The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: What Fenders Pinkbike's Editors Actually Use

Mar 4, 2024
by Dario DiGiulio  
We review a lot of kit here at Pinkbike. In fact, sometimes it can feel like a constant merry-go-round of helmets, gloves, tires, or if we're extra lucky the latest bikes. It often transpires that we spend little time on the things we actually like most and more time trying to understand why things don't fit, work or feel as good as the manufacturer insists they should.

Sometimes those preferred items aren't the flashiest, like the lowly fender here. While it might not inspire lust like other components, fenders are undeniably critical, especially for those of us who preside in wetter climes. Nobody likes mud in their eye, but we do have preferences over how we avoid such things.



photo
MuckyNutz MugGuard Long


There's not too much one can say about a plastic fender - they're one of those simple utilitarian items that either does or doesn't work. In this case, it works very well. I went looking for a low-profile fender with as much coverage as possible, and landed on the MuckyNutz as the one that fit my needs best.


Dario DiGiulio
Position: Tech Editor, glasses guy
Preferred features: Easy swap between bikes, huge coverage
Chosen fender: MuckyNutz MugGuard Long
Price: $30 USD
In order to keep the massive extrusion stable, the MugGuard relies on 6 zip ties or removable bands to hold things in place. The lower mounts on the fork legs are longer than typical fenders, and the double row is key to keeping the fender centered and away from the edge knobs of your tire. Speaking of those removable bands, MuckyNutz ships each fender with a roll of somewhat elastic hook and loop material that you can cut to length to affix your fender. Though I'm using standard zip ties here, I've come to prefer the removable nature of the alternative, as you can more easily swap the fender around between bikes or remove it for travel.

The only real downside to this massive mud guard is a material aversion to holding stickers very well. Because what are fenders for if not to provide a swath of sticker real estate? I'm sure a more thorough alcohol scrub or even some sanding would help, but the pebbly texture does help shed muck, so I'll leave it alone for now.

photo
photo

I don't imagine I'll be running this titanic fender once things dry out, but the slightly smaller MugGuard does make a great all-year item, and is less finicky to center than the long version. I'd love to use the stock Fox option, but I've had bad luck with the durability of those - especially the XL. The lower loop-style mounts always seem to break under regular usage, which results in a floppy, noisy fender.

photo



photo
Fox Mud Guard

I run a fender year round, rain or shine - to me, a fork looks like it's missing something if one isn't installed. I also hate getting stuff in my eyes, whether that's mud in the winter or dust in the summer. I'll often run a cheap, flexible plastic fender simply because that's what I have lying around, but that's not my preferred option.

Mike Kazimer
Position: Gear Director,
Preferred features: Umm, that it works?
Chosen fender: Fox Mud Guard
Price: $25 USD
In my ideal world, all forks would come with a fender designed specifically for that model, one that offers good coverage and easily bolts on, no zip ties required. That's finally starting to happen, and over the last few years Fox and RockShox started making fenders that integrate well with their forks.

It's Fox's regular-length fender that's shown here, which does the trick, but I prefer the XL option - as the name implies, it offers more coverage on both sides of the fork arch. The shape works well, and I like that it leaves room next to the stanchions for mud to escape through, rather than creating a shelf that could potentially drag debris into the seals.

photo
photo




Fox Mud Guard XL
Fox XL Mud Guard

Next to lock-on grips, mud guards could be one of the most practical wet-weather additions you could make to your bike, since holding onto your bike and being able to see where you're going are mildly important. Fox's XL Mud Guard for the 36, 38, and 40 (different width but the same idea) is my favorite fender out there right now mainly for its security, shape, and fixing points.
Matt Beer
Position: Tech Editor, recycling manager
Preferred features: Doesn't use single-use zip ties, mounts securely without rattling
Chosen fender: Fox XL Mud Guard
Price: $25 USD

Fox make a short and long version, but if you're going to have a mud guard, you may as well go all in with the XL size. Both fenders use four fixing points; two bolts at the back of the arch and one to each of the bleed valve nuts, doing away with any bothersome noises while riding. Another bonus point is that the fender doesn't rely on single-use zip ties.

Nearly all of the longer travel forks on the market have had small mounting points drilled into the back of the arches for years now, but Fox was the first to offer a factory-spec fender (although it's still an aftermarket purchase and rarely provided with bike). That means it's specifically shaped to Fox forks only, but it does come with the benefit of shedding mud from the seals, as Mike pointed out, and it also avoids sand-blasting the bottom of the fork arch, like the flexy zip tie versions can induce, since it's held firmly in place.

Due to the overall insignificance of the 92-g weight and sleek appearance, I haven't found any reason to remove it in summer months either - just be mindful of how it integrates with some tailgate pads and bike racks which hold the bike vertically by a front wheel basket.

