Ultimately, products are only as good as an individual finds them. I look forward to the mk3 version robgul - was the bike you fitted the SKS mudguards to a carbon frame? My frame certainly doesn't have any drillings on the dropouts, or anywhere else! There is a small bridgepiece in between the rear stays just above the tyre, but it doesn't have any hole in it either. When all that's said though, they're absolutely miles better than nearly every other solution for your road bike. The other full length option worth looking at is the Crud Roadracer and it's horses for courses. These 'guards are much more sturdy and easy to take on and off if you like to make a mudguard decision on the day. The Roadracers are lighter but fiddlier to get fitted, though they do protect you brakes from spray and extend further down behind the rear wheel. If SKS do some work on making the mounts less obtrusive then they'll be even better. My raceblades sheared on the front after a couple of months. Then the rear sheared at about 2/3rds length, was glued, broke again, then last month another section broke in exactly the same way. Now in the bin and have cobbled together frankenmudguards out of assorted bits.

Debs - I must admit, I did consider the Race Blades on a recent visit to an Evans store, but it seemed to me that the bracing pieces that rest on the rear stays would also have the same problem as I have with the Crud RoadRace Mk3 because of the peculiar way the rear stays twist. They don't present a single flat/curved face to any mounting system.

RACEBLADE PRO SET

Companies that stand behind inherently rubbish products go broke, fast. Hence, as SKS seem to be doing well, I postulate RBL's aren't inherently rubbish

Fitting the guards is fairly straightforward but they're not the easiest; I found the plastic covers for the stay ends a bit bothersome and they're no better functionally than a simple rubber end cap. A decent set of bolt cutters makes chopping the stays to size a simple job. Once they're on, they're on; these aren't the kind of mudguards you throw on on a whim. You need half an hour to do a decent job of it and get everything nice and tight. I had the MK3's for about 6 weeks, and yesterday did the first REALLY wet ride with them. They make a bit of noise as they bounce about but do offer really good coverage for the rider, if not those behind him/her. They cover the front mech which is a nice touch. The SKS Raceblade Pro XL Stealth Series is a good fender/ mudguard which can be fitted to near enough any road bike frame and offer clearance for wider tyres up to 32mm which are now commonplace on road bikes. There is also no noticeable difference in my perception of speed when I have them on. I went out and did a few rides at full tilt and my average speed was dented at all. Of course, there are many variables out on the road - but the point is that those variables are greater than the difference the guards make. One comment about the Crud though: they looked incredibly flimsy. I can think of commuting on the Crud, they wouldn't last 1 day in central london with all those pot holes (or require constant fine-tuning). Just my 2 cents.

RideGuard Gaiter

Regarding the length - there's no pleasing anyone. I've ridden behind hardened Audaxers with flaps almosrt down to the ground and still gotten spray in the face. Speed, depth of water and proximity all play a part, so it's a pointless exercise. I use mudguards primarily to keep me clean/dry, and to prevent the need for excessive washing of expensive outer layers. For the last three years I've clipped the RBLs on the moment it got remotely misty hereabouts. I've had them on and off my steel bike literally hundreds of times, and recently added mounts to a new carbon disc-braked acquisition. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. The P35 version that I tested is rated for a 20-28mm tyre (they're available for up to 60mm tyres) but a 28mm would be a real squeeze as the 25mm Zaffiros on my bike were pretty snug. Pretty snug meant barely any spray though; the profile of the Chromoplastics does a super job of keeping you dry and they're a sensible length too. Note:In the event of needing to remove the wheel after the mudguard has been fitted: Unclip the stanchions from the lower metals clips using the plastic button on each side. The mudguard will then just be attached to the bike with the upper clip near to the brake caliper.

The SKS Raceblade Long is a highly-regarded accessory, and this latest version (called the Mk II in some quarters) is an evolution of an instant classic. In 2012 Dave gave the original Raceblade Long (RBL hereafter) four stars, saying they were “absolutely miles better than nearly every other solution for your road bike”. I agree. If you're looking for full mudguards that you can slip on and off at will then the SKS Raceblade Long is about as good an option as you've got right now. They're not perfect but they're certainly a class above most clip-on 'guards. The protection that they offer is not on par with full mudguards, but the fact that many bikes don't have mudguard mounts fitted means that these are a great option for those using aero bikes - but wanting protection from the elements - in the winter.

RACEBLADE

Although i can't talk from experience of actual use i can confirm the feel of quality of the SKS RaceBlades is really excellent, nothing flimsy floppy about them. I've kept mine handy for when i buy a disc bike for wet weather & winter use within the next month or so. The venerable SKS Chromoplastic mudguard has been a staple for audaxers, tourers and commuters for decades, and the latest incarnation is everything you'd want: sturdy, well made and decent value. I really do like how the SKS Raceblade Pro XL Stealth fit so securely - as well as having such good adjustability - without the need for specific mudguard attachment points. I was even able to fit these to my time trial bike for a bit of added protection, and I was able to get the mudguards to fit totally fine. So are these the perfect clip-ons to protect your best bike from the ravages of the unpredictable British weather? Well, nearly. Functionally they're pretty much there, but I think there's some work to be done on the presentation before they'll be on every sportiviste's list. The dropout mounts especially are pretty crude, and there's no way you'd leave them on your posh bike. The brake mounts are less obvious but could still do with a bit of tidying up. The under-brake section is the other issue; some bikes won't have clearance for a guard strip there but many will, so it's a shame SKS don't offer some kind of under-brake guard as an option.