Riding a fat bike is certainly not the cleanest physical activity there is. More often than not, people come across some pretty messy areas when they are riding their bike. It can be a combination of mud, snow, rain, and more that kicks up from the tires.
Fortunately, that is where fenders and mudguards come into play. Some fat bike riders can’t go without them, as it helps keep things clean, warm, and safe overall. Just a little bit of splatter, especially early in the race, can cause a ton of issues.
What are some of the best options out there for fat tires?
People will find that they do not have to spend that much money to get quality protection on the front and back tire if they wish.
1. Farway Bicycle Fender Kit
The front and rear options for a fat tire from Farway definitely make the list as one of the best values out there. Many people have relied on the simplicity of these guards, and the ability to adjust to just about any type of issue out there.
First, it is essential to look at the materials used to make these fenders a reality. It is a synthetic fiber plastic that is very strong, yet lightweight. Although some people have had to deal with breaks and chips at times, they hold up pretty well during extensive use.
Getting the right fit is important to have a good amount of coverage with these guards. It is designed to protect any type of bike with tires ranging from 20 inches to 26 inches. There is a lengthening and widening design that helps to reduce wind resistance and provide even fuller protection.
Angles are important with any type of mudguard once installed. In certain situations, the mudguard might need to be tilted one way or the other. There is no need for any repair tools to make this change, and most people believe that it is extremely beneficial.
For a very affordable option that has left many satisfied, Farway gets a lot right. Do not be afraid to install these and see how they work on messy terrains. Some people will be absolutely shocked to see how much of a difference something like this can make.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
- Adjustable length and width
Cons
- Can still break occasionally
- Mount is an extremely durable
Click here to see why so many people love these fenders on their fatties from Amazon!
2. QuietKat Front and Rear Fender
The sticker price for this fender set might shock some people at first, but the positive reviews should be enticing. These are built specifically for fat bike riders, and although they run pretty expensive, a lot of people are very satisfied with their purchase.
The first thing a person notices when they open up the package is that these are very well-made. It protects not only a person’s body but everything from the chain and derailer, to the bike’s body.
It matches the premium look of some fat bikes, and people love having something they can depend on every single time they go on a ride.
Installation is a breeze, as the front fender goes on the front seat post, while the rear fender goes on the rear fork. They can be taken off if not needed, but most people keep them on since they never know what to expect when riding.
Are these indestructible? No, because no product on the market is. However, this might be the best as far as construction is concerned. No one has to worry about having to replace these over and over again. As long as there are no major accidents with the bike or the guards, they can last for a few years without needing any type of major repairs.
Since cheaper options are not providing the same type of quality, this is a great way to go. Think of it as an investment instead of a one time purchase that needs to be replaced after a set amount of time. It is even capable of protecting against any electronic parts if a person has an e-bike of any sort. It is just another bonus that keeps people safe and their investments looking as good as new.
Pros
- Full, extensive coverage
- Outstanding materials
- Easy to take on and off
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
- Some might think find them a bit too bulky
Click Here to see if the QuietKat Front & Rear Fender on sale from Amazon!
3. Mud Shovel 6.5 By Portland Design Works
This very simple, yet effective bike fork fender is perfect for people who do not want to spend a lot of money but still want extremely high-quality protection. This does an outstanding job protecting against any type of front-wheel spray whatsoever.
It might not seem like that much, but it strategically lines up with all of the problematic parts of a fat bike and the type of stuff that can spray on a person.
Installation is simple, as the guard attaches to the top and sides of the fork. After installation, it is capable of protecting both rigid and suspension fat bikes. There is no need for any added tools, which is nice for people who only want to use it occasionally. It does its job, but very easily comes off as well.
The material used for the Mud Shovel 6.5 is a very flexible polypropylene. It is strong enough to protect for a long time, but it can also be cut down for smaller frames if it is getting in the way. Some people do not mind this rugged type of look, while others might want to shy away from something like this.
All in all, this is great for front-wheel protection when needed. It does not come with a full set like some of the others, but it will provide a lot of protection with the way everything is set up.