Fox Mud Guard XL
Fox Mud Guard XL
For such a simple, lightweight piece of plastic, they are highly effective.




photo

I found this fender in a bin in my garage, I like the way it looks, and it's simple and effective. I don't remember where it's from, and I love that there are no clues. No event name, no brand name, no writing at all. Perfect. (Excessive branding is my least favorite thing about the bike industry, so if a little artsy-looking plastic thing on my bike can give me a break from that, I'll gladly take it.)
Alicia Leggett
Position: Making that up day by day
Preferred features: Simple, effective, aesthetically nice, unbranded
Chosen fender: ?
Price: ?

This fender is a little smaller than some others I've liked in the past, but it still does its job well. That's mainly what there is to say about its function. I put it on and from that point on, my tire has flung less mud toward my face.

The biggest decider is that I'm in a life moment of being really into Mexico. I've been putting way more effort than ever before into improving my Spanish, which is structured in a way that makes so much more sense than English (admittedly a low bar for sense-making). I'm a little bit in love with Mexican culture, which I think falls into the Venn diagram overlap between logical and sexy. Throw in more creativity than I see in the US, delicious food, and lots of my own great memories? I'll call it a win.

photo
photo
Could I have been neater with my zip tie cutting? Totally. Does that keep me up at night? Not at all.

There are plenty of fenders out there that make marginal gains toward a tiny bit more effectiveness (see the rest of this article), but really, the simplest version also works just fine. My biggest complaint is that I don't love single-use zip ties. If I were planning to move this fender around (or even if I were more principled), I'd replace the zip ties with little Velcro strips, but really, this fender is staying on my personal bike, so that's a really, really minor gripe.

photo
Bonus points for matching some of my home decor.



photo


A mud guard is a year-round essential in Scotland, owing to the gloriously moist conditions we both enjoy and complain about in equal measure. Dry conditions do occasionally arise, but never for long enough that I would actually bother removing the mudguard. After all, there basically are no downsides.

Jessie-May Morgan
Position: News Writer & Technical Editor at Pinkbike & Velo
Preferred features: Plain, comprehensive coverage, easy to swap between forks
Chosen fender: Mudhugger EVO Long
Price: £27.50 (*£30.99 for bolt-on)


My go-to is the Mudhugger EVO Long, of the Velcro strap-on variety, compatible with the latest Fox 36 and 38 forks, and the latest Rockshox ZEB (maybe others, too). The bolt-on version looks better (see Sarah's), but the Velcro one is probably the easiest and fastest to swap between bikes. That, and its massive coverage, make it the best option for me. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but the coverage on this one is so good you can often get away with not using any eyewear even in the most sloppy conditions. The Velcro straps are a little abrasive, hence my incredibly careful application of Gorilla tape (that I'm sure will be appreciated by many) to the legs and arch. They'll also wear out after a winter of riding. Mudhugger sell replacement straps (4 for £4.99), or you can zip-tie.


photo
Pure glam
photo
*More aesthetically pleasing ways of mounting the Mudhugger EVO are available, see below





photo
Mudhugger EVO Bolt-On

Bike fenders are actually the best. Especially this time of year, I find it hard to ride without one! This Mudhugger EVO Bolt-On fender is my go-to for wet-weather rides and I've been impressed with how well it works. Occasionally, I'll notice it when a little rock gets scooped up into it and makes a noise before it flies out the back, but the fender always shoots them back down onto the trail. It's also quiet even on chunky descents. I wouldn't recommend it if you have peanut buttery or clay-like mud since that will build up and cause the wheel to stop moving, but for the riding I do around Squamish, it's perfect.

Sarah Moore
Position: Content Manager
Preferred features: Keeps mud out of my eyes
Chosen fender: Mudhugger EVO Bolt-On (Long)
Price: £30.99 GBP
While I made a brief exception right after I got laser eye surgery and the doctor expressly told me not to get dirt in my eyes, I almost never wear glasses when mountain biking. I know I should, they're a great piece of safety gear, but in cooler weather, I fog them up, and in warmer temperatures, I sweat so much onto them that I have to wipe them every stop. I can usually manage goggles in the bike park as long as I make sure I don't put them on until the second before I drop in, but for the rest of the time, I rely on my fender to keep trail debris out of my eyes. It also keeps my face and clothes a whole lot cleaner, so even if you do ride with glasses, a fender is a worthwhile purchase.

