3

Due to the rainy weather and my daily commute, I've decided to invest in some SKS Raceblade fenders. The fenders extend only just past vertical of the axle, and so I wonder about how wet I/my drivetrain can expect to get from the remaining exposed tire.

Has anyone looked at this carefully/experimented with the amount of water coming off the tire at different angles/speeds? I would assume that most of the water stays near the ground, and incrementally less water goes around the frame.

What I'm trying to understand is whether I need to buy another fender to block water that will hit my drive train, or if so little will be present by the time it gets past the fender that it won't really matter.

I've uploaded a photo to illustrate my question.

my understanding of water flying off the tire.

Improve this question
7
  • 1
    From what I can see of the photo you've posted, the spray of water from the front wheel is going to soak your drivetrain thoroughly - along with your feet and lower legs. Assuming there's nothing sitting on that rack, the only thing that rear fender is really going to do is prevent you from getting a racing stripe on your back. If there is something on that rear rack, the fender will stop if from getting soaked in water that's likely muddy and/or oily. If you want to stop your feet from getting soaked, you need fenders with a spray flap on the front that goes almost to the ground.
    – Andrew Henle
    Jan 21, 2020 at 22:13
  • Is that complete? Some mudguards come in two pieces, with a junction or brief gap at the brake caliper. Perhaps the front piece was not installed.
    – Criggie ♦
    Jan 21, 2020 at 23:40
  • 1
    @Criggie, there was only once piece for the front, and one for the rear :(
    – Nate
    Jan 22, 2020 at 0:00
  • 1
    So, clearly Nate has one of those clip on fenders for use on bikes without eyelets. Those are inherently partial fenders.
    – Weiwen Ng
    Jan 22, 2020 at 1:00
  • @AndrewHenle There is quite clearly a fender with a spray flap in the front. It may be slightly short, but not by a lot, and it will intercept at least 80% of the spray from the front.
    – DavidW
    Jan 22, 2020 at 15:56

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

That rear mudguard/fender is definitely better than nothing, but its not a good full-coverage guard. As you note, water will fly off the tyre and hit the frame and underside of your legs while riding.

A good rear guard will start low at the back, perhaps even with a mudflap. Then will go over the whole outside circumference, with its lowest point below the BB/chainstays.

If your roads have any dirt on them it will be picked up an ddeposited on the rear of your seat tube, and possibly on the top of the kickstand bracket if your bike has one between the chainstays.

Most-all full guards have stays that support and brace the rear of the guard. I can't see any in your pic, but I bet the guard's a bit floppy and perhaps even buzzes on the tyre while riding.

Related - the tread on your tyre has a lot to do with how much water is carried around the wheel. A blocky MTB knobbly will throw road water like a rooster tail, but a road bike in the same conditions and at the same speed will throw far less water.

Separately, that front mudguard is okay but not great. It could go down further, again with a mudflap to protect the BB and chainrings and your feet from road water.

Improve this answer
0

The same rear fender/mudguard would be more effective if you installed it to run from the BB to just behind the brake bridge. I am familiar with removable guards that install that way, reference "Flinger". I agree with others' advice about your front guard not going low enough too.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.