Every cyclist, especially off-road, wants to minimize the amount of mud generated. As a result, some bicycles are already fitted with mudguards. For those who don't have them and often find themselves off-road, it's a good idea to buy suitable mudguards so that bicycle parts and clothes get as little dirt as possible.
Mudguards come in three main types: traditional, clip-on, and mountain bicycle-style, which attach to the seat post and down tube. The traditional ones are long, they are fixed for touring bicycles (sometimes they are put on right away) and road bikes (difficult to install, but worth it for protection). Fasteners are mostly suitable for road use, because they are light, suitable for those who do not have special places for nuts. However, they will provide less protection than traditional (long) ones. Mountain bicycle mudguards will fit all bicycles, but will provide the least amount of protection – the bicycle and those riding behind will not be protected from splashing mud.
Pay attention to the way the mudguards are installed. Most of them are mounted on the frame of the bicycle, so before you buy you need to check if there are mounting points on your bicycle where you can screw them. For example, certain mounting points are only available on hybrid bicycles, but not on mountain bicyces. The mudguards used for them are attached to the frame or saddle holders. When installed, the mudguards must be stable, they cannot wobble, so as not to catch the cyclist's clothing while riding.
The bicycle must also have clearance between the wheels and the frame for the mudguard to fit. Unfortunately, road bicycles usually only have a small amount of clearance, so it can be quite difficult to choose the right mudguards for them. For this reason, mudguards are often made for them, which are attached to the frame with special fasteners. This is convenient, because then the mudguards can be removed at any time (for example, during a race). When training, you can use traditional long mudguards, which, although quite difficult to put on, will provide the best protection.
It's also harder to find mudguards for bicycles with shock absorbers. Therefore, they need specially manufactured protection. This can be a clipped mudguard next to the saddle to protect your back from mud. However, this type of protection is not suitable for all bicycles.
For mountain bicycles, mudguards are extremely important because you ride on various off-road sections where there is a lot of mud that can damage the brake chain. They will also help protect much of the cyclist's gear.
Even mudguards can't always protect against the dirt that happens, but they definitely reduce the amount of splashes. To choose mudguards that best suit your bicycle, pay attention not only to its width or length, but also to the method of installation. Mudguards are the best accessory for those who like to ride in autumn and winter.