In the summer, I'll generally ride a shorter fender that bolts to my fork like the one Kaz has in this article or just a cheap plastic fender that is attached with zip-ties. We had some Marsh Guard x Pinkbike ones at Crankworx a couple of years ago and I had a stash for while, but I think I've made my way through all of them. I've never actually made my own fender out of a Dollar Store placemat, but I might have to try that this summer!

photo
photo



photo

I think mountain bikes should come with front fenders fitted, so I was pleased to see the latest Scott Ransom and Voltage do just that. The Syncros Trail 2 Fender fits Fox 36 and 38 forks and is easy to remove and re-install. It also doesn't cost much to buy on its own ( I found it online for under £10) and is pretty light at 63 g. I would like more coverage, though, as some spray can come up vertically from the trailing part of the wheel.
Seb Stott
Position: Tech editor, professional pedant
Preferred features: Quiet, easily-removable, good coverage
Chosen fender: Syncros Trail 2 Fender
Price: £9.50

Otherwise, I tend to strap a Mudhugger or similar mudguard on when things get muddy. For wet weather, I like the longer version that extends almost a quarter of the way around the wheel for best coverage, but I will happily keep the shorter version on all year round. If I have some, I like to use reusable zip ties so it's easier to remove and re-install on another bike when needed. These seem to be easier and longer-lasting than the Velcro straps that sometimes come with mudguards.

photo
A hastily-installed Mudhugger with slapdash zip-tie installation, but it's done the job without fuss for several years now.
photo
Here's a mudguard secured to a non-Kashima fork with reusable zip ties - how thrifty!


Author Info:
dariodigiulio avatar

Member since Dec 25, 2016
167 articles

199 Comments
  • 326 1
 I use my eye lids which are actually quite ineffective
  • 95 0
 Good old safety squints
  • 6 0
 @superandy07: Chooch Factor... un-measurably.
  • 5 1
 Consulting the dewclaw in this one
  • 22 0
 REMEMBER: with great stupidity comes very little responsibility
  • 3 0
 Chicks dig eye blisters... don't they??
  • 1 0
 @superandy07: one of us! One of us!
  • 52 1
 No props for the OG Jason Marsh and his MarshGuard?!?! Met him at Sea Otter and he signed one for me. In gold Sharpie. Still run it to this day... Great dude.
  • 9 0
 Going to make some more pb accounts to upvote this. The guy should be getting a cut from every one of these sold.
  • 5 0
 I accept your MarshgGuard suggestion, but for the rear wheel I will raise that and suggest we remember the wolf guard from the late 80s / early 90s...can't even find it in Google Images!
  • 3 0
 He wasn't the first to make this style of fenders. Muckynutz made them before him.
  • 1 0
 @martn: okay then they should be getting all the money
  • 47 0
 I have an RRP and a Mudhugger on 2 different bikes all year round. They're life changing. Your entire upper body including your face and eyeballs stay so much cleaner. Try riding without one when you're used to the protection and it's unbearable.
  • 7 0
 I use a bolt on Mudhugger, and take it off over the summer. Every autumn I go for one wet ride before I remember to put it on, and it's incredible how shitty it is compared to having a decent sized fender up front. No idea how I survived my whole childhood of muddy rides without a fender.
  • 40 0
 @transam711: I'd love to remove mine but summer is just a word around here
  • 5 0
 I run the Mudhugger evo bolt on all year round and agree, wouldn't live without one now. My only gripe is when loading it into my car with the wheels off, it won't lie flat in the back of my estate car. Maybe I just need a truck instead :-)
  • 11 0
 Rear Mudhuggers are a revalation once you get over the looks. It's nice not to have a soggy ass.
  • 9 0
 I have the RRP and even though 1/2 the year it's not really needed, I also don't see a reason to remove it. Works great, so why remove it?
  • 9 0
 @kkse: yeah mine stays on all year. In summer it works keeping dog shit outta my mouth.
  • 2 0
 @TommyNunchuck: I hear you. Riding and celebrating the Cornish rain festival, 365(366) days of soggy fun for all of the family
  • 1 0
 @transam711: It’s great in the summer too, keeps dust and grit out of your face.
  • 28 0
 Seb Stott's favourite mudguard is a Fox 38 amirite
  • 4 2
 Beat me to it.....Shocking that he's not using a Fox mud guard....I think he does use a Fox guard, but he's trying to show he's an impartial tester before his next suspension review.
  • 18 0
 This fellas is Poland is making some really nice fenders. They Even make one that fits the Ohlins forks and uses the factory mounting holes. I don’t like putting zip ties on my forks.

