The Axiom Rainrunner Deluxe Reflex Mudguards have a seriously solid feel. Both guards have a rubber mudflap on the bottom and once fitted they look great and perform well.
I have always shunned the use of mudguards, preferring to allow the debris and grit to provide a nice brown line of sludge up my back. Maybe a legacy of my mountain biking days but it just didn't look cool or right!
After a dismal summer and an awful winter, I have to confess, I've had a re-think. In fact I jumped at the chance to test some. With a more regular attempt at commuting the need to keep kit dry has become paramount. So after another soaking I spent an afternoon fitting a set of Axiom Rainrunner Reflex mudguards.
The first challenge is to work out the myriad of fittings, which bits go where, front or back. With a little effort this was soon established. The mudguards themselves seemed sturdy without being heavy. The struts to support and attach the rear mudguard were straightforward to fit. Once you've located the eyelets on the frame you then thread them through the guides on the guards, secure with the fittings provided. To make sure you don't pull the guard too much either way, gradually tighten one bolt at a time. This way you'll have a securely fitted rear guard without leaning too much one way or the other.
With the wheel back in place I have to admit it looked pretty good. The front guard requires more effort as the supporting struts had to be trimmed to make sure they didn't overlap and run the risk of catching the frame. Once measured, cutting the fitting was reasonably simple. One tip, make sure if you do cut the struts so that the ends are super smooth to fit through the eyelets which secure them to the guards. Any rough edges will make for a tough fit.
A quick check revealed no rattling or rubbing. Time for a road test. As luck would have it the forecast was wet, not often I've been cheering that news over the last few months.
The guards looked smart, with a small rubber flap on the ends there was a certain style too. After several commutes I'm happy to report the brown line is a thing of the past as is having to remember to keep my mouth shut when you hit a larger puddle.
I'm never going to be a huge fan of wet weather riding but the Roadrunners are helping to increase my enthusiasm when the rain comes down. Despite several lumpier stretches of road, the guards remain secure. Neither has lost its shape or position and therefore there is no rub.
An additional feature that adds an element of safety is the reflective strip when you look directly at the guard from the rear. Bright and effective there is little not to like. A good all round package.
Verdict
Sturdy mudguards, that perform really well and stay put in all weathers.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Axiom Rainrunner Deluxe Reflex Mudguards
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?
The are aimed at keeping the rubbish off you and your bike and it's always much pleasant to arrive at your destination sans the brown sludge mark up your back.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Made to fit most bikes even with 700 x 32 tyres fitted.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
They are solid and durable coping with some severe amounts of debris and uneven road conditions.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
They have been fitted for a while now and I have forgotten they are on the bike. A sure sign they are doing the job intended.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
No signs of wear or tear or rattle and shake.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Lightweight but don't mistake that for flimsy.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
At £40 they are at the upper end of the price bracket but are good value.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They have met the challenge of grit, stones and mud head on which means I haven't arrived covered in it.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Easy to fit, soild and durable whilst doing a good job.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Having to cut struts to fit is a little tricky and could put first time users off.
Did you enjoy using the product? I did.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? They are worth using and would recommend.
Age: 44 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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5 comments
They do not come very far down so, without adding additional "flaps", they do not provide much spray protection for clubmates on a winter run.
Clearance required? Same as SKS Chromo's perhaps?
Yes, SKS are a pain to fit, especially the seat stay chopping stage. Although once done, they are done for good in my experience.
Quite expensive, anyone know how these compare to the classic (and cheaper) SKS Chromoplastics?
There are also a cheaper non 'deluxe' version at £27.
Compared to SKS they are much easier to fit, but the SKS bolt pack tends to be nicer looking and don't rust quite as much.