Removing mudguards

[Clem Snide]

My bike is a pretty basic MTB-style commuter thing which I inherited for free from a fat ex-cyclist.

Just recently I removed the bulky rack that was attached over the back wheel (for carrying stuff etc), and the bike is noticeably lighter, which I like.

So I'm wondering, should I remove the mudguards? I don't ride regularly in mud and really wouldn't care if I got mud on me anyway, so I can't see what benefit they give. But would it make much practical difference to the weight of the bike? Do mudguards offer any magical benefits I haven't noticed?

Any opinions from experienced cyclists would be appreciated.

[fredrikw]

Mudguards are actually quite useless in proper mud, so the name is a bit misleading For a commuter I'd definitely keep them though, you get very dirty when the ground is wet, not only water but sand, oil, asphalt and who knows all kind of nasty stuff that's on the pavement will come flying your way otherwise.

The weight penalty is quite small, the main cons are aesthetics and if you ride on rough terrain where the mudguards can break or come loose.

I use mudguards on my winter training bike, mainly because the roads get very dirty from the snow slush, salt, sand and shit during the winter here, and it's better for the bike to avoid getting salt everywhere. Now we're talking about long mudguards, that extends from the bottom bracket to one cm from the ground on the other side On my MTB and road bike I don't have anything.

[Clem Snide]

For a commuter I'd definitely keep them though, you get very dirty when the ground is wet, not only water but sand, oil, asphalt and who knows all kind of nasty stuff that's on the pavement will come flying your way otherwise.

The weight penalty is quite small, the main cons are aesthetics and if you ride on rough terrain where the mudguards can break or come loose.

You think so? I assumed they were doing nothing, but I'll take your word for it. If there's not much to gain from removing them I may as well leave them on.

Obviously aesthetics are of prime importance to me - but it would take more than mudguard removal to make this bike look good I'm afraid.

Ta Fred.

[Herbsman]

I take it youve never been out riding in wet weather then Clem?

[Clem Snide]

I take it youve never been out riding in wet weather then Clem?

Many times, but since there is water falling from the sky onto my body, the flimsy pieces of metal wobbling above my wheels don't strike me as particularly useful.

[Herbsman]

I take it youve never been out riding in wet weather then Clem?

Many times, but since there is water falling from the sky onto my body, the flimsy pieces of metal wobbling above my wheels don't strike me as particularly useful.

I take it you don't mind getting water splashed from your wheels up into your arsecrack and into your eyes and mouth then?

[the crazyest vegan]

I take it youve never been out riding in wet weather then Clem?

Many times, but since there is water falling from the sky onto my body, the flimsy pieces of metal wobbling above my wheels don't strike me as particularly useful.

I take it you don't mind getting water splashed from your wheels up into your arsecrack and into your eyes and mouth then?

i take it you've never been cycling in proper rain then. the kind of rain that vlows sideways and absolutely drenches you. no mudguard will save you then.

[Herbsman]

i take it you've never been cycling in proper rain then. the kind of rain that vlows sideways and absolutely drenches you. no mudguard will save you then.

At least 10 days a year. And whether its raining, snowing or whatever else, I have to do it for the entire day or I don't get paid

The good thing is that with mudguards, even in torrential downpour, you dont get that constant stream of water going up your arsehole. It's a very minute comfort, but still.

[Clem Snide]

The good thing is that with mudguards, even in torrential downpour, you dont get that constant stream of water going up your arsehole. It's a very minute comfort, but still.

Perhaps you should pull your trousers up? You won't look so street, buy your crack will be dry at least.

[Herbsman]

Ha, ha, ha.

[Herbsman]

Ha, ha, ha.

[Herbsman]

look, see it was so funny I accidentally posted my mirth twice