visionvelo.eu/product/ohlins-rxf36-m-2-racing-mudguard
  • 4 0
 Good recommendation, I’ve been using his on my Pole Voima and they’ve been working great with the rear a custom solution for that bike.
  • 3 0
 Using this on my Zeb as well, works great. Keeps the stanchions noticeably cleaner compared to other zip tie fenders.
  • 2 0
 Just got the Zeb version in the mail a few days ago, it's really nice.
  • 1 0
 Love mine on a zeb . Legit product
  • 1 0
 @Struggleteam Thanks for the link, just ordered one for my DH38, looks really well thought out.
  • 1 0
 You get adapter plates from Mudhugger for Öhlins (and other models too)
  • 16 0
 what's the blurred out caliper in the first pic?
  • 28 26
 It looks red So probably that new SRAM pos that they will claim is powerful but will hardly beat u brakes on a wallmart bike on their best day
  • 8 0
 Nice spot, my guess is the new Maven since it appears to be red and has a Sram rotor, probably blurred from before the maven was released.
  • 3 0
 can see faint red so I'm guessing it's a Maven and this article was shot/edited before the release of those brakes and waiting for a slow news day
  • 41 1
 My guess is that it was naked, either that or it was doing a rude gesture, or it did not have parental permission to be filmed, or its an informant passing information about the activities of a proscribed terrorist organisation, or its in a talking heads documentary giving information to camera about working in a scam call-centre in India.
  • 1 0
 Got a spot of mud on the lens pre-mudguard install. Yes, in all the shots. Amazing, right? Wink
  • 1 2
 It is the Sram Maven I believe.
  • 1 2
 Some people believe it is the new SRAM Maven, I've been told. Full disclosure, I have no affiliation with SRAM or any organization specialized in marketing the new SRAM Maven. I repeat, no affiliation with the SRAM Maven whatsoever. Pro tip, should you wish to attract attention to any particular product like the SRAM Maven caliper in the pictures here, make sure it is in the picture and blurred. That will get people talking, like people do here regarding the SRAM Maven.

Are you paying attention, Grimeca?
  • 8 0
 I use the rockshox one for my Zeb, and it has the same issue the fox ones pictured above have: one huge advantage of fenders is protecting your fork seals, yet some of these new bolt on ones do a terrible job of this.

