Crud Roadracer Mudguards - Fenders Review

Crud Roadracers are plastic mudguards (USA:the guards below the brake callipers. If those ties are
fenders) designed to be fitted to road bikes whichovertightened they distort the shape of the guards.
don't have the fittings for conventional guards. TheyI took my time fitting the guards and I was finished in
are inexpensive, lightweight, stylish, and don't require awell under 30 minutes. I think you could do it in nearer
lot of clearance.10 minutes if you read the instructions beforehand. I've
They only weigh about 180 g (6.5 ounces). You reallydone two rides in the rain since fitting the Roadracers
aren't going to get lighter guards for your bike but evento my bike. They were 100% effective at keeping the
if you could, you wouldn't actually feel the difference.spray from the rear wheel off my back. They
If you can slide a 5 mm Allen key (hex wrench)significantly reduced the amount of water getting on
between your tires and brake callipers, your bike hasmy feet and bike 'transmission' but didn't completely
enough clearance. You will probably be okay with 4eliminate that.
mm. 3 mm isn't really enough. If you have large tiresThe guards are designed so that the stays will break
and insufficient clearance, going down a tire size mayaway and/or shatter should any debris from the road
help.get jammed in them. I haven't put that to the test, but
The geometry of many racing bikes is such that youthe manufacturers have. Spares are available from
may well experience 'toeclip overlap' after fittingthem should they be required.
guards to your bike (any guards, not just theThe only real shortcoming I found is that the rear guard
Roadracers). It means that the front of your feet maydoes not provide complete protection for a rider
contact the rear of the guards when making slowimmediately behind you - It doesn't extend down far
turns. At normal speeds, you won't be turning the frontenough for that. I usually ride alone in wet weather, but
wheel enough for it to be a problem.this might be a problem for you on wet group rides.
Fitting is straightforward, the instructions are clear andIf your bike is suitable, and you are not concerned
no tools are required. Take special note of the warningabout the length of the rear guard then I highly
not to overtighten the cable ties (zip ties) which holdrecommend this product.