with dirt, debris, and automotive chemicals from the road. They help to keep you, your bike, and those around you clean and dry. Mudguards are also referred to as fenders.
When you ride over a wet surface, your tires pick up water, mud, oil, and gunk from the road and throw it up into the air. Mudguards catch the spray and direct it back to the ground, where it belongs. Have you ever ridden on a wet road and noticed a muddy streak up your back when you got home? Mudguards prevent that.
Mudguards sits above your bike’s tires. They cover the top 1/3 or ¼ of the tire. Generally, the rear mudguard is larger than the front. Mudguards attach to the frame or seat post and fork. They can be made of plastic or metal.
A number of different bicycle mudguard designs exist. Different attachment options, sizes, colors, materials, and designs are available. Some mudguards offer full coverage. Others only offer minimal protection.
Some bikes come with mudguards installed. Most of the time, you have to buy mudguards as an aftermarket part and install them yourself. It’s possible to install mudguards on pretty much any bike. The best mudguards for your bike depend on the type of bike and the conditions you ride in.
Most commonly, mudguards bolt directly to mounting points on your frame and fork. These offer the most secure attachment. It is also possible to mount mudguards to a bike without any mounting points. Clip-on mudguards can clamp to the fork and seat stays, seat tube, or seat post. Some attach with simple hook and loop or zip ties. These are designed to be easily removable.
Pros of Mudguards
Mudguards Keep you Cleaner, Dryer, and More Comfortable
While you ride, your bike’s tires kick dirty water up into the air. Mudguards catch that dirty water and direct back to the ground. Mudguards prevent water, mud, and gunk from the road from splattering all over you.
When you mount mudguards to your bike, you’ll stay cleaner, dryer, and more comfortable. Mudguards are particularly useful while riding in rainy, muddy, and winter conditions when the roads are wet.
Even if you don’t ride in the rain, mudguards can still be useful. Puddles can last for days after a storm. Sometimes, traffic forces you to ride through puddles full of dirty water. Your mudguards will help keep you dry.
Maybe you don’t mind getting a little bit wet. The problem is that the spray from the road isn’t just rainwater. It also contains dirt, oil, and other automotive chemicals. You really don’t want to get covered in that.
Mudguards Protect Your Bike and Make it Last Longer
Mudguards reduce the amount of dirty water that gets splashed up onto your bike’s components. Your derailleurs, chain, and gears operate more smoothly and efficiently when they’re clean and dry. Your bike’s bearings also last much longer when they stay dry. Mudguards also help to protect your suspension components by keeping them clear of debris. You won’t have to perform maintenance as frequently when you use mudguards.
When you don’t use mudguards, dirty water gets flung up onto your bike’s drivetrain. Moving parts and mud don’t mix well. Dirt and debris in the water can make their way into the derailleur and chain and get stuck on the cogs. These contaminants can cause abrasion, which wears your drivetrain components out prematurely. Water can also make its way into your wheel’s bearings. Bearings are extremely sensitive to water contamination. Dirt can make its way into your suspension components and cause the seals to fail prematurely. Some components won’t last as long if you don’t use mudguards.
Mudguards also help to protect your frame. As you ride, your tires can kick pebbles up onto your frame. Over time, these pebbles can chip away the paint. If you look at the bottom of the downtube, bottom bracket shell, and chainstays on an older bike, you’ll likely find some chips.
In most cases, these chips are just cosmetic. If enough paint chips away, a steel frame can start to rust. If rust gets severe enough, it can ruin a frame. Rock chips can also weaken carbon fiber frames. If a small rock gets flung up at the frame, it can break fibers. If enough fibers get broken, the carbon fiber can start to delaminate. A particularly hard hit can crack carbon fiber.
Mudguards protect your frame and fork from rock chips. Any rocks that get flung up by your tires are caught by the mudguards and directed back to the ground. Your frame may last longer as a result. At the very least, the paint will stay looking better.
You Can Cycle Further and Longer When You Use Mudguards
When you get wet, dirty, and cold, cycling becomes a challenge. You’ll want to call it a day and head home early. Mudguards protect you from road spray and keep you dryer, cleaner, and warmer. This allows you to continue riding longer and further without getting uncomfortable.
You’ll also stay more focused. When you’re wet, cold, and miserable, all you can think about is how wet, cold, and miserable you are. When you’re clean, warm, and dry, you can focus your mind on pedaling, steering, cornering, and the road ahead. This allows you to ride faster and more efficiently.
Mudguards Help Keep Your Riding Buddies and Those Around You Clean and Dry
Your mudguards don’t just keep you clean and dry. They also prevent dirty water from spraying on other cyclists and pedestrians.