I used to have some cheapo strap-on job (easy now), and my fork seals were much cleaner after dusty runs.
  • 3 0
 I was already wondering why nobody is mentioning that advantage with the cleaner fork seals... I think that's a big bonus even if the trails aren't so extremely wet that you would need a fender in order to protect your eyes from dirt, your fork likes it anyway!
  • 2 0
 is M.Kazimer's installed correctly? is it the right size? I have the Fox XL for a 38 and it shields the seals wonderfully
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: I was wondering that too... Idk
  • 8 0
 @alicialeggett the fender is from Matt at Dialed in Couer d'Alene! He made those and a whole bunch of stickers for me to take as giveaways to the TranSierra Norte a few years back. It was around the same time you and I were "Dialed Riders" -- I think I have a sticker of you on your Knolly on my DJ helmet
  • 3 0
 love you guys
  • 2 0
 @DialedMtb: I want you to know that I have the exact same fender you gave me in 2016 or 2017. It has gone from bike to bike to bike and is still as strong as it was on day 1. It has collected stickers over the years and I love it. I’ll text you a pic Wink
All of my spare fenders are Dialed fenders with different colors and logos.
  • 4 0
 Ah that makes so much sense! @DialedMtb is rad, just another sign of it with this fender Smile Thanks Matt!
  • 9 1
 A Bellingham editor mentioning every overseas fender company out there with no love for their local fender company (insert heartbreak emoji)
  • 1 0
 @GroundKeeperCustom Are Manitou decals in the works at all?
  • 2 0
 @therealmancub: We still haven't been able to secure a licensing agreement with Manitou but will keep prodding them!
  • 1 0
 @GroundKeeperCustom I utilize my Fox 36 XL mudguard with a badass Ground Keeper Custom sticker kit installed. We love ya here in Bellingham!
  • 9 0
 Good article about the front fenders, but what about the rear fenders?
  • 68 1
 I think we all included our favorite rear fenders.
  • 10 2
 @dariodigiulio: ^^^ comment gold
  • 12 2
 @dariodigiulio: Dario, a rare dismissal of function on your part. I prefer my cheeks to be as dry as possible.
  • 4 0
 @dariodigiulio: What damper are you running on your fork??? Dosen't look like a stoke one!
  • 2 1
 IYKYK. Function over fashion. The Godfather knows.
  • 5 0
 It's pretty much Mudhugger or a wet butt. Looks awful but it works .
  • 7 0
 @AndrewHornor: my neck my back my dropper and my crack
  • 2 0
 @mtbflow24: pretty sure that’s a betterbolts.com thing
  • 1 0
 @crustin: Lokks like it is mate! Thaks very much!
  • 2 0
 @owl-X: I got Mudhugger rears on both bikes, they are super ugly, but they are worth their weight in gold once it's wet. At the start of this winter season I went for a ride on my enduro bike without one and my underpants were soaking after one descent. Got home, ordered another rear fender.
  • 2 1
 @fartymarty: It's not fashion, it's dignity.
  • 3 0
 @lkubica: the dignity of a soaking bottom!
  • 2 0
 @Muckal: I swear by my MH rear fender… this winter I only removed it for a trip to California (where I’ve finally seen riders with no front fenders—wild), where it proceeded to rain buckets for a week.
  • 1 0
 @Mucky-Nutz: nice! Assuming the angle adjustment holds up this seems like a great product!
  • 5 0
 Hack for to get rid of those zip ties but keep the fun artsy fender:
"Direct Mount Fender Adapter for Fox and Marzocchi Forks made from recycled material"
shorturl.at/ayzHU
  • 4 0
 Less sketchy looking link: www.etsy.com/listing/1401929680
  • 4 0
 I regard front fenders as essential year round, and it's dry here in the summer, other than stream crossings, for which fenders are indispensable. And I get to wash off the the cow §#!‡ from under my fender that would otherwise too often find its way into my nose and mouth all spring and summer. My fenders have also saved many a chipped tooth, too. They catch rocks all the time. Why take them off? — ever? Are they ever in the way?
  • 4 0
 @alicialeggett I'd love to send you one of these if your pokey zip ties do start keeping you up at night! I like my artsy fender too but couldn't stand anymore zip ties. www.etsy.com/listing/1401929680
  • 2 0
 I would be into buying some of these
  • 1 0
 @DialedMtb: Available at the link, send me a message if you're talking bulk!
  • 3 1
 I had the fox xl but with a kuat rack that holds down on the front wheel it felt pretty sketchy pushing the rack down on the guard, if it snapped there’s nothing holding onto the bike anymore. I cut it flush with to the fork arch so it could lock down on the tire again
  • 6 2
 Get a new bike rack
  • 1 3
 @Murphius: küat rack owners would sooner get a whole new life. Kashima and all that, they’re in deep
  • 1 0
 It works fine. I ran it for a year with no issues.
  • 3 0
 SKS Mudrocker - Front and Rear........amazing coverage that doesn't look stupid! Used mine all winter long, keeps mud, snow, mud and salt spray off me and most of my bike. Keeps springtime mud at bay like no other.
  • 1 0
 Don't know about rear, but the front one is excellent. And I've ridden pretty horrible conditions through the British winter! Seems a different material to the mudhuggers, which feel sort of waxy - maybe it's just got a higher glass fibre content or something. Also, the shape is a bit more "Moto" than the organic mudhugger, if that bothers...
  • 1 0
 Front works really great, back one slaps on back tire every 5cm "drop" which makes it super annoying to use if not commuting on good pavement. May be different in different bikes though
  • 2 0
 Oh how they laughed at us over the pond ten years ago when we started running fenders now it’s in my top five most revolutionary inventions along with disk brakes and suspension forks. That being said I’ve still got the same OG mud hugger. At least ten years old, refuses to break and as far as I’m aware came up with the original idea so I’d rather buy of them than someone who copied. First saw Danny Hart running prototype versions on uplifts someone might have done it before.
  • 1 0
 Agreed. There was a time when fenders were only seen on the most soggy DH race days. Not many ppl run them in my neck of the woods. Pretty dry summer conditions and the trails are mostly clay so wet riding is greatly frowned upon by the trail fairies and, tbh, greasy as a bar of soap so it's not much fun anyway
  • 1 0
 Front fenders, Marsh Guard style, have been standard for my whole time mountain biking. Gotta think you were hearing from people in the southwest or something…
Find me with all the plastics right now, looking like our skateboards in the 80s…searching for a rubberized lower link anti-rock flap right now, sick of finding pea-sized rocks in there.
  • 1 0
 10 years ago? LOL

Let's go back to the late 1980's... Guy shows up to our weekly ride with this ugly-duckling-looking chunk of plastic bolted to his bike. We all laughed. After the ride all of us walked into the coffee shop looking like we had shat ourselves. Well, everybody but Tom. From that point on, he couldn't make them fast enough!!! Enter the (drum roll) Apex DeFender!!! Another (made from necessity) Bellingham innovation!
  • 2 0
 Jessie-May: "the coverage on this one is so good you can often get away with not using any eyewear even in the most sloppy conditions."