Keep in mind that there is an option that allows for people to have front and rear tire protection if they want. It becomes a little more expensive, but people who want to have a matching set should look into it. It is nice to have the opportunity to buy either a front only, or a set. It helps keep the cost down while still getting something that is pretty premium.
Pros
- Solid protection for the front wheel
- Fits both rigid and suspension fat bikes
- Material is strong, flexible, and durable
Cons
- Only provides front-wheel protection
- Cutting down the guard for smaller frames can make it look unprofessional
Click here to learn for all the info on these awesome fenders from Amazon!
4. SKS-Germany Fatboard Fat Bike Fender Set
There is a lot to like from these fenders, manufactured by SKS-Germany. Many are surprised by how strong the plastic is used by the company. They also can’t believe how it can hold up when going on just about any type of ride.
If fits squarely in the mid-tier range as far as prices are concerned, and many are more than willing to make the investment. It is without question one of the better all-around options to consider.
To start with, the installation process is very easy. The fenders are very secure once they are attached to the bike, and they will not slip off or even lose positioning at all.
Despite being such a secure fit, it is very easy to take these off as well. Some people are really amazed by just how easy it is to take these on and off when not in use. There are plenty of people who leave on their guards at all times, but others do not want to have that added bit of weight and distraction with her fat bike riding if they do not have to.
The right materials are always very important when shopping for a fender set. Although it comes in just one color, the company does a great job of making it very neutral so that it fits a lot of different bikes. It is also very wide for a fender, meaning it can protect fully four different types of wheels.
When touching the fenders, it is one of the hardest feeling options out there. No fender is going to be indestructible, but this one definitely looks like something that can hold up against very tough situations. No one wants to be in a place where the fender breaks, so spending that extra bit of money to make sure that quality is purchased is the way to go.
Pros
- Very high-quality materials
- Wide enough for any fat bike up to 5 inches
- Provides very streamlined coverage up and down the tires
Cons
- Some have complained about slow shipping times
- More expensive than average
Click here for the current price on the SKS-Germany 11363 from Amazon!
5. Planet Bike Big Buck Front Bike Fender
This is another fender and mudguard option for the front tire only. It does a great job providing a lot of protection for an affordable price, and the adjustments available make this perfect for people who do not want to worry about sizing that much. As long as a person understands that their bike falls in a certain range, the fender will be just fine.
Coverage is something that people are always anxious about when they get any type of fender. Not only does it protect directly above, but it is angled in a way that they provide unique protection on the side as well. It makes a much cleaner bike ride overall, which keeps people very clean. It also helps to prevent any type of added moisture seeping onto the body by kicking up from the tires.
Versatility is the name of the game with this fender. It can fit a wheel size that is 26 inches, 27.5 inches, 29 inches, and even 700 C. The width of the tire can be anywhere from 3 inches to 5 inches, meaning that it will work on just about any fat bike out there.
pros
- Built for any type of weather
- Fits any fat bike size or width
- Hardware options available for different tubes
Cons
- Some stability issues
- Mount is not the best
Click Here for the current pricing on these rugged fenders on Amazon!
Are Mudguards and Fenders for a Fat Bike Worth It?
There are so many different accessories a person can get for their fat bike, and it can all be a little overwhelming to decide which ones are essential, and which ones are not.
Fenders have come down in price so much that a lot of people believe it is worth the investment to have some, even if they are not used all the time. If they properly do their job, they can protect a bike and make the cleanup process a little bit easier. Not only that, but it keeps clothing dryer and cleaner as well.
The only people who might be able to get away without a fender or mudguard are those who continuously ride in dry conditions. Even then, it severely limits how much a rider can go out because one storm can put a person inside for quite a while.
A final Look at This Accessory
At first glance, it is tough to determine the differences between some fenders and mudguards out there. It is important to read reviews, compare prices, and understand the size of a bike before purchasing.
After doing all the research, most people have a pretty good idea of what they want to purchase eventually. The good news is that if there are any mistakes made, it is pretty easy to return and start over.