For example, maybe a faster cyclist wants to overtake you and they’re riding close behind. Maybe you ride past a pedestrian on a rainy day. When you use mudguards, those around you are protected from the spray. Strangers can benefit from your mudguards. In some cycling clubs, mudguards are required when riding in wet weather for this reason.
You Don’t Have to Clean Your Bike As Often When you Use Mud Guards
Mudguards direct the splash of dirty water back to the ground. Your frame and drivetrain stay cleaner as a result. You won’t have to wash your bike as frequently. This saves you time.
Ideally, you should clean and dry off your bike after riding in the rain. Even if you use mudguards. It’s best not to put your bike away wet. Steel components can corrode.
Your Clothes Stay Cleaner and Last Longer
If you wear light-colored clothing and ride your bike in the rain without mudguards, your back will get painted with a strip of mud right down the center. This is hard to wash out. It can permanently stain light-colored clothing.
Mudguards prevent dirty water from getting flung up onto your back. Your clothes will stay cleaner and last longer as a result.
Mudguards Improve Safety
Mudguards reduce the amount of water and road grit that gets flung up onto your face and glasses while riding in wet conditions. This keeps your vision clear. You can see the road better when you use mudguards. This improves safety.
The rider behind you is also more protected. Their view stays clearer if your bike isn’t flinging water onto their face.
Mudguards May Improve Your Bike’s Aerodynamics
There is evidence that mudguards reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. The scientific study “Effect of Fender Coverage Angle on the Aerodynamic Drag of a Bicycle” was performed to test the drag created by different fenders with varying wheel coverage angles.
The study found that the drag coefficient was reduced with fenders with 135° of coverage. That was the sweet spot. At greater angles of coverage, the drag coefficient increased. The bike with 135° of fender coverage had a drag coefficient that was 4.5%-4.6% less than the bike without fenders.
Testing was performed with fenders ranging from 60° to 270° of coverage. The fenders were tested at speeds of 6 m/s, 8 m/s, and 10 m/s. Testing was performed using a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in SolidWorks Flow Simulation.
You can buy fenders that are specifically designed to improve your bike’s aerodynamics. For example, the Null Winds Aerofender is claimed to improve your performance by 10-20% in headwinds.
This proves that mudguards won’t necessarily slow you down. Of course, to benefit from any aerodynamic increase, you have to choose the right mudguards. Large, full coverage mudguards will cause some additional drag.
Cons of Mudguards
Mudguards Add Weight
A pair of mudguards weigh anywhere from 150-600 grams (around 5-21 oz). The weight depends on the material and size of the mudguards. Minimalist plastic models that provide partial coverage are on the lighter end of the spectrum. They might weigh 150-250 grams. Metal full-coverage models may weigh 400-600 grams.
Adding weight to your bike slows you down. The extra weight also reduces your efficiency. It takes more energy to accelerate and maintain your speed when your bike is heavier. You may not be able to ride quite as far or as fast if you install mudguards.
Mudguards can be a Hassle to Mount
Some bikes don’t have eyelets for mounting mudguards. This is common with racing bikes. They aren’t really designed for mudguards. This can make installing mudguards a bit of a hassle.
One solution is to use some type of clamps on the fork and seat stays. ‘P clamps’ are commonly used for this. Other types of hardware are also available. These clamps can be a challenge to position and set up.
It can also be a challenge to get the mudguards positioned properly. Particularly if they’re small. Some mud can still get through if you don’t place them just right.
Of course, if you don’t want to deal with this, you can pay somebody to do it for you. Any bike shop will be happy to sell you mudguards and mount them to your bike.
You probably won’t want to install and remove your mudguards frequently. It’s easiest to just leave them in place. If you find yourself regularly wanting to uninstall and then reinstall them when you ride on different terrain and in different weather conditions, you may be better off buying a second bike. Use one for wet and muddy conditions and the other for fair conditions.
Finding Mudguards that Fit Your Bike Can be a Challenge
It’s possible to fit mudguards to pretty much any bicycle including road bikes, mountain bikes, folding bikes, recumbents, tandems, etc. In some cases, it can be a challenge to find mudguards that fit your specific bike.
Tire clearance is a common problem. Road bikes often have just enough clearance for the tire to fit between the fork arms and the stays. Oftentimes, there are just a few millimeters of space. There isn’t space for a fender and the tire.
Your brakes can also limit the clearance. If your bike uses rim brakes, the brake arms must reach around your fenders. There needs to be space between the tire and caliper for the mudguard to fit.
