How Effective Are Fenders At Keeping Cyclists Clean? | An Ode To Mudguards
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- čas přidán 12. 12. 2020
- Mudguards, or fenders if you're American, can be a cyclist's best friend. They keep you and your bike clean and are the perfect accessory for riding in winter or in poor conditions. But how effective are they? In this video, Alex and Ollie don their morph suits and put mudguards to the test!
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Do you have mudguards on your road bike? Let us know in the comments below!
even as a kid i knew they work, without them my arse would be soaking wet and my face would be splattered by uplift dirty rain water from the front wheel ( experienced when being a paper boy )
Only the back one.
i have no mud guard in my roadbike its hard too find 😭😭😭
They should be a legal requirement in the UK between October and April.
At this time i'm using "mini mudguard" (ass saver) and i do not remove it even it is dry outside ... BTW why do You did NOT test this type??? I mean, that You must repeat the test and Hank shoul be a good aspirant, to do that (test ass saver). 😊 On my "previous" bike i used (for winter rides) mudguards with extension (because i must ❗ have long version for group rides 😆), so i have made the extension with piece of an old tyre (Hack or Bodge?) . 😉
please do next: Do brakes actually work
In the US you can find enough to debate both sides of the question.
Disc or calliper 🤣?
😂😂
No, I find they just slow me down...
@@Christian-fr7gf 😂😂😂
I do appreciate that GCN hasn't started to take itself too seriously in all these years.
They are an entertainment network, being entertaining is taking themselves seriously.
lol
@@andyhaochizhang well, punch and judy are STILL more famous.
I can see the future law suits and the destroyed lives of your train wreck show.
lol roadies taking themselves seriously 😑
Imagine two Slendermen riding bicycles in your neighborhood
That'd be nice 😉
Underrated comment
And one of the slenderman looks like they shat themselves
Friendly neighbourhood Slendermen
Well it would be interesting
I cannot imagine riding a bike in winter without mudguards. All of my bikes (both of them) are equipped with them. And it's not just about preventing a "skunk stripe" up your backside; mudguards (fenders) do an excellent job of protecting your drive train and bottom bracket from the grit and grime of wet winter riding. Your components, even your whole bike, will last very much longer if you use them.
Exactly.
No mudguards on the bike is like driving a car without windshield in a rainstorm - expect a messy and splattered experience.
This is one of those videos you quickly close when someone asks what you are watching and you just answer with "nothing"
Just watching the friendly ghosts.
the lefty?
hahaha
LMAOOOO i felt this DDD; "w-whats that" "uhhh checking if i need mudg-" ffff qq
"im watching porn mom" its easier to explain
i never thought anything could replace my nightmare of Si in a Speedo but Ollie with a skid mark might be worse
Still not tops Connor's lack of outfit in "The Worst Cycling Adverts Ever! | GCN Tech Show Ep.139"
Or Dan's yoga ... 🙈
It could be Si with the Speedo and the skidmark.
yo be fair, Ollie started that way
r/cursedimages
The aspect of mudguards for the cyclist behind you is quite important in my opinion. In cityriding I really hate racing enthusiasts passing by without mudguards and in worthst case hitting my eyes with rain or mud, increasing accident risk for me.
The outfits were a bit more revealing than I was expecting. What has been seen, cannot be unseen.
@@wcswood Australian.
@@wcswood well not looking at it should help weirdo
@@OnlyCallen._.Macchiato sorry on his behalf fbi 😔
No more revealing than their normal cycling jerseys, just don't look there if it disturbs you, kid.
The fact that an actual former pro uses things like fenders but your "club ride world champ" turns their nose up at them is just freaking great.
This is also a repeat video. Back when Matt was still at GCN he already did this video.
OMG How do I unsee what those morph suits show...😅
And I thought Dan's white shorts on GCN's Cycling Shorts intro was bad...my eyes are still burning...
@@timrichardson2 We're in hysterics. It's hilarious
The bibs need more frontal coverage! 😂
My eyes are bleeding...😳😂
What is morph suits
I have been riding bikes from the age of 2 & I am now aged 83 so I have covered a few thousand miles on the way. When riding with my club years ago mudguards (full) were the norm & it was rare to see one of the lads/gals without them. Over the years they have fallen out of favour, bike frames (in the main) no longer being able to accommodate full guards. Shame, as they work & as one who did a 16-mile commute trip (in all weathers) every day for years, I would have not ridden without them🤔
Yes , they do indeed work. Do you still ride ?
