6 reasons to get mudguards - from the surprising to the obvious

Some people don’t like the look of mudguards on a sleek road bike but there’s no doubting the practical benefits. Here are six reasons why you should consider fitting them this winter.

1. Mudguards keep you comfortable

The most obvious reason for fitting mudguards is that they’ll keep gunk and water from flying up and getting all over you, keeping you drier, warmer and more comfortable than you’d otherwise be. If you’ve not used them before you’ll be surprised at just how much of a difference mudguards make across a wide variety of different riding conditions.

2. Mudguards offer a performance benefit

No, really. Cycling is more of a challenge when you’re wet and cold. By helping you stay dry, mudguards allow you to focus on training, if that’s what you have in mind. You’ll also be likely to stay out on the bike longer if you’re comfortable, rather than cutting things short and heading home because you’re not enjoying it.

3. Mudguards are better for your ride-mates

In many clubs mudguards are compulsory for wet weather riding because they stop spray being slung up from your tyres and soaking the rider behind. Even if you’re not in a club, anyone you ride with will appreciate you using long mudguards when there’s water on the road.

4. Mudguards improve your bike’s longevity

Okay, nothing's going to keep your bike completely dry when you’re riding in the rain, but mudguards will cut the amount of dirty water that gets chucked up by your tyres and into the moving parts. Bearings don’t like water and your drivetrain isn’t fond of mud, so fitting mudguards helps from a maintenance point of view.

Check out our mudguard reviews here. 

5. Mudguards can improve your vision

Use mudguards and less water and grit gets flicked up from the road onto your glasses or into the face of the rider behind you, so it’s good news in terms of vision.

6. Mudguards prevent that line up the back of your jersey 

We all know that brown line of mud that gets sprayed up the back of a cyclist’s jersey from a rear wheel. It’s not the coolest look and it can be virtually impossible to get out of light coloured clothing. You don’t get it if you use mudguards. 

Check out our Buyer’s Guide to the best mudguards here.