In these cases, you have a couple of options. You can install smaller partial coverage fenders that don’t pass through the frame, fork, or rim brake caliper. These provide less protection than full fenders but they offer better compatibility.
Alternatively, it may be possible to fit narrower tires and make more space for a full fender to fit. For example, maybe you run 32mm tires and have 3mm of clearance at the tightest spot. If you swap out your tires for 28mm models, you might give yourself enough space to fit a fender.
On off-road bikes with plus-sized or fat tires, it can be difficult to find fender that are wide enough to cover the tire and large enough to leave space for mud to build up. If the fender is narrower than the tire, it won’t catch all of the mud and water. If the fender sits too close to the tire, it will get caked in mud and prevent your tire from rolling efficiently.
Off-road fenders need to sit further from the tire. They also need to be wider. Oftentimes your only option for a mountain bike is a wide plastic fender that bolts to the seat post and fork. These don’t look that attractive but they fit most bikes and they work.
Mudguards Can Get Annoying
Mudguards can cause a number of annoying issues. On occasion, something will get jammed in your mudguard. This could be a rock, stick, or piece of garbage from the road. When this happens, you’ll hear something scraping the inside of your mudguard. You have to stop and clear out whatever got trapped inside.
If you ride off-road, your mudguards can get caked full of mud. This prevents your tire from spinning freely. When this happens, you’ll have to dig the mud out before you can carry on. The same thing can happen with snow and ice if you ride in the winter. Snow can build up inside of the mudguard and prevent your wheel from spinning.
Mudguards can also get bent out of alignment. When this happens, your mudguard becomes less effective. Your mudguard could get bent during an accident. Plastic mudguards can warp over time. It could also get bent when something gets jammed inside. A bolt could come loose and your mudguard could get caught in your wheel.
Mudguards can also make noise. If a bolt loosens or if a stay gets bent, a mudguard can start banging against your frame or rubbing on a tire. Your mudguard can also start to rattle if a bolt comes loose. This is annoying.
Mudguards are another part that you need to worry about. If any of the above issues occur, you have to stop riding and fix it. They are not hassle-free.
Mudguards Slow You Down
You won’t be able to maintain as high of average speed with mudguards. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, mudguards increase your bike’s weight. On average, mudguards add around 0.5-1 pound to your bike.
A heavier bike doesn’t accelerate as fast. It takes more effort to bring the extra weight up to speed. It’s also harder to maintain your speed when you’re carrying extra weight around. You’re burning more energy as you ride. You might not be able to maneuver the heavier bike quite as quickly either. This all reduces your average speed.
Many fenders can also increase aerodynamic drag. As outlined in the previous section, only a specific type of fender with a specific coverage angle actually reduces drag. The extra drag slows you down and reduces your efficiency. Aerodynamics are particularly important if you ride at speeds over around 10 mph. At this speed, wind resistance becomes the main force acting against you.
Looks
Looks are subjective but most cyclists don’t like the look of mudguards. They’re large and bulky. They attach to the frame and fork with long metal struts. Mudguards make the bike look a bit cluttered. Some models look downright ugly. This is the case with large plastic mudguards that are designed for mountain bikes.
Mudguards can add to the looks of some types of bikes. For example, bikes with classical designs, such as cruisers can look pretty classy with a nice pair of chrome fenders. Fenders can also look nice on vintage bikes. There are also some low-profile models that are less noticeable.
Some riders like the look of fenders. They give the bike kind of a classic look. A black bike with whitewall tires and black or chrome fenders can look striking.
The Cost
Mudguards can be expensive. A quality pair of bolt-on mudguards costs around $70-$140. Entry-level plastic mudguards cost around $20-$40. Most riders can install the mudguards themselves. If you can’t, you’ll need to pay a bike shop to do it. This will cost you more money.
It is an extra expense to consider when buying a bike. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to skip mudguards for now. You can always install them later.
Oftentimes Mudguards are Unnecessary
If you live in a dry climate, you probably don’t need mudguards. They add unnecessary weight and complexity to your bike and provide almost no benefit if the road is dry. You also don’t need mudguards if you’re a fair-weather cyclist who never rides in the rain or on wet roads.
I grew up in a fairly dry climate. It only really rained in the spring. I cycled a lot while growing up and never found the need for mudguards on any of my bikes. I never cared to ride on rainy or snowy days.
Do I Need Mudguards on My Bike?
In this section, I’ll outline a few types of bikes that can benefit from mudguards and a few types that generally don’t benefit.
Commuter Bikes/City Bikes
These bikes are designed for daily use. If you use your bike for transportation to commute to work or school or to run errands, you’ll want to be prepared for wet weather. Sooner or later, you’ll end up riding in the rain or at least on wet pavement. You don’t want to arrive at work with a muddy stripe up your back. Fenders can prevent this.