Whoa, such as long journey! But fenders nowadays have a lot of different designs. They exist, but I think they focus on stunning design rather than function as the old fender does.
I rode my touring bike equipped with front and rear mudguards for a six-month tour through England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France. They were absolutely essential for keeping 1) keeping me more comfortable and 2) keeping my bike's drivetrain free of mud. My mudguards also had rear flaps that made a huge difference. There is NO QUESTION that they are great for non-racing activities.
Ollie. Mudguards are aero! In fact in MotoGP there are regulations of how far the mudguards may stick over front wheel (which rapidly reduces turbulence and improves the air flow).
That's probably only true for dry weather, but then you don't really need them. Gcn actually did another experiment on mudguards few years back. Water and mud collected by the mudguards fall back onto the wheels and components, creating a bit of extra friction and power loss.
@@meutmeuterer4081 the thing is the spinny tire is not very aero as it creates a lot of disturbance, if you could theoretically cover the whole front side of tire there would be aero gains to be had, not mud gains tho, F1 focus a lot on diverging the airflow from the tires for such reason
@@meutmeuterer4081
Maybe there are a lot of variables in this.
With lots of experience riding in rainy Seattle weather, I've found fenders make a significant reduction in the amount of sand, silt and crud that get on the components. I use "long tail" fenders that are only a couple mm wider than the tires. A rear fender that didn't go down to the bottom bracket would deliver quite a lot of crud to the front shifter.
Ollie was just an actor representing the world at large, don't blame him for his line. I thought the line was spoken at the perfect time, so again, it was just a line, not what Ollie actually may have thought. Just to clarify... I loved the dialogue and the information thus presented, very lively.
@@Cyclonut96 😉
New presenters confidence has soared in recent vids! Love it.
First time ive seen him, I have no Idea who he is or was for that matter? I cant keep up with "all" the presenters they have now! Having all these presenters and trying to find work for them will be GCN's downfall, the repeat of topics, and the new ridiculous content they are coming up with now is lowering the overall quality of what "was" a great idea with great content! And as for choice of some of the "new"or newish presenters well, that Hank whatever his name is, he is so false and has no personality, he is trying to create an image for himself, which actually proves he hasnt got one, watch him, he is "trying" to be like Simon, who is great and natural! GCN are on the decline i feel, it will all become evident soon!
@@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802 thats a lot of quote marks
@@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802 if you don't know how to use punctuation then guessing is deffo the way forward. Don't try and read or anything, that would just be a waste of your time.
@@Evan-zj5mt I'll keep it polite, it is a kids show after all, well it certainly seems to be heading that way. It would appear another grammar Nazi has popped up, so Evan could I ask you nicely to put me straight on what it is that seems to be troubling you so much??
Please do next: "do you really need wheels?"
Full length fixed mudguards with flaps on my winter bike. They keep the bike much cleaner, they keep your feet and back dry, and your buddies will actually want to ride with you rather than sticking you on the back. Yes they are heavier etc, but one of the joys of a winter bike is that first warm day in Spring when you get out the summer bike and realise how much lighter and more aero it is.
Describe modern bicycle life in four words: "they're not aero!" #mademyday
A contraction is actually 1 word so only 3 words
@@chrisfilby9678 The contraction makes it aero and lighter.
Lastly I have read they would be more aero if the front "mud gard" reaches very far in front of the front wheel - but I think there are no critical researchs about this.
@@SaschaN Bicycle Quarterly has done research into this very topic and found that a long mudguard does provide some aero benefits at the front tip, but the rear end introduces drag, so ultimately a full mudguard evens out in terms of increased drag.
It was a good example of how the obsession with weight has meant most riders would rather get muddy and wet. I for one have mudguards on all my bikes. Great video guys, and very funny.
The mudguards on Alex's bike were clearly too short for keeping riders behind him clean. We here have a rule that during winter, everyone in the group ride must have not just mudguards, but mudguards that are long enough to keep followers clean and dry. Most off the shelf mudguards need extensions to do that.
We also typically call them fenders in Canada. A good set of fenders will also help keep your bike clean in dry conditions, by channeling dust. Especially on trails.