That's brave for someone riding in Scotland, how do you protect your eyes from the midges?
  • 2 0
 I'm glad no one mentioned the bolt on guard for RockShox Zeb. What a piece of crap that thing is! It's designed in a way that it pivots and rattles agains the fork in a way that made me think that something was seriously wrong with my otherwise very quiet bike. Buyer beware before you spend any $$ on it.
  • 2 0
 I use reusable zip ties too. Everyone comments that I should cut them, then inform them they are reusable and when I sleep with my bike at races I take the mudguard off (she likes it without protection).
I also got the cube mudguard off a LBS and it's fantastic. seems much better than my mudhugger.
  • 3 0
 I like the Manitou fender that came with my Mezzer, it has pretty big coverage and looks really clean on the fork. I've never found it too soft
  • 3 0
 i like the fit of the mezzer fender too, but it's too floppy. I've cracked 3 of them all from just regular riding.
  • 2 0
 @whiteranger3: Same.
The only Mezzer fender that lasted a while was after a jank gorilla tape + epoxy repair.
  • 5 0
 @chrod: yep i saw something similar on mtbr. i opted for an AMS fender with new holes drilled. i wish someone would make an aftermarket bolt on for the mezzer!
  • 2 0
 @whiteranger3: How long did each fender last for? I did break mine, but that was in a bike rack that mangled it (not my usual rack) and that's not uncommon for a lot of fenders.
  • 1 0
 @whiteranger3: what are you using now?? i've had mine for like 2.5 years now and its still going fine, but the coverage just isnt good enough for UK winters and i keep getting crap in my eye, i just dont know what else will fit
  • 1 0
 @eae903: a couple months each i think. usually seemed to happen after super chunky trails with a lot of rattling and hard hits
  • 1 0
 @GumptionZA: i got an AMS fender for $10 off amazon and just drilled new mounting holes closer to the middle of it so it fit the reverse arch a bit better. i think most zip tie fenders should fit, just need to drill the correct holes to line up with the reverse arch
  • 2 1
 After Fox and Rockshox release official fenders in 2020(2021?), I realized that it took them a very long time to do it.
It seems so obivous now. They are not expensive and the quality is very good; nicely molded pieces and well integrated into the fork.So glad I don't have to cut an old tube as a fender anymore. lol
  • 10 0
 its bizarre that it took them so long. Zipping tying a fender to a $1k fork just doesn't feel right.
  • 8 0
 @mtmc99: I think integrated fenders should come on the forks from the factory
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99: Agreed, some forks still don't have an option, so I made this: www.etsy.com/listing/1401929680
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: agreed. I really dont see the downside and those things have to be cheap as hell at high volumes
  • 2 0
 If you’re looking for reasons to continue your bafflement, Marzocchi (Fox) put fender bolt holes on the Z1 crown that dont line up with the Fox holes and they don’t sell a fender that fits.
  • 1 0
 In our belgian clay, those long ones get gooped up with sticky brown cake instantly. I prefer an old school simple folding sheet fender ziptied to the fork. Keeps the mud out of my eyes well enough and doesn’t lock up my wheels.
  • 2 0
 I have a visionvelo fender on mine. They are made to fit individual models of fork exactly. I love mine, the fit is perfect and it looks really slick. The only downside is they don't make then for every model of fork yet.
  • 1 0
 I have one as well. Super nice. The only folks I could find making one for Ohlins forks that actually uses the factory mounting holes.
  • 2 1
 I really dislike the cheap flat plastic fenders that just stick straight back. They’re ineffective and they look so tacky I don’t know why so many use them. I use full size RRP, Mud Huggers or Fox XL’s. Those all look good and are functional year round
  • 4 0
 An editor from Bellingham mentioning every overseas fender brand out there with no love for their local fender company
  • 1 0
 I run front fenders year round. It doesn’t rain that much here…but I do find that the fenders do help in preventing rock from getting flung into my face. I like the “bolt” on fenders. They don’t destroy the paint finish over time like the zip tie ones do.
  • 1 0
 We're pretty lucky to have a bunch of experienced reviews at Pinkbike. Reading this you can see just how much pride is placed in things like a fender, and how to choose a fender that works best for you.Honestly, there are none here that are bad choices. They all have different attributes for use. I almost always go with the Zefal bottom-stay fender on my rear (Scooby) which I spent a lot of time reviewing years ago. It's, at this point, just my preference. They seem to last forever, and go wherever I go bikepacking without fail.
  • 3 0
 FOX fenders sucks big time. Those getting destroyed in bikepark lifts. Mudhugger evo bolt on is by far the best. No noise, no zipties just bolts.
  • 1 0
 I’m on my second Fox XL on a 38. First one broke when I crashed and caught my foot in it. It ripped one of the bolts out of the arch. It’s trashed the thread so the tiny bolt keeps working loose. Loctite doesn’t seem to help. Seems a bit crazy that I’d need to buy a new steerer to fix it. Why does the bike industry insist on using tiny bolts with tiny threads ?
  • 5 1
 The cutted Water Bottles were the best!!
  • 3 0
 The Fox xl fender works perfect. Not sad to get rid of the zip ties and having to move the thing back into place.
  • 5 1
 @alicialeggett your zip tie cuts scare me
  • 2 0
 Also, i think thats a Dialed MTB fender... looks like the site is down now tho...
  • 2 0
 @thustlewhumber: you can visit us on. Instagram @dialed_mtb
  • 1 0
 @DialedMtb: Thanks Matt. Happy 12th Birthday Smile


