While aero gains aren’t everything, it hurts my brain a bit to see this air dam strapped to my downtube. It’s definitely not something I would keep on the bike, even when the skies are clear & sunny. Firstly, it’s crucial to consider your bike’s clearance since not all bikes can accommodate mudguards, especially when running larger tires. Take into account the space required for both the mudguards and any trail debris that may get caught between the tire and guard. You might need to size down on your tires or, in some cases, switch to a smaller wheel size, like from 700c to 650b, if your bike offers compatibility. Remember to ensure that the mudguards you choose are suitable for your gravel bike’s tire width. Lastly, the Ass Savers Fendor Bendor Big rear guard is a lightweight and extremely stable mudguard option for gravel bikes and mountain bikes. Weighing only 60g, the Fendor Bendor Big is designed to stay securely in place, thanks to its well-crafted creases and folds that offer rigidity to the thin polypropylene material. For those who prioritize full mud and water protection and don’t mind spending a bit more, full-length mudguards are an excellent option. These mudguards provide more comprehensive coverage, keeping you dry from head to toe and maintaining your gravel bike frame and components in better condition. Full-length mudguards usually come with mounting materials, struts kits, and sometimes even stainless steel fixed bridges for added durability. The SKS Bluemels Reflective Mudguards are a popular option, with sizes to fit tires ranging from 28-47mm and the additional ASR system for extra protection in case of wheel jams.

Choosing the right mudguards comes down to personal preference and compatibility with the rider’s bike. Some popular options include Ass Savers’ Fendor Bendor Big for the rear and Mudder Mini for the front, offering a lightweight and versatile combination. For those seeking more extensive coverage, traditional full-length fenders such as those from SKS can accommodate various tire sizes and geometries. When choosing gravel bike mudguards, it’s essential to consider several practical factors to ensure you make the best choice for your specific needs and preferences. Here, we’ll discuss four key considerations: clearance and fit, weight, protection level, and ease of installation and removal. Mudguards offer numerous benefits including keeping riders dry, comfortable, and free from the debris that comes with gravel riding, while also extending the lifespan of bike components by protecting them from the elements. What makes the Mudder Mini unique is that you set it up super close to the front tire. Modern gravel (and cyclocross too) forks have been offering more and more mud clearance, which also means more space from the tire to the fork crown. That means we get bigger tires which is great, but they inevitably spray more at our face too. By simply strapping this fender down tight to the fork legs about 5mm above the tire, it seems to outperform every other mini front fender I have tried. As the gravel segment expands, cyclists face new challenges. The issue of having dirt thrown in your face is a well known problem among mountain bikers. With huge clearances for 650B and 700c tires in the front fork, gravel riders are now facing a similar issue.Mudguards come in various options to accommodate different preferences, budgets, and bike types. Minimalist, strap-on mudguards can provide some relief from the mud and water spray while full-length fenders offer more comprehensive protection from head-to-toe. By keeping riders more comfortable throughout their ride, mudguards can prevent chill and discomfort from damp clothing and eliminate the unpleasant experience of a muddy face and rear end.

With headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, Ass Savers has been a successful brand recognized by cyclists around the world for their simple and innovative mudguards. With strong showings in the road and mountain categories, they now bring their product design experience to gravel with several new products.

It's dirty job but Fendor Bendor Big gets the job done! Maximum protection for gravel or MTB. Features With the wide variety of styles and fitments available, there is almost certainly a mudguard that will fit on your gravel bike. Some mudguards require the frame and fork to have specific mounts, whereas others fasten to the bike without the need for mounting points, so whatever bike you have there is no need to endure a wet and dirty ride. How we test It's a dirty job but Fendor Bendor Big gets the job done! Maximum protection for gravel or MTB. Features Read more: Ass Savers Fendor Bendor Big rear gravel mudguard full review Gravel fenders / mudguards: Things to think about Universal fit: With the newly developed attachment construction, Fendor Bendor Big is now completely self supported and therefore possible to mount on bikes without the sideway support of the seat stays or the support of a brake bridge. You could also mount it above your caliper brake to avoid interference with the brake.

