Top Road Bike Mudguards/Fenders of the Year 2025
Cycling through the wet and cold seasons can be a challenging task, but with the right mudguards, you can keep the annoying spray from your winter tyres at bay. These guards not only protect you from getting soaked but also prolong the lifespan of your bike by keeping it clean. Here's a rundown of six top-rated mudguard options that stand out for winter road cycling.
Top mudguard picks for winter road cycling
- Portland Design Works Full Metal Fenders: These anodized aluminium guards are the cream of the crop, offering fantastic protection in different widths. Despite their premium price tag, their performance is well worth the investment.
- Bontrager NCS Full Fenders: Despite being budget-friendly, these fenders from Bontrager are a favorite among cyclists thanks to their fully adjustable struts which make fitting a breeze.
- SKS Bluemels: SKS's Bluemels fenders are known for their durability thanks to a stiff, light, and sturdy laminate material used in their construction. Suitable for year-round use and offering excellent protection at a reasonable price.
- SKS Raceblade Pro XL: With its easy fitting mechanism, these clip-on options from SKS do a great job of keeping the worst of the muck and water off the rider.
- Crud Mk3 Roadracer: Featuring impressive coverage, these lightweight clip-on guards from Crud are simple to install without the need for any tools.
- Flinger Race Pro: Ideal for bikes with rim brakes, these fenders can be installed with just a single hex key, providing adequate coverage while ensuring sufficient clearance for your choice of tyres.
In-depth Review: Portland Design Works Full Metal Fenders
These impressive anodized aluminium guards from Portland Design Works come equipped with optional axle tabs, ensuring they fit bikes without traditional frame eyelets. Weighing in at an impressive 446g, they offer full wrap coverage and discrete breakaway clips for ease of fitting. With three widths available, they accommodate up to a 30mm tyre and provide silence and a stealthy appearance with their matt black finish. These guards are truly worth strong consideration, despite their premium price compared to other options in this list.
In-depth Review: Bontrager NCS Full Fenders
Bontrager's NCS fenders have a clever adjustable design, allowing riders to customize the length of the stays by simply sliding the two parts up or down. This provides maximum coverage without the annoyance of extra faff. With a range of sizes, they cater to different bike configurations, offering more protection than most 'full-length' mudguards available on the market. The Bontrager NCS fenders are a favorite among cyclists due to their clever design and reasonable price point.
In-depth Review: SKS Bluemels Basic
The SKS Bluemels Basic fenders do a reasonable job of keeping you dry, thanks to their coverage that's better than many 'full-length' mudguards found on the market. Despite limiting your full-length protection, you can easily add your own mudflaps for extended spray protection. Its construction consists of a sandwich of thin aluminium encased in plastic, providing sturdy stays to prevent tire buzz and minimize rubbing. Overall, the SKS Bluemels Basic offers good value at an affordable price.
finds cycling in winter conditions challenging, but with the right mudguards, you can brave through wet and cold rides in style. By considering factors such as material, adjustability, weight, and ease of installation, we've compiled a list of six top picks to help you choose the perfect option that suits your needs. Whether you're a budget-conscious rider or someone who values durability above all else, we've got you covered. Happy winter cycling!
- Dublin's Wide Open E-bikes store showcases a selection of electric bikes ideal for cycling sports, enabling riders to experience challenging winter road cycling with ease.
- For sports enthusiasts seeking a more adventurous way to travel during the winter months, e-bikes are steadily gaining popularity, combining the sport of cycling with modern technology for a thrilling experience.