Most city bikes and commuter bikes come with fenders already installed. If you’re using another type of bike for this purpose, such as a hybrid, mountain bike, road bike, or gravel bike, you’ll probably need to install aftermarket fenders.
Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are designed for commuting and urban riding. If you use your folding bike to commute, you will encounter wet roads.
Many folding bikes come with fenders. Most folding bike manufacturers offer fenders as an optional accessory. You can also install aftermarket fenders on most folding bikes.
If you want to install fenders on your folding bike, you’ll need to look for models that are designed for your bike’s wheel size. Most folding bikes have 16” or 20” wheels. Some folding bikes require proprietary fenders.
Gravel Bikes and Cyclocross Bikes
Most gravel and cyclocross riders don’t use fenders. There are several reasons for this. First, gravel constantly gets kicked up into the fenders and makes a racket. This gets annoying quickly. Particularly if you’re running metal fenders. If you ride off-road, brush and branches can get caught in the fender stays. Mud can also build up in the fenders and cause issues with your tire clearance.
If you only ride your gravel bike or cyclocross bike on well-maintained gravel or dirt roads, you can run fenders if you prefer. If you ride in more rugged conditions, you’ll be better off without fenders.
Road Bikes
Most road riders choose not to install fenders because they add weight which slows you down and reduces efficiency. For competitive cycling, fenders are almost never used. In most cases, they are prohibited because they could get tangled up with another bike and cause an accident. Race rules are generally pretty strict
There are still situations where you would want to install fenders on a road bike. If you plan to ride your road bike in all weather, you might consider some clip-on mudguards that attach with zip ties or hook and loop. You can easily install these on rainy days and remove them when it’s dry out. Installing and removing mudguards is a bit of a hassle but it’s worth it for keeping your back and your bike clean.
You may also need to install fenders on your road bike if you plan to ride in a group. Some cycling groups require that all bikes have fenders on wet days. This keeps everyone in the group cleaner and dryer.
Mountain Bikes
Most mountain bikers don’t install mudguards. There are several reasons for this. First, mudguards can easily get packed with mud if they sit too close to your tires. When your mudguards get packed full of mud, you’ll have to stop and dig it out. This is a dirty job.
Debris from the trail can also get caught between the mudguards and your tires. Mudguards can also catch on branches and shrubs if you ride through narrow trails. This can cause a safety risk.
Most mountain bikes also have suspension. When you ride over bumps, holes, jumps, and drops, mudguards can bounce around like crazy. They will bounce and drag against the tire. They could even get caught on the tire and bent or torn off.
Also, while mountain biking in wet and muddy conditions, you’re going to get dirty and wet regardless of whether or not you use mudguards.
Having said this, it is possible to install mudguards on a mountain bike. Many mountain bikers install a small front mudguard to prevent water and mud from spraying on their face while they ride. This style of mudguard is a small plastic piece that bolts to the fork crown.
Rear mountain bike mudguards usually bolt to the seat post and extend backward over the tire. Both front and rear mountain bike mudguards sit well above the tires so they can’t get packed with mud or rub against the tires when the suspension compresses. Many riders find these to be annoying because they bounce around so much.
Some mountain bikers also install a frame guard on the downtube. This protects the bottom of the frame from rock strikes. This is important if you ride a carbon fiber framed mountain bike. A hard rock strike can crack a carbon tube. If you’re riding a steel or aluminum bike, the frame guard can protect your bike’s paint job.
Touring Bikes and Bikepacking Bikes
While touring, you need to be prepared for all weather situations. You will end up getting caught in a storm. There is no avoiding it. Sometimes you may have to ride through the rain for days on end. You’ll also ride through wet roads, puddles, mud, and everything in between.
Mudguards help to keep you and your gear clean and dry. They also help to keep your touring bike operating smoothly and efficiently. Most bicycle tourists and bikepackers mount mudguards.
Considerations When Choosing Mudguards
In this section, I’ll outline a few important decisions you’ll have to consider when choosing mudguards for your bike.
Plastic Vs Metal Mudguards
Bicycle mudguards are made from either plastic or metal. Both materials have their benefits and drawbacks.
Most mudguards are made from polycarbonate plastic. Plastic mudguards are easier to install because they are more flexible than metal. If they don’t fit perfectly, you can bend them slightly to make them fit. Plastic mudguards also don’t make as much noise when a rock hits them. They are also lightweight and durable.
