It was a summer that felt like it might last forever, but autumn – and the damp commute – is just around the corner. Rain needn’t be an obstacle to cycling. However, looking at the line-up at bike shops, you’d be forgiven for thinking mudguards are a relic of a bygone era. The weight and aerodynamic penalty is negligible so given how often it rains here, why are so few bikes sold with mudguards fitted as standard?
Whether it’s a bike industry ploy to sell accessories, or a fashion for paired-down looking designs, we’d rather avoid the damp and gritty streak up the back of our clothes.
Dutch cyclists think nothing of cycling in the rain…with mudguards
There are many different types of bicycle mudguard to choose from. In the traditional design camp are Bluemels Stingray mudguards from SKS, which feature super-fine aluminium strips embedded in plastic sheathing for added strength and a jaunty lime green colour on their underside to brighten up the dreariest of winter mornings.
If you’re not yet won over by the idea of mudguards, why not enter our free prize draw and with a bit of luck you’ll get to try them out for free.
Win a set of mudguards
We have a SKS Bluemels Stingray 28 inch mudguard set worth £42 to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave us a comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll pick a name next week.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
Tracy
When it’s as wet as today you fully appreciate a good mudguard !!!
Brian Ronald
Relic of a bygone what now? 😁
Donald Lance Woodman
These look great. They’d certainly make riding through the winter a more attractive option
Lucy McLuckie
Nobody wants to turn up to work with a muddy bum….
Jess C
I’ve always been a fan of mudguards – utility over ‘aero’ for the city 🙂
D.Daw
Hi! At the age of 82 I have seen many changes and bicycles are no exception.My first was just a frame & pram wheels a genuine PUSH bike…starting work at 15 and getting to work I joined the many,already wearing “overalls” these bikes were “roadsters” and very heavy with large seat springs and brake levers as part of the handlebars, I often looked enviously at the “drop handlebar sports bikes ,certainly not a working man’s bike but..mudguards were essential on most bikes except Track (speedway) bikes and formed a large portion of our local community entertainment using pedal cycles on some makeshift circular dirt tracks which drew large crowds..But otherwise it was inconceivable to use a bike without mud guards ,it was a sign of poverty and impractability, My most memorable bike moment was when my next door neighbour gave me a disused sports bike covered in dust and cobwebs it was a CLAUD BUTLER! It was a ” ROLLS ROYCE moment. My mountain bike a Raleigh stone fly which will never see a mountain OR mud guards..
Andy G
Mudguards – what respectable cyclist would venture out without them?!
Paul Rogers
Tour of Britain today and Downing street today no mudguards and few umbrellas, when will they learn.
Julian Fargher
Okay but just don’t start calling them fenders!
Craig Young
Any regular commuting bike needs full length mudguards, these ones look great!
Gillian
Love the touch of lime green colour, on these which would coordinate so well with my bike!
johnny faro
yes please, need a set for the good ladies bike
Colin Davies
Fingers crossed for no more wet backsides!
Darren C
An essential piece of kit for any cycling commuter.
Mark B
No mudguards is madness!
Stephen
Even in super dry East Anglia, any city bike needs mudguards.
Mark
Top quality accessory, thanks.
Gillian Dronfield
Planning on buying some mudguards for my new bike so these would be really handy!
Chris Grover
It’s all about the colour for me. ‘Guards with a twist of lime, just add fizz.
Lucy
my bike loves a bit of mud larking….
Andrew Smith
Mud is fun, but I don’t alway want a wet bum!
Annie P
Sporting mudguards is like wearing a badge of respect for others. Who wouldn’t want to show kindness to fellow riders?
Iain Shanks
Great for the owner and the people riding near them. Should be standard on more bikes.
Philip Gregg
The was a young cyclist from Newtownards
Who refused to fit mud guards
When the rain was set
He always got wet
And sprayed all the cyclists for yards
Cheers
Edward
These look great and keep everything nice and dry!
Richard
Lush colour, cheer up my steed
Jane
I would love to win these mudguards. My current ones are 30 years old and look their age. They won’t last much longer…
Mary
Would love a new pair of these for my winter bike!
james
good for a Celtic fan
Mags
I’d like a set for my cycling companion, as I am usually behind and get splashed.
Torun
Would they fit 26inch wheel?
If not what’s the point of me applying…
Martin Baker
Yes please. I’ll just need to get new a bike a can fix them too!
Bazzer
Always use mudguards in this country – droughts are unusual! A spare set of SKS would be great, as they do get damaged occasionally.
Martin Ross
They’d look lovely on my bike 👍🏻
Peter Clark
I would not use on my road bike but blimey I’d love these for the hybrid I commute on! Especially now the summer is coming to an end
Ema
In autumn and winter especially, they are essential.
Tom albu
New bike waiting to be built this weekend. Set of mudguards to go with it would be perfect.
Pamela
Would be great for my hybrid even though all my heavy weather cycling clothes already have the mud streak on the backs!
Keith
Essential for winter riding, no one wants a wet bum!
Clive Probert
Some riders say mudguards aren’t cool but on a wet day think of the rider behind you.
John Darby
Time to embrace the mudguard. Too many soggy bottoms…
John
These mudguards look great and so will my clothes if I win them. No more road grime and mud. My wife will be very happy no more keep washing my clothes every ride. Lovely jubbly
Yousaf Mirza
Who doesn’t love a mudguard.
Attila
This lime colour mudguard would fit on my bike :).
Graham Clark
Well, why wouldn’t you want mudguards 🤔
Fergus D
I like the green colouring! Lots of people would be ‘green’ with envy if I won these.
JohnB
They look nice – I’d like to give them a try.
Diane Whateley
Mudguards are a necessity in the west of Scotland!
Fred
The rainy season has arrived
Inge
MUDGUARDS 4LIFE!
Sarah
Bring back mud guards.
Damian Connaughton
Just in time for autumn & winter!
Tim Earl
Just what I need, mine are falling apart.
Andy Brown
Sounds to me as though it’s a cover up why bikes don’t come routinely with mudguards
(And what about lights while we’re about it!)
Gerard Farrell
Them bad boys would keep my bum dry over the winter
Colin
mud glorious mud guards
G Grant
Great things mudguards. Who wants a muddy stripe up their back.
Clare
Yes please, to save me a middy face twhen cycling behind my mannie.
John
Essential for winter
David John Gray
It’s the wet back I most dislike!