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review

Axiom Roadrunner LX Reflex Mudguards

7
£27.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Great quality guards but slightly disappointed by reflective detailing and lack of security stays as standard
Weight: 
720g
Contact: 

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Axiom Road Runner LX Reflex mudguards are beautifully executed and relatively easy to install, even on frames with wishbone rear triangles and similar challenges. However, modest reflectives were disappointing given their moniker.

Available in various widths, the guards are made from a very sophisticated and supposedly unbreakable composite called 'Techniflex'. They curve gracefully and have responded admirably to drilling and other light modifications.

This was necessary for dynamo/battery lights and satisfactory fit aboard my MK2 On-One Ilpompino. Modifications may void Axiom's lifetime warrantee but has negligible effect in practice.

Said frame's cyclo cross inspired clearances ensured our 45mm wide guards afforded excellent coverage with 32-35mm rubber while the fractionally shorter front counteracted some annoying toe-clip overlap.

Bargain on 30 minutes for mounting on standard road or Audax bikes, nearer 60 given the challenges presented by my faithful fixer.

Axiom includes 'axle runners', nicely machined pop-on eyelets made from anodised aluminium. Essentially a 21st century P-clip, these slip inboard of quick release skewers. As a result, alignment is better, although roadside wheel removal takes slightly longer.

Quick release security stays aren't included, so I retrofitted some from my spares bin and would gladly pay the paltry pound or so for them.

Overall performance is excellent with little evidence of overspray along fork blades, chainstays and bottom bracket shell-even during torrential storms. Similarly, extended mud-flaps diffuse really wet roads, so riding companions have nothing to moan about. Stainless steel stays and hardware are premium grade, the sort that sniggers at salty slush.

Regularly hustling along washboard surfaces, vibration hasn't been an issue and I've only needed to nip fasteners tight once.

Reflex decals look charcoal by day and are useful enough but 3M pin-stripes are far more effective. Therefore, consider adding some aftermarket stickers, especially if you frequently negotiate unlit roads/junctions.

Given their length, a little care's still required to avoid grounding when manoeuvring bikes vertically in tight spaces such as side gates, alleys or storing. That said; this is nothing compared with some extra-long touring models.

Verdict

Great quality guards but slightly disappointed by reflective detailing and lack of security stays as standard

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Axiom Roadrunner LX Reflex Mudguard Set

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"A sleek, durable full coverage fender that is quick and easy to mount and stays put once in place.". Understated but true, although less conventional road framesets can still present some challenges, even for these.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Virtually unbreakable Techniflex body; stainless steel stays

MOUNTING SYSTEM Below: Mount to fork/dropout eyelets. Above: mount to brake bridge and fork crown via included nut and bolt or with zip ties

ADDED BENEFIT 3M Reflex Axiom logos reflect white at night; support stays spaced to offer maximum stiffness and frame compatibility; extended mudflaps reduce rear spray for group riding; sold pre-assembled for quick mounting

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall, I've been really impressed by the standards of materials, construction and protection. However, they required drilling to achieve decent fit on my Ilpompino, reflectives were minimal and security stays should be standard issue.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Lovely fit, great shape, high quality materials and excellent protection.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Minimal reflectives and lack of security stays.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? For the most part, yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

Add new comment

6 comments

Avatar
matthewn5 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Another tip. When fitting the rear guard, always drop it below the chain stays to below the chain on the big ring. Stops the tyre delivering a steady stream of gritty water on to the inside of the chain. Crud guards have something similar, but it doesn't extend down far enough.

Avatar
harrybav | 9 years ago
0 likes

Bike in pics has v high bottom bracket, hasn't it? Even so, these mudguards could do with another 2 or 3 inches on the front wheel.

If you buy sks guards, you can buy a spare rear bridge and use it on the front guard at the fork crown, setting the mudguard much further back, and then adding a soft plastic extension to the front too. Much better. Like Longboards but for 700c 25mm tyres.

Avatar
Roberj4 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I'm about to purchase a set which are £38 with the anodised 'axle runners'. These are not available with the more popular Wiggle/Chainreaction sites but worth looking for. I stumbled across these guards by accident. My frame doesn't have eyelets so after a few years putting up with Mr Crub guards breaking, chattering etc these look to be the answer

Avatar
Al__S | 9 years ago
0 likes

In my case, whilst accelerating from a stand still with feet not yet clipped in I slipped, kicked the stay. it popped out and went through the wheel, hit the fork and pinged me over

Avatar
Pub bike | 9 years ago
0 likes

Good article on mudguard safety here… http://www.ctc.org.uk/article/technical-guide/mudguard-safety

Avatar
Al__S | 9 years ago
0 likes

Quick release stays on my SKS mudguards once contributed to me having an "over the handlebars"- they popped out and managed to go through my wheel! Direct bolt is the only way for me.

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