Updated: 24th September 2025
Looking to keep things clean on your gravel adventures? Thinking about fitting mudguards or fenders to your gravel bike? While they might have once made bikes look dorky—like hanging truck nuts from your car or posting every meal on Instagram—it’s 2025, and gravel bike fender options now combine serious style with superior function.
Gone are the days when traditional fenders were your only option. Today’s gravel bike mudguards speak both form and function, offering solutions that are not only practical but actually enhance your bike’s aesthetics. Whether you prioritize easy installation, maximum coverage, or lightweight performance, there’s a mudguard solution that fits your needs.
Should You Put Mudguards on a Gravel Bike?
The short answer: absolutely, but it depends on your riding style and conditions. Mudguards on gravel bikes serve multiple crucial purposes beyond just keeping you clean. They protect sensitive drivetrain components from abrasive grit, extend the life of your bike’s bearings by preventing water and debris infiltration, and maintain visibility by keeping spray off your glasses and face.
For gravel riders who tackle mixed terrain throughout the year, mudguards are particularly valuable during shoulder seasons when trails are wet but not necessarily muddy enough to warrant staying home. They excel in conditions where the ground is damp rather than soaked, preventing that fine spray of grit and water that can be more damaging to components than obvious mud.
However, consider your typical terrain carefully. If you frequently ride through thick, sticky mud, debris can accumulate between the tire and fender, potentially causing clearance issues. For pure adventure riding through varied terrain with lots of obstacles, some riders prefer the freedom of fender-free setups.
The Best Gravel Bike Mudguards for 2025
Ass Savers Fendor Bendor Big
The Fendor Bendor Big remains a standout choice for minimalist gravel riders who want maximum functionality with zero fuss.
Key Features:
- Suitable for tire widths between 32-55mm
- Ultra-lightweight at only 61 grams
- Tool-free installation in seconds
- Fits virtually all frames with standard seat stays
- Can mount above caliper brakes to avoid interference
- Made from 1mm PP (Polypropylene) material
- Folds in half for easy storage in backpacks or bikepacking gear
- Compatible with 700c wheels
- Includes 3M polyurethane protection stickers for seat stays
Pros: Incredibly easy to install and remove, lightweight, compact storage Cons: Won’t fit monostay frames or center-pull brakes, limited coverage compared to full fenders
The Fendor Bendor Big is ideal for bikepacking and gravel riding where quick setup and minimal weight matter most. It mounts close to the rear tire, protecting both your saddle bag and yourself from road spray without requiring any tools.
Ass Savers Mudder Mini
Perfect companion to the Fendor Bendor, the Mudder Mini tackles front wheel spray with the same minimalist philosophy.
Key Features:
- Suitable for tire widths between 32-55mm
- Weighs only 21 grams
- Anti-slip straps for secure, easy fitting
- Fits all cross/gravel forks
- Works with 700c wheels
- Position 10mm above tire for optimal performance
- Instant fit on all fork sizes
Pros: Nearly weightless, prevents face and headset bearing contamination, easy storage Cons: Limited coverage compared to full-length options
At just 21 grams, you’ll never notice it’s there, but you’ll definitely appreciate the protection from grit hitting your face and contaminating your headset bearings during wet gravel rides.
Mudhugger Gravelhugger (Front & Rear)
The Mudhugger Gravelhugger has become a personal favorite among gravel riders, offering scaled-down versions of their renowned MTB mudguards. These incredibly quiet, strong, and stable guards accommodate tires up to 50mm and are perfect for riders who like their adventures mucky and rowdy.
Key Features:
- Made from 100% recycled plastic in the UK
- Accommodates tires up to 50mm wide
- Extremely stable and quiet operation
- Fits most seat stays (40-55 degree angles) for rear guard
- Uses O-rings instead of zip ties for easier fitting and removal
- Designed for serious off-road abuse
- Compatible with 700c wheels
Pros: Excellent build quality, eco-friendly construction, superior stability, minimal noise Cons: More visible than minimalist options, higher price point
The Front Gravel Hugger is particularly praised as “a real game-changer for winter rides” that’s easy to fit and very well suited to off-road abuse.
SKS Bluemels Fenders
Traditional German engineering meets modern gravel demands with these comprehensive fender systems.
Key Features:
- Bluemels 45mm version fits 700c x 28-38mm tires (592 grams)
- Bluemels 53mm version fits 700c x 38-47mm tires (638 grams)
- Made in Germany with premium materials
- ASR safety release system prevents wheel jamming
- Includes front and rear fenders, struts, stainless steel bridge, and all mounting hardware
- Full wraparound coverage
Pros: Comprehensive protection, safety release system, durable construction, popular with bike tourers worldwide Cons: Heavier than minimalist options, more complex installation
These mudguards extend your bike’s life by providing traditional full-fender protection with modern safety features.