www.instagram.com/p/B3agptFn2fx - nailed it
  • 2 0
 Anyone got recommendations for an EXT Era bolt-on fender? Mudhuggers are $48 + shipping in the USA so like $60 and that's a little more than I'd like to spend.
  • 1 0
 The RRP Proguard V2 should be coming out soon and it fits the EXT Era.
  • 1 0
 way too much mud collects in those larger front fenders almost a stoppage here in the wet muddy Jamaican days with all the thorns and foliage mixing in.... my Chromag simple one like Alicia's works for me
  • 2 0
 Yep full Muckynutz front and rear mud guard all year round and just use the extension for the winter.

muckynutz.com/MugGuard_Rear_MN0250

Brilliant bit of kit.
  • 1 0
 Just got back from a ride, it’s been pissing is down for days here, must be the 20th ride in a row where I’ve just hosed myself down in the garden along with the bike. Who needs mudguards at that point.
  • 1 0
 I crashed my first year riding the mega avalanche in France and landed in a hole on top of an XL mud hugger, I stuck it in my backpack and it's been on every bike I've owned scenes 2016!
  • 2 0
 I won't use another amp. If its good enough for Eddy Van Halen, it's good enough for me.
  • 2 0
 My Suntour Aion came with a pretty decent fender. Before that I used to make my own from a piece of plastic.
  • 3 0
 So strap-ons are better. Got it.
  • 1 0
 Syncros 34 fender lasted 1 bottom out on my Spur. Cracked. Went back to the 30 el' cheapo Ziptie one and it's lasted for a couple years.
  • 1 0
 Weird, mine's lasted five years with no sign of fatigue
  • 1 0
 @boozed: It's a great looking part but I think the fender hit my downtube at bottom out and cracked. I'm running a 130mm fork on the Spur. That extra 10mm of travel on the fork could've been it. I heard a loud clunk at bottom out and fender fell apart like a wobbly piece of swiss cheese. Why Fox doesn't make one for the 34 blows my mind. Maybe it's not Enduro Bro enough
  • 2 0
 @ryane: the axle to crown distance at bottom out is the same no matter what length air spring you’re running.
  • 1 0
 @pmhobson: Then there isn't enough room with the Syntace 34 fender and the Spur, or I ride way over my head. Regardless, that fender was 1 and done. FYI DVO was the first company in the modern age to include a bolt-on fender with the DVO Diamond.
  • 1 0
 . .
  • 1 0
 @pmhobson: I have no idea what the dot dot means. I snapped first run on a big bottom out riding in Washington. My DVO fender lasted a couple years without issue on my Diamond. I'm sticking with the flexy material Ground Keeper for now.
  • 1 0
 @ryane: that was me deleting a double post
  • 2 0
 Flap for the front, mudhugger for the back. Ugly but you finish the ride clean
  • 3 0
 @alicialeggett Sugar skull fenders FTW
  • 3 0
 Are you all riding Fox forks because the fenders mount better?
  • 2 0
 Reciprocator bolt-on..... 3 years, still perfect. Profits shared with trailbuilding.
  • 1 0
 Yeah the RRP ProGuard bolt-on looks good and works even better. Too bad they've been out of stock for awhile now.
  • 1 0
 @bctrailblazer68: they are releasing a brand new V2 front fender sometime this month.
  • 2 0
 Fox factory with zip ties, that is the definition of a dogs breakfast, those poor lowers.
  • 2 0
 Its just paint
  • 2 0
 The single biggest downside to upside-down suspension forks - you can't run one of these fenders
  • 1 0
 The price is obviously ridiculous on those new Push forks, but they mentioned in the press release that they were going to offer a "low" mount fender that somehow integrated with the guards for the lowers, as in the past the only option would have been one of those crown mounted guards that leaves a lot of room (in a bad way) for mud to escape. DVO used to have a guard for the lowers on their upside down DH fork that connected in the middle (they claimed it was structural), which would have allowed a fender to mount as well, so there is some precedent for it.
  • 1 0
 @thekaiser: yeah but it's always going to be a bodge and a proprietary standard, ie you won't be able to fit aftermarket ones, only the fork brand's own - which is unlikely to be big or effective enough for UK riding conditions
  • 2 0
 Anyone with any good options for EXT Era fork and using the factory mounts instead of zip ties?
  • 1 0
 Anyone know of a full length guard that fits the CC Helm crown mounts? Not the CC one as that is only the rear half and not available in the UK.
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio it was impossible to fix my MuckyNutz to the 38 using those flimsy straps - no problem with zip ties. Best strap mounted fender is SKS.
  • 1 0
 The fox fenders break super easy, the plastic is too thin amd brittle around the bleed ports. Then went a tab is broke they make a knocking noise on rocky descents.
  • 5 3
 Mudhuggers are fooking disgusting
  • 3 0
 So is a gravel and trail water enema. I'll take the Mudhugger.
  • 3 0
 @woofer2609: to each their own
  • 4 0
 @Dogl0rd: for the indecisive, there's pants
  • 2 0
 @AndrewHornor: You just gave me a good image there
  • 2 0
 The Durolux comes with a really good fender
  • 2 0
 Durolux fender is a highlight of that fork. Sturdy and well integrated, just big enough to be pretty effective. I still switch to a bigger RRP Proguard bolt-on for winter, but only because it rains a LOT where I am.
  • 3 0
 @AndrewHornor: I love everything about the fork. Just wish it was lighter but that’s not a deal breaker.
  • 2 0
 Am I the only one who just doesn't use one?
  • 1 0
 In Barcelona WE don't need it that often so WE don't buy it....
  • 1 0
 No. I don’t use one, either. Not much need in Colorado.
  • 1 0
 The Fox standard mud guard because anything longer doesn't fit on the lifts at Thredbo
  • 2 0
 No T.H.E. Moto fenders? Darn, missing out.
  • 2 0
 Front fender is just as important in the dry. Keeps dust off your seals
  • 1 0
 "Wasted days and wasted nights..."

