Some brands make specific products that are so good that they become synonymous with that particular item, no matter what else they might also manufacture.
A perfect cycling case in point is SKS. Say those three letters to any cyclist worth their salt and they’ll instantly think of mudguards, and for good reason: SKS mudguards are probably the most respected first line of protection from tyre spray on the market.
And it’s not just your classic full-length traditional mudguards; SKS makes options for all types of bikes and riders. Below, we’ll examine three quality mudguard sets with different users in mind.
Mudguards aren’t the only product to benefit from SKS’s German engineering and attention to detail, either. Also perfect for the well-prepared rider, we’ll take a look at SKS’s brand new INJEX mini pumps and its commute-perfect Urban luggage range…
Mudguards
SKS Chromoplastics ‘Classic’ Mudguards – from £50
Let’s start with an old favourite. SKS’s Chromoplastics mudguard sets are the classic option and still the best full-coverage mudguards on the market. Featuring SKS’s iconic decorative stripes running down the centre, there’s a traditional aesthetic but thoroughly modern performance
Ready to fit bikes with 28in/700c wheels, these front and rear mudguard sets are available in three widths: 35mm, 45mm and 50mm. They come complete with rear reflector and spoilers, and 3.4mm stainless steel stays, as well as stainless steel front fork crown fitting, sliding bridge and fixed bridges.
Finally, in an important nod to 21st Century levels of safety, the Secu clip ‘breakaway’ fittings on the front stays mean your front wheel won’t get blocked if something becomes jammed between the tyre and the mudguard.
So they’re a case of classic looks with contemporary capabilities.
SKS Bluemels Style Mudguards – from £55
Bringing things a bit more into the modern day, SKS’s Bluemels Style mudguards feature a fascinating flexible sandwich construction, where ultra-fine aluminium strips are embedded in a plastic coating, resulting in a mudguard that is extremely robust, rigid and corrosion-resistant.
That’s not the end of the clever tech: the Bluemels Style mudguard set also feature a flexible spoiler to provide excellent all-round protection against spray water. And the newly-developed V-adapter with ESC safety system uncouples the double U-stays should something become trapped between the spokes, meaning the wheel won’t come to an unwelcome full stop.
The Bluemel Style mudguards come as a front and rear set, available for 28in/700mm wheels in 46mm or 56mm widths, or for 27.5in-29in wheels in 65mm or 75mm widths.
SKS Easy Fit Mudguards – from £32
But what if you want something even easier to fit and remove from your bike? SKS’s Easy Fit mudguards are ideal for the commuting cyclist who might want spray protection in the winter months, but then wants to go ‘naked’ when the roads are dry.
Made from durable zinc-plated PET plastic, as with SKS’s Chromoplastics ‘Classic’ mudguards the Easy Fit sets feature a safety-conscious Secu clip to help prevent front wheel blockages. But the really clever bit – and the reason these models deserve their ‘Easy Fit’ moniker – is the inclusion of slide-in adjustable brackets for a straightforward optimal fit.
As with all the SKS mudguards we’ve looked at, the Easy Fit options come in sets of front and rear mudguards, with a choice of 35mm, 45mm or 60mm widths, and all available in either black or silver finishes.
Other products
SKS INJEX Mini-pumps – from £26.99
SKS’s INJEX range of mini-pumps brings another level of attention to detail to the mini-pump market. We’ll look at two prime examples here.
First up is the INJEX Plus (£26.99). Made in Germany, this fantastic ride companion comes with a wealth of special details, such as its textured handle for enhanced grip, its ergonomic compression tube casing, and a five-degree head angle, making it considerably easier to inflate tyres via the MV EASY head, suitable for all valve types. And just to add to the ease, the optional telescopic function ensures more volume per stroke while also increasing the maximum achievable pressure.
If that’s doesn’t satisfy your mid-ride re-inflation needs, there’s also the INJEX Pro (£31.99). Another made-in-Germany product, this little beauty features the standout features of the INJEX Plus but has the added benefit of a flip-out T-handle, which is angled at 60 degrees so that your forearm and pump form a straight line during the pumping process. This ensures ergonomic and comfortable handling even when having to fill a fat tyre from flat.
SKS Urban Luggage – from £24.99
So far we’ve looked at SKS products that help you to get where you’re going, but what about if you need help taking more things with you? SKS’s Urban luggage range has the perfect solutions for your commuting needs, with a selection of products that will allow you to carry a bit more on your bike without resorting to racks and panniers.
The SKS Urban Toptube bag (£24.99) is the perfect option for riders who like to keep their belongings where they can see them. This 0.65-litre bag’s water-repellent and tough material protects its contents from rain and dirt, while the top tube attachment system’s paint-friendly hook-and-loop fasteners with tube protection will look after your bike. The non-slip and reinforced underside provides additional stability on bumpy roads. And there’s even a protected cable grommet which comes in handy for charging a smartphone.
The SKS Urban Stem bag (£39.99) will carry up to 1.25 litres via a clever and very capable design. This durable and water-repellent bag isn’t just for your handlebar; it can also be easily mounted on the down tube or bike saddle with hook-and-loop fasteners. Thanks to its clever design, it can transport a litre bottle or a chain lock, with two further tear-resistant mesh side pockets providing the perfect place for loose extras, like keys or money.
Finally, we come to SKS’s Urban Frame bag (£29.99). At 1.4 litres, the Urban Frame bags offers some serious carrying potential. As with the entire Urban range, it’s made from durable and water-repellent material, with Easyzip technology allowing quick access to its contents. Three robust and hook-and-loop fasteners with tube protection ensure super stable mounting in the frame triangle – meaning you’ll have everything you need without even noticing it’s there.
For more information about SKS’s huge product line, visit the SKS website now.
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