It’s essential to consider factors such as the type of terrain you generally ride on and the climate and weather conditions in your area. If you frequently ride on wet and muddy trails, both front and rear mudguards might be necessary for optimal protection. However, if your rides tend to be drier and less prone to mud and debris, you may find that one type of mudguard is sufficient for your needs. While mountain bikers are used to mud, gravel bikers face a different challenge. Anyone who has ridden on a wet gravel road is familiar with the mixture of fine sand and water that seems to be designed especially to seek and destroy bearings, not to mention what it does to your eyes on a long ride. Instead, the 20g worth of fender is all about cutting down on a small section of spray coming off the front wheel. What it does is, it limits the spray that hits two spots – the headset and your face. As someone who rides with prescription glasses, reducing the amount of sand, wet mud & water that hits me in the face is a huge deal. This thing is by no means perfect, but it probably cuts the spray onto my face by half. That’s a big enough deal that I put one of these on every bike it will fit, and just leave it there all the time. Traditional full fenders are made from robust materials that ensure their durability, making them a long-lasting investment compared to other fender types. They are resistant to wear and tear, which means they will continue to provide excellent protection, even after long periods of use. This durability makes them an ideal choice for gravel bikers who want to be confident that their fenders will withstand the test of time.

First up is the Ass Savers Mudder Mini mudguard, which offers a minimal yet effective solution for riders who prefer a discreet and lightweight front fender. Weighing just 21 grams, this mudguard is very easy to install without any tools, thanks to its anti-slip straps that ensure a secure fit on all fork sizes. Despite its small size, the Mudder Mini offers adequate protection from road spray, keeping you relatively clean on wet and muddy rides. Given its lightweight design, it's incredibly stable and I didn't note any flapping around or instability with the guard. Fendor Bendor Big: Value and conclusion

Fenders / mudguards that attach to the frame and fork of your bike are incredibly versatile. They are easy to take on and off and fit a wide range of different bikes. The downside is that in attaching to your frame, they run a very real risk of damaging your paintwork - and in extreme circumstances, even your frame. Fitting mudguards can be a bit challenging, but taking the time to ensure a proper fit or seeking help from a local mechanic is essential for optimal performance. Gravel riders can choose among front, rear, or both mudguards, depending on their preferences and the type of protection they desire. Front mudguards primarily protect the rider’s face from debris, while rear mudguards shield the lower body from grimy splashes. Often overlooked, these unsung heroes of the cycling world can provide protection from debris and the dreaded “soggy bottom” while still maintaining your bike’s cool aesthetic. So, strap on your helmet and get ready to dive into the world of gravel bike fenders, as we explore the various options, benefits, and installation tips to keep you riding smoothly across the unbeaten path, while looking and feeling great! Mudguards for Gravel Bikes: The Ultimate Game Changer for Wet Weather Riding Fit: The Fendor Bendor fits all frames with standard seat stays. It's self supportive and doesn't require support from To prevent this, it’s worth getting yourself some helitape. This clear tape that is incredibly strong and won’t be worn through by the straps of your guards. It’s almost invisible when the guards are removed, so your frame will stay looking as pretty as ever.The FENDOR BENDOR Big gets the dirty job done. The all new attachment makes fitting without tools a breeze, to virtually every bike in just a few seconds. Fit: The Fendor Bendor fits all frames with standard seat stays. It's self supportive and doesn't require support from the brake bridge or the seat stays. It can also be mounted directly on a seat post (as low as possible for best effect). The Fendor Bendor will not fit if you have monostay frame or center pull brake. designer olaf wit explains, ‘some people like their bikes as clean and simple as possible. any part that isn’t directly necessary for riding is left off. but then sometimes… it’s just too wet!‘ to use the device as a rear fender in the event of rain, bicyclists need only unfold the ‘fendor-bendor’, pre-fold along the dye-cut pattern running along its length, slide the device through the seat stays and clamp it on with a simple closure.