Ollie looks like he had an little “accident”😂😂
The last 10 seconds explains why Hank gets assigned the harder videos.
I've used mud guards for as long as I can remember. It actually started with my dads black mamba/Phoenix bicycle way way back and ever since, fenders have been a part of every ride in my bike given the muddy roads of the western part of kenya.
in doncaster you'd be sent to the back of the group for not having at least a rear mudguard on a grimey day, ollie should know this.
makes sense
Mudguards are brilliant. Previously I'd just not ride on wet roads. Now though with mudguards I'll happily ride on wet roads which means I get to ride more. I've even extended the front flap to prevent even more water being thrown up at my feet and chainset etc.
I love the format and humour, keep producing these informative videos. Big thanks! Smiled thought the presentation! :-)
All I use is an "ass saver" and I wouldn't want to be without it
Best GCN video cold close ever. This gag had to be done in one shot - Alex is absolutely clean just beforehand - so Ollie and Hank's reactions were genuine. Camera timing was perfect. The audience is laughing at the initial joke - then pans to a snickering Hank who just looks like he ate a canary. Brilliant. Keep it up GCN!!!
more everyday, practical, down-to-earth content like this please GCN
I'm learning a lot more about bikes, and I am thankful this video is how I learn about mud guards! It was hilarious and educational.
Outta sight, outta mind. Truer words have been rarely spoken.
Mudguards always. Winter and summer (not much difference here in Lancs) roads filthy. Riding with friends - essential.
It is just a matter of cleanliness and politeness to use mudguards during the Autumn and Winter.
It's pretty anti social on a group ride to not use them....
group rides in 2020/21 - wow, you're bold!
@@feedbackzaloop Sure, Covid times excluding! 🤒
@@feedbackzaloop Actually, this winter, it's best not to have mudguards, as the flying spray is a good way to measure social distance. ;-)
@@beeble2003 I agree with your thinking 😆.
Mud guards can also protect your frame from tiny rocks
I really like how they agreed at the end 😊
Can never unsee ......
My poor eyes!
Mudguards can actually reduce drag if they extend forward pass the top of the wheel. It helps shield the incoming air from the forward moving surfaces of the tires.
Some older road bike front mudguards was enlarged almost to the ground to eliminate mud and water as much as it was possible and still not decrease ride clearance. I think this is slightly tiny version, but it works.
It's most interesting to me to see the speckles on the shoulders and arms. I've found front mudguards need to extend forwards past the fork to prevent spray coming off the top of the tyre being dispersed into your face by the forward speed of the bike. Note that the mudguard doesn't stop your feet getting wet either.
I've literally just come in and the Mrs informs me that my skidmark's are so much bigger and dirtier than Ollies.
Maybe shecan smell them? ;)
@@thebrowns5337 Possibly, if that's the case then a mudguard isn't going to help much ;)
That's the first GCN video that's going to give me nightmares, I guess Dan is off the hook now for wearing those white bib shorts
And now it's time for cycling shorts.
Leigh Harwood at least they had black lycra on underneath, it prevents the worst aspects of such a faux pas.
Agreed Matthew but it was still a sight for sore eyes 🤪😳
@@leighharwood9415 My eyes were drawn to the 'standing out' parts - hilarious! As a woman, it was hysterical
@@bettyjones8363 I'm sure it was addictive viewing to straight women and gay men alike 😳😂
hilarious presentation. really good work Ollie.
This is brilliant! It's the stuff that made me sign up for GCN.
But group etiquette would be to have mudguards so as not to cover your mates in mud.
I've seen some clubs where mudguards are mandatory on winter group rides.
Group riding? No ta.
The reason it’s a rule in our club to use mudguards in winter is to provide some comfort to all those behind the ride leader(s)!
I remember watching a video of the same topic but, with Sy and Matt, a couple of years ago. Nice times those!
Oh this is just LEGENDARY !
Be good to see how much it stops mud from being sprayed onto the rider behind. Think you missed an opportunity then.
Don't give Ollie an excuse to wear the Morph suit again, please...
@@gcntech also it would have been nice to see the actual difference between a full proper mudguard and a ass saver
Depends on the mudguard.
It all comes down to geometry.
Generally If your mudguard go to or below the axle than you wont spray the guy behind you.
