SKS Race Blades Long are an innovative mudguard to offer full mudguard protection for road bikes with a quick set up. They don’t need mudguard eyes and only take a few minutes to assemble.
I’ve previously tested ordinary SKS race blades and have used them on my winter training bikes for a couple of years.
The SKS race blades are longer and offer a fuller protectio, but they still don’t need mudguard eyes and can fit road bikes with a narrow mudguard clearance.
They work by putting the connection into the wheel axle. This is very easy. You can see in the picture above.
Another excellent design tip is to put the top of the mudguard into the brake bracket. This enables a mudguard to fit even with low clearance. It also means you can have a mudguard behind the brake. This gives a complete all round protection – something you don’t get with clip on mudguards. Also, if you need to take off, you can unclip from the bracket – you don’t have to take out the brake.
Assembling
The mudguard is essentially easy to put on. The only complication is having to unscrew the brakes and find the right size bracket to fix to the mudguard.
However, it’s still worth reading short instructions (video at bottom) to make sure you get right bracket e.t.c.
A very good feature is the ability to move the position of the mudguard by tightening the allen key socket near the wheel axle. This gives quite a stable fit for the mudguard. It meant that you could set up mudguard to avoid rubbing on tyre quite quickly.
Review in Use
I’ve put the SKS race blades long, on my commuting bike because I’m keen to have best protection whilst commuting into town. It works well and feels secure, something clip ons aren’t always great at.
SKS products are always designed to a good standard of workmanship. The one negative of the mudguard experience was that the rear flap which you can add on bottom of mudguard to extend length – didn’t snap is as snugly as I would like. The connector pin doesn’t seem to snap into place like it should, but for me that is not a big problem. It’s possible, I’m not doing something right.
One note, the mudguards use a thin metal bracket underneath brake and above tyre. On some road bikes with ultra low clearance, you may still have difficulties fitting, in which case you would be better off with ordinary race blades. But, most road bikes will take these mudguards – and you don’t need mudguard eyes
Would I Buy?
Yes. I received this free review copy. But, for a winter training bike, I would be happy to buy if I needed some mudguards with long clearance. I already have SKS race blades short so I wouldn’t buy to replace. But, at RRP of £44.99 they are not cheap, but overall offer good value for money.
Installation Video
- Colour: Silver/Black
- Weight: 461g
Buying SKS Mudguards
- SKS race blades long at Parker int
- SKS Mudguards at Wiggle Cycles
- SKS Mudguards at Chain Reaction Cycles
Related
They look like a nice design to work if you don’t have frame made for mudguards. However I note that the thin metal linkage that goes under the brake leaves the caliper quite exposed at a focal point for road spray. This could lead to corrosion and brake seizure if you don’t clean them regularly but then if you are used to riding without proper mudguards you should be aware of this!