Why don't bikes have mudguards?

Tony & I went a walk by our local reservoir this afternoon and two bikes rode past us. The riders were covered in mud all up the back of their legs - they were absolutely caked in it - their clothing too.

It seems crazy to me that bikes no longer seem to have mudguards.

Does anybody have an idea why? I'd love to know!!

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

I'd like to know too Carol, my two teenage grandsons got new bikes for Christmas and the first thing I noticed was they had no mudguards, as I've often said, the world is going backwards, it's the age of uninventing reliable things.

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

You can buy them and fit them fairly easily my husband put one on Tasha's bike and he put one on his own. Relatively cheap too as they save on washing !

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

If you buy a bike without mudguards, it doesn't have mudguards. If you buy a bike with mudguards, it does have mudguards.
It's up to you what you buy. My son's bike has always had mudguards.

Generally, mountain bikes don't have them, but city/commuting bikes do.
You can always fit them - it's not rocket science.

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

I always have mudguards on my bike but my son hates them... who knows why..

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

I thought it was illegal not to have mudguards on a bike and a reflector. This may be revelent

Link

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2...0100198_en.pdf

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

You don't really need them on the front because the frame cops most of the spray but you can broaden the down tube by attaching a plastic piece which keeps spray off your legs and feet.



On the back you can buy a cheap plastic attachment that stops the spray going up your back.



These are much better solutions, lighter and far more easily attached and removed than the old fashioned mudguards.

When I used to cycle I never bothered because when it rains here it really rains so you are soaked through anyway a bit of spray off the road makes little difference. Having said that in 20 years cycling 24km to work every day the number of times I got wet could be counted on your fingers.

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

Never ride a bike in the rain or on none congealed earth.

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

I agree Carol, I suppose if one or two kids do it, the rest have to follow. They may soon change their minds if they had to do their own washing!

Re: Why don't bikes have mudguards?

I think it started with the craze for 'mountain bikes' which don't have mudguards then others followed...

My brother bought my son a mountain bike for christmas on year and he used to get covered mud which he said was part of the fun I didn't find it much fun washing the mud off his clothes