There are even variants with a little brush that cleans the wheel before ethe mud gets accelerated of the wheel.
What's missing is a mudguard that goes inside the rear triangle to really keep your legs and drive train clean.
a rear mudflap really reduces the spray that hits riders behind you, even with full mudguards/fenders.
The rear mudflap hanging below the fender should extend to a couple inches above the road to be most effective in preventing spraying the rider behind.
These are the videos why we love GCN Tech!
Finally usable, intelligent content. Thank you.
I've ridden a bike WITHOUT mudguards only once, when my grandparents bought me a mountainbike for my 10th birthday. The first rain was enough for me to put mudguards on all my bikes. Also to people who want to keep their feet dry i recommend you extend your front mudguard. They are usually not long enough to protect your feet while peddling. So what i do is i cut out a piece of innertube from an old car tire, and bolt it to the bottom of the front mudguard. Helps alot.
I do something similar, I buy a piece of 3mm thick rubber mat off eBay.....drill 3 sets off two two holes and use electrical ties... works great!
Very funny!! I have a winter bike fitted with long mudguards and flaps, perfect!
Mudflaps are an essential part of the system though.
I use them in the winter. Riding a tandem, keeps the stoker happy! Very important
That’s some dedication!!! Good video!
Yep. Thumbs up for the mudguard/fender. But, full fenders only on my "winter bike". Also, I use a rear clip on guard to keep my back dry during wet cyclocross training rides.
Haven't laughed so much in ages. Mudguards perhaps, but maybe jockstraps for this video would have prevented any nightmares ha ha!
Priceless at the end there 😂😆
Really a helpful video in deciding whether to put mudguard or not
Thought your video was very helpful and well done…I’ve got a Merida speeder flat bar road bike, after watching this video want to get a pair for my bike…thanks fellas..cheers. Andrew from 🇦🇺
Mudguards, always. A necessity for being a bike commuter in BC
Agreeed
Doubly important in Michigan where they use copious amounts of salt on the roads. Speed lost on the road made up in reduced cleaning.
And in North Wales.
Yes, for commuting, it would be insane not to use mudguards.
yes, I think this video isnintended for sports cycling. Commuters like us know that mudguards are a must along with anything that keeps you warm and dry regardless on how you look on it 😂
the ending haha in stitches :D
I was once a tough Northern man, out in all weather & would never have thought of putting mudguards on my bikes. Fast forward 35yrs & I now have mudguards on all my bikes. PDW beast mudguards my favourites & have great coverage & great lines. Also you must have nice long flaps!! ( Oh Matron ) fitted to mudguards, especially on group rides. Your friends will thank you for not sharing road gunk with them. :)
Nice one, would have loved seeing the mudguards close up and see some alternatives and options as models to buy . Another nice video though 😊
Hi gcn, great video. Maybe it is an idea to get the crew together in these suits and fits each bike with different mudguard setups: full, asssaver, frameflap, none, etc. Do a proper winters ride and find out who is cleanest, fastest, most fun, etc. Best wishes and have a Nice christmas!
Classic ending! Genuine lol. Cheers lads!
I was just about to drink my morning coffee when I came across this video... and I mean... wow, the things presenters of GCN do for science is just wow.
Definitely help in winter! Still have to wash my bike but at least my clothes are MOSTLY clean!
How can I unwatchable this? Can’t believe this made it past the censors. Seriously funny video.
that bulge cant be unseen.... they haven't post-editing-pre-uploading checking team?
You forgot the mud flap at the lower end of the front mudguard. They work WONDERS and keep your feet dry.
I hadn't seen this when I wrote my own comment. I used that flap when I had to ride to school every day and turning up with wet trousers that you had to sit in all day was no fun. Although rain here is a rare occurrence, when it does come I wish I had that flap even if I didn't have any other mudguard. PS my rear carrier and bag means that I never get anything up the back. The carrier intercepts that.
As a cyclist using MTB, I always put on mudguards. I remove the rear part because during summer and keep the deflector. Works like a charm!
I have just recently starting using them and they work great.
The ending 😂😭
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees.
i'd like the really long answer
@@BoCaine Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
Super fun vid! Well done
I've been running full length fenders for the past couple years here in upstate NY.. certainly keep me and my bike MUCH cleaner in the winter months especially with all the salt they use here. Also the guys I ride with really appreciate them!! lol
I CAN SEE EVERYTHING
yea you can tell who was the bigger junk with the white suits on!
