Bicycle mudguards 29 inches: what are there and how to choose?

The presence or absence of fenders on a bicycle is one of the most controversial topics for cyclists. Many people say that they are completely unnecessary, since they violate the aerodynamic properties of transport. The rest of the cyclists claim that this accessory cannot be dispensed with in our country. Let's take a look at 29-inch bike fenders, what they are and how to choose.

First you need to find out why you need this product. Its main purpose is to keep your "iron friend" and you clean and dry after the end of the trip. Recently, however, bicycle fenders have been created to give vehicles a more stylish and elegant appearance.

Before choosing wings you need to know the size of your wheel. It always varies, but generally the figure is in the range of 20 to 29 inches.

Now let's take a look at some of the features of the 29-inch fenders.

• Minimum wheel diameter 26 inches... On smaller wheels, these fenders will look ugly and can greatly interfere with your ride.
• It is best to install these models on bicycles. mountain type with wide wheels.
• The accessory must not interfere with driving, cling to parts and be poorly secured.

Considering the different types of wings, they can be classified according to several factors.

• Manufacturing material. Here one can note steel, which is distinguished by its strength and great weight. Aluminum is lighter than steel models, but rare and expensive.Another option is plastic. It is relatively inexpensive, but also rare.
• Mounting method. There are quick-release and fixed fenders. But you can also find "exotic" or home-made versions of the wings and their types of attachment. It is worth noting that the front and rear attachments are slightly different.
• Dimensions. Short examples are most often made from lightweight and ergonomic materials that least of all affect the aerodynamics of transport. Long models are usually made of various types of metals. They are capable of covering most of the wheel circumference and picking up a lot of dirt on themselves.

Among the whole variety of assortment, one can single out the best models that meet all the requirements and are not so expensive.

This is a road bike racing fender with minimal clearance and extended protection. Accessory design traditionally robust, bolted to the brake axles, and the main arch is made of metal. These production standards have not changed for several years and give a positive result, which users note. The recommended tire width is 25-30mm.

A set of fenders that fit quite tightly to the tire and stably protect the driver from dirt. It should be noted that protection extends to the front brakes, which are also protected by the fender... The kit is made of plastic and weighs only 330 grams. Brand verified by SKS (Germany). Fits 28-29 inch wheels. After the purchase, I just want to give a positive assessment to the product.

Universal front fender suitable for mountain bikes with wheel diameters of 26 ", 27.5" or 29 ". An additional soft spoiler is installed at the end of the wing, which improves protection of the struts from minor damage. The wing width is 60-73 mm. Stylish appearance and matte black color dispose the user to purchase. Zefal - the manufacturer is very famous in the production of bicycle accessories.

When buying this accessory, you should definitely know that it has both positive and negative properties, which will now be considered.

Let's start with the merits.

• Wings (especially full-size and metal ones) look great on a device with wide tires. They give the transport a certain "zest", make its appearance much better and more elegant.
• Protection of the driver from external influences - mud, water.

Unfortunately, of the pros - that's all. A little more flaws were found.

• Excess weight, which can become critical for those seeking to gain extra seconds. Lightweight plastic fenders practically make no sense to buy (they will break quickly), and metal fenders weigh quite a lot.
• The aerodynamic properties of the bicycle are significantly reduced. On ordinary trips, this means practically nothing, but a professional athlete can lose a second at the start.
• Weak defense which will not save you from rain, snow and other weather conditions.
• Most wings have weak attachmentsthat can withstand normal riding but are unlikely to handle rolling in hilly terrain.

Buying wings is not difficult (with the right skills), but the place of purchase of this accessory plays an important role.

• Sports shops. Yes, bike fenders are almost always stocked in regular sports stores. However, it is better to buy here only as a last resort - trust the specialized stores.
• Internet shops. The most affordable and common option. The choice here is quite large, there is no need to go anywhere, and the prices are not high. But the quality can be either good or not.
• Bicycle shops. It is stupid to expect a fake in such stores. The prices here are "standard", as the store is still specialized and official.

Choosing any wings it is worth considering several important criteria that will help make your choice the right one.

• Manufacturer. Before buying, you should pay attention to the quality of the product itself and the manufacturer. Professional cyclists prefer foreign companies that create truly high-quality products, the use of which has almost no effect on the performance of your vehicle.
• Diameter of wheels and fenders. It is important to know that 29 "fenders will fit on wheels from 27 to 29 sizes inclusive. In other cases, they will interfere, rather than bring any benefit.
• Design. Not such an important factor, but you need to take it into account. Remember that you can find quality and stylish fenders. Riding in an open area, you will attract the attention of people, as well as yourself to look with pleasure at your "iron horse". Fortunately, the assortment in the modern world is very wide, so finding a suitable model will not be difficult.
• Material... Basically, there are 2 main types of wing material: plastic and metal. The first one is convenient in that it has little effect on the aerodynamic properties of the bicycle. The second one often looks more attractive (due to its metallic luster), but greatly spoils the aerodynamics of the apparatus.

For an overview of the wings for a 29-inch bicycle, see the video.