ETC Trekking Mudguards

ETC Trekking Mudguards are decidedly superior to cheap 'n' cheerfuls of a few years back, though the detailing isn't of the standard we take for granted these days.

Available in black or silver, these chromoplastic guards feel reassuringly solid and curve gracefully. Suggesting they'll accommodate stockier 38-45mm tyre sections is slightly optimistic. In practice, 35mm commuter/touring fare seemed pretty much their limit '' 32mm with deeper tread patterns.

They're a wee bit shorter too, which is both blessing and curse. It's handy when manoeuvring bikes in tight spaces (say through side gates or train doors) but affords less protection to rider and machine alike. This is compounded by a lack of mud flaps, although pop-riveting on some DIY/aftermarket flaps should (largely) resolve matters.

Stainless steel stays and hardware are another definite plus and shouldn't tarnish come the first hint of a wet, salty road. Inserts overcome the need for threadlock, doing an excellent job of countering vibration/chatter across washboard surfaces and everything breezes together in an hour or so.

However, I was somewhat disappointed by the absence of quick release front stays, the sort that spring free should something get lodged between guard and tyre. While short of inducing a spill, even with careful alignment, sticks and similar debris littering country lanes fouled ours, demanding swift dismounts.

Wet rides in these contexts saw more residual spatter than I'd expected around fork blades, chain/seatstays, bottom bracket and crank arms (not to mention shoes and smart trousers). Indeed during one sustained downpour, a passing rider complained about the amount of water being chucked his way!

Things improved when hustling through built up areas and despite forgoing a rear reflector (or drillings for one/dynamo lamp) the silver finish proved surprisingly conspicuous when under street or vehicle lighting.

Overall, performance isn't poor, just mediocre, something I attribute to a combination of old fashioned design and basic specification. Other brands commanding similar cash are decidedly better equipped.

Verdict

Middling performance and basic specification by current standards