The main drawback of plastic mudguards is that they don’t look quite as nice. Plastic mudguards can make your bike look kind of cheap. Also, because they aren’t as stiff as metal, they can rub on your tires while you’re riding over rough terrain. Over time, they can warp.
Metal mudguards look beautiful. They can complement your bike frame. They also tend to vibrate or bounce around less than plastic. Most metal mudguards mount to the frame with metal stays. They are firmly bolted in place so they don’t move around when you ride over rough terrain. Metal mudguards are also durable and long lasting.
The problem is that metal mudguards can be noisy. When your tire kicks a rock up into the mudguard, you’ll hear the rock-on-metal sound. Metal mudguards can also be a bit harder to install than plastic. They’re more rigid. You can’t easily bend them or adjust them to fit your bike. They are also significantly heavier.
Mudguard Attachment Systems
If your bike has eyelets for mudguards, you should use them. Mudguards that bolt to your frame stay in place. They don’t vibrate or move around too much while you ride. They are solid, durable, and reliable.
Installation can be a bit of a hassle. You won’t want to remove and replace bolt-on mudguards frequently. You also have to choose mudguards that are compatible with your bike’s eyelet location. Once the mudguards are properly bolted on, you don’t have to worry about them.
If your bike doesn’t have eyelets for mudguards, you’ll have to use an alternative attachment system. Several options are available. Some mudguards clamp to the frame tubes. Some strap on with zip ties or hook and loop. These models usually attach to the seat tube, seat post, and fork. These can work well if you only want to run mudguards part of the time. They are easy to remove and install. These attachment systems aren’t quite as stable.
Mudguard Coverage
Different sizes of mudguards provide different levels of protection. Minimalist mudguards might only cover 60° of the wheels. Full-coverage mudguards might cover 270° of the wheels. Width is important as well. The mudguards must be wider than your tires to catch the splash. Otherwise, they’re useless.
Generally, the more of the wheel that the mudguard covers, the more protection it provides. A small mudguard might just prevent water and mud from splashing up on the rider but still allow splash on other riders. A full-coverage mudguard can catch pretty much all of the splash.
How much coverage you need depends on the type of riding you do and your personal preference. For a mountain biker, small mudguards work just fine. They keep splash off of your face and back. That’s all you need. For a road rider, full-coverage mudguards are often the better choice. They can protect other riders as well as pedestrians that you pass.
Who Should Use Mudguards?
- Those who ride in rainy conditions or on wet roads.
- Those who cycle regularly, such as commuters, should install mudguards.
- Bicycle tourists and bikepackers.
- Those who cycle during the winter.
- Those who cycle in a group.
- If you’re going for a certain aesthetic. Fenders create a nice classic look.
- Those who are trying to make their bike last as long as possible.
Who Shouldn’t Use Mudguards?
- Fair weather cyclists who don’t ride in the rain, snow, or on wet roads,
- Those who live in a dry climate.
- Competitive cyclists. In many races, mudguards aren’t allowed.
- Those who care about looks. Mudguards can make a bike look a bit older and outdated.
Mudguard Recommendations
Mudguards come in dozens of variations. In this section, I’ll outline a few popular options to consider.
Planet Bike Cascadia ALX Bike Fenders
These classic fenders are made from rugged 6061 aluminum. They are corrosion-resistant and durable. These fenders include 100mm mudguards for full protection. They include stainless steel hardware that is pre-installed. This makes for easy installation on your bike. They are disc brake compatible. A number of sizes and widths are available for wheels ranging from 20” to 700c.
These budget friendly plastic fenders are designed for mountain bikes and all terrain bikes. They feature multiple setup options. The front mudguard can be mounted in three different ways depending on your bike’s needs. The angle of the rear mudguard is adjustable. They fit bikes with tires ranging from 24” to 29”. These mudguards are also easy to install and affordable.
Final Thoughts
If you regularly ride in wet weather, mudguards are a must-have. They keep you and those around you clean, dry, and comfortable. They also help to keep your bike’s drivetrain and bearings clean of abrasive debris. In addition, they provide protection for your bike’s paint and frame.
A wide range of fender options are available. There are different levels of coverage, attachment systems, styles, colors, and materials to choose from. Not all fenders fit all bikes. Before buying fenders, you’ll have to consider your bike’s frame design, attachment points, and tire clearance.
Of course, fenders aren’t necessary for every rider. If you only ride on dry roads in fair weather, you don’t need fenders. In dry climates, fenders are often unnecessary. They are also not needed on competition bikes. The weight that fenders add is also worth considering. Whether or not you decide to run fenders on your bike, I hope this guide has helped you in making your decision.
Do you have mudguards installed on your bike? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.