Sorry, mention fender and I have a '70s fugue sometimes.
  • 1 0
 Want the best looking and actually working mud guard? visionvelo.eu/shop
  • 1 0
 How thrifty. Fox aren't that much better than rockshox if at all and only pros can tell!
  • 1 0
 Where’s the Ohlins RXF36 fork? It’s all over your articles but then you don’t actually ride them?
  • 1 0
 Mud guards are really awful looking, but they are awfully useful when it's muddy.
  • 1 0
 No fans of the Race Face Mud Crutch? Works well enough and is easy to remove during dry months.
  • 2 0
 Full Fox factory squad.
  • 2 1
 Looks like Fox is paying the bills this month!
  • 1 0
 We need the real scoop on the blur @dariodigiulio ...
  • 1 1
 Patiently awaiting the rear fender article Wink I got an SKS Mudrocker, which is massive. Great for staying clean, though.
  • 1 0
 Nice! Been running the og Fox fender. Will have to try the xl soon.
  • 1 1
 It seems the FOX fenders direct all the mud right on the fork seal- bad design!
  • 1 0
 If it ain’t a dirt Merkin, it ain’t workin
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike ghostrider fender. I love the graphics.
  • 2 1
 Grumpy old man here… all fenders are ugly as shit.
  • 1 0
 @sarahmoore How are you enjoying the HD6?
  • 1 0
 Can we talk about Darios Damper ?
  • 1 0
 Steve Peat fast fender by Crud, anyone remembers that?
  • 1 0
 Sks and mudhugger make lovely rear fenders.
  • 1 0
 Fenders from @the_gremlin_archive for life!
  • 1 0
 Rockguardz if you want something different
  • 1 0
 These fenders are my new fave trashgearco.com
  • 1 0
 amazon one with a cool pattern does it for me
  • 1 0
 I use whatever the cool bike shop I support has their logo printed on.
  • 1 0
 Strap ons for life Wink
  • 1 0
 No do rear mudguards.
  • 2 0
 *now
  • 1 0
 MuckyNutz rear looks alright, and can remove the extension for fashion sake, leaving a part that protects the linkage area. Just beware that they are kinda noisy/flimsy for MTB use.

Only the Mudhugger one seems to be stout enough for full-out MTB without excessive floppiness/noisiness, but look a big pig-like. I had the V1, and I couldn't recommend them to others. I had to regularly replace zip-ties from them breaking/dying, from trying to hold that beast steady.
  • 1 1
 Aren't you afraid someone might be ofFENDed by an article like this?
  • 1 0
 RRP all year
  • 1 1
 "What're those?!"
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.046826
Mobile Version of Website