Oh no, Ollie with the stain is probably my worst nightmare.
OK, I'm convinced.
Clever presentation! My bike only fits a rear mud guard and I put it on a month ago. I don’t go riding in the rain in winter, but wet roads and the occasional mud puddle keep sand and grit off me and my bike. I should look into “what’s new” and see if I can fit a front mudguard. It keeps sand/grit Out of my chain/drivetrain
I think the front mud guard would be more effective if the actually covered more of the back of the wheel. The length still allows the front mech. and shoes to be sprayed with dirt.
@@StopTheRotNo, it would only have to be 4 inches longer than it is now.
There does exist full to-the-ground front fenders made by SKS, Velo Orange, PDW, and Gilles Berthoud. The SKS are the heaviest and most fragile, but the cheapest.
Essential for winter riding, especially if riding in a group. Unless you want to sit on the back of the group for the whole ride....which to be fair doesnt sound all that bad an idea.
Contrary may be more true, ride on the front and stay cleaner?
@@Cyclonut96 im not sure your clubmates would tolerate that for more than 5 minutes lol.
Better idea: don't ride in the winter or rain
Cars and public transportation still exist you know, and there's no more tempting time to use them than in cold and damp weather
Ofc this video is made by Brits so the rain is more of a nuisance there
I'm a newbie novice, bimbling around town on my cheap hybrid bike. I'd already decided I wanted mudguards but definitely made a purchase after my first ride in the wet at night. The constant road spray caught in my light beam was so distracting, a similar effect to driving in fog. Any mud stopped is just a bonus.
Good video. Funny and explanatory at the same time. 👍
Those mudguards are useless lol they need to be way longer than that and have some mud flaps to actually be usefull
absolutely. never seen mudguards that look less effective than those. I wouldn't ride with those even solo let alone in a group. They would not stop your feet from getting wet.
yall got a good suggestion?
i use these - www.amazon.in/Dark-Horse-Plastic-Mudguard-Universal/dp/B07FZYF2GD/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Cycle+Mudguard&qid=1607950971&sr=8-3 (something better than nothing)
My thoughts exactly. You can't paceline in the wet with those fenders. The most effective set up I've seen is a full coverage fender with an aftermarket flap of plastic or leather added.
@@venkatjayadeepj1342 I had a pair on my MTB, and when storing my bike inside the car, it broke... plastic...
@@venkatjayadeepj1342 $250-$320...ah, no thanks mate. Not just the funds, but also the weather here is not nearly as wet as the Pacific NW or UK.
This is WHY one does not wear white cycling shorts.
expose the lefty
Over a few years of doing a 30-mile-per-day commute through central London, my full-length mudguards with mudflaps were absolutely priceless for helping keep my feet dry, my clothes clean and my bike free of grit and road grease. They're an absolute gamechanger for wet winter riding.
Those are pretty cool looking fenders/mudguards. I think they look great on that bike. I hated fenders for the longest time but I was getting soaked all the time commuting to work. One rainy day with them on and I was an instant convert.
With extra long flaps.
My mudguards, before you ask.
You always need mudguards in winter. Especially in the UK.🌧👍
just winter ? all year round it rains every month
i always use my mudguard in all terrain bike in front tire, helps me a lot
Great video, I love using them.
Ah, at last, my sleep paralysis demons have featured on GCN. Now I can rest easy.
As a Dutchman that commutes everywhere throughout the year on a bike: yes.
lekker
Great episode guys!
A test of different types of mudguards would be great. ie full mudguard vs ass saver type. With the morph suits obviously
Its the Mudguard flap that really kept the worst of.. Out of fashion these days !
Noone:
Absolutely noone:
Alex genitals underneath a white morph suit: HELLO!
Really hard not to miss them. We're in stitches here. Brilliant!
One of the better ones in a long time. It competes with the skeleton bodies of Si and Ollie in the gym!
Alex has nothing to be ashamed of there!
@@evandarling699 I mean he should be down right proud. Nice bonus in this video 👌🏾
Great. Always wondered.
I love mud guards anyway but that last point of keeping other riders clean is *chefs kiss*.