Coming from a road touring background, my Fuji Touring bike usually has full coverage fenders installed. I’ve recently built up my Surly Grappler for bikepacking and now that I’ve finally gotten a chance to ride it I’m realizing that both myself and the bike are getting quite dirty when riding in sub ideal weather conditions. I know once the bike is fully loaded, the bags and gear will help mitigate a bit of the spray.
Does anyone have any experience with fenders/mudguards on an ATB that’s going to be used on more off road/gravel bikepacking trips? Should I consider full coverage fenders or are there better options out there that will still play nice with the racks? I’m primarily concerned with keeping gunk off my face, butt and the underside of the brooks saddle. Bonus points for anything that helps keep the drivetrain cleaner.
For context on the types of rides I like to do – think the Sea to Sky Trail. I also have a trip planned for may to do the Cairngorms Loop in Scotland.
OR do I just suck it up and accept that getting dirty is part of it lol.
Thanks in advance
by __onions
2 Comments
I like the sks s-set but I also specifically built out everything with quick release/setup stuff cause I got a frame with the s&s couplers and prioritize flying with my bike
I like SKS Bluemels 75, they fit over almost any tire currently available, aside from Duro Crux (depends also on your frame if there’s room). And they are quite robust. Some of the narrower ones aren’t quite as good. I’ve hit some pretty rough trails on my Unit and had zero problems of the fenders rattling or moving about.