What is a mudguard and what is its function?

Have you ever been out riding your bike on a rainy day, and mud and water splashed all over your clothes? In fact it’s not fun at all! When this occurs, it can turn your ride into an unpleasant, messy one. Fortunately, you can both get something to help to prevent this from happening. It’s called a mudguard. 

A mudguard is a specific kind of plastic or metal that sits on your bike above the wheels. Think of it like a shield! This deflector prevents water, mud, and other grime from splashing up and hitting you while riding. So if it rains or the floor is wet, you’ll stay clean and dry even if the weather isn’t favorable. That implies you can have all the more love for your ride without the dread of being grimy. 

Keep Your Bicycle and Clothes Clean and Tidy 

But hang on, mudguards not only help keep you clean, but also help keep your bike clean! Bike tires stir up dirt and grime from the road as you ride. Excessive dirt on your bicycle can destroy critical components such as the brakes and gears. Over years, this can turn into costly repairs you would rather steer clear of. 

The dirt and mud get into your clothes, and it can be a mess. This can be particularly annoying if you’re wearing something nice, like your favorite shirt, or if you don’t want to have to change clothes after your ride. A mudguard will protect your bike and your clothes from these issues. That way you can enjoy yourselves without the concern of getting dirty. 

The Mudguard: Why Every Bike Needs One 

You might be asking yourself, “Well, I only ride my bike when it’s nice out, so I don’t really need a mudguard. However, even when there is no rain, mud and dirt can still be kicked from the roadway. If you ride on gravel paths or dirt trails, a mudguard is essential! These surfaces can produce more plumes of dirt than smooth roads do. 

Also, if you take your bike out on the streets among the cars, the mud and debris that collect on your tires can obstruct the view of the drivers. This is both dangerous to yourself and to other people sharing the road. Using a mudguard you are contributing to keeping everyone safer on the roads. This little bit of kit makes all the difference when it comes to keeping yourself and others safe.