SKS Speedrocker Gravel Fender Set
Engineered specifically for modern gravel and cyclocross bikes with wider tire clearances.
Key Features:
- Fits tires up to 42mm (some users report success with 650b x 47mm depending on tire design)
- Composite material reinforced with glass particles
- Weight: 408 grams complete set
- Front fender: 500mm + 210mm add-on section
- Rear fender: 950mm length
- ESC Vario Safety System for quick release if objects lodge in spokes
- Telescoping stays for precise rear fender alignment
- Rubberized hook-and-loop plus rubber strap attachment system
Pros: Quick 5-minute installation once familiar, adjustable geometry, safety release system Cons: Some compatibility issues with specific forks (like Columbus Cross Futura), reports of thin plastic construction
Velo Orange Snakeskin Fenders
When you want both protection and serious style points, these aluminum beauties deliver both.
Key Features:
- Constructed from lightweight aluminum alloy
- 50mm width designed for 700c and 27″ wheels
- Accommodates tires up to 42mm wide
- Rear fender: 120cm long, Front fender: 90cm long
- Complete hardware kit for various mounting configurations
- Pre-drilled for stays and fork crown mounting
- Full coverage design eliminates spray in all directions
- Polished aluminum finish
Pros: Premium materials, full coverage, attractive appearance, much sturdier than plastic alternatives Cons: Polished finish can be overly reflective, higher cost, more complex installation
Portland Design Works Full Metal Fenders
For riders seeking ‘proper’ mudguards with a “buy once, buy right” philosophy, the Portland Design Works Full Metal Fenders are about as good as mudguards get, available in sizes to fit everything from 700c x 30c tires up to 650b x 65c.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes including 700c options
- Premium metal construction
- Professional-grade mounting system
- Comprehensive coverage
- Range extends to accommodate 650b wheels up to 65c tires
Pros: Professional quality, extensive size range, excellent coverage Cons: Higher price point, more complex installation
Kinesis Fend Off Mudguards
This British brand offers mudguards available in either a road-friendly version with clearance for 34mm width tires or a wider gravel version that clears 45mm tires, using alloy construction for durability.
Key Features:
- Two versions: 34mm (road) and 45mm (gravel) clearance
- Aluminum alloy construction
- British engineering and design
- Designed for variable weather conditions
Pros: Options for different tire widths, quality construction, weather-tested design Cons: Limited availability outside UK market
Understanding Gravel Bike Mudguard Compatibility
700c Wheel Considerations
Most gravel bikes run 700c wheels, and mudguard compatibility depends on several factors:
Tire Width Clearance: Modern gravel bikes accommodate tires from 32mm to 50mm+. Ensure your chosen mudguard matches your tire width with adequate clearance.
Frame Clearance: Check your frame’s maximum tire clearance with mudguards, as this is typically 3-5mm less than without fenders.
Brake Type: Disc brakes generally offer more mudguard mounting options than rim brakes, with fewer interference issues.
Clearance Requirements
Proper clearance is crucial for safe operation:
- Optimal clearance: 30mm between tire and mudguard bridges or fork crown
- Minimum acceptable: 20mm clearance
- Danger zone: 5mm or less clearance approaches unsafe territory
Adequate clearance allows debris like sticks to fall away rather than jam between the tire and mudguard, preventing dangerous lockups.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Before You Buy
- Measure your tire width and check frame clearance specifications
- Identify mounting points – some frames have fender eyelets, others require strap-on solutions
- Consider your typical riding conditions – full coverage for commuting, minimal coverage for adventure riding
- Check brake compatibility – especially important for rim brake setups
Maintenance Best Practices
- Regular cleaning: Remove accumulated debris, especially after muddy rides
- Check mounting security: Inspect straps, bolts, and mounting points periodically
- Seasonal adjustments: Some riders prefer removing mudguards during dry seasons
- Storage considerations: Foldable options like Ass Savers excel for intermittent use
When Mudguards Make Sense (And When They Don’t)
Ideal Scenarios for Gravel Mudguards:
- Commuting on mixed surfaces: Essential for arriving at work clean and dry
- Year-round riding: Especially valuable during shoulder seasons with damp conditions
- Component protection: Critical for expensive drivetrains and electronic shifting
- Bikepacking: Keeps gear and rider cleaner during multi-day adventures
- Winter training: Maintains visibility and comfort during base-building rides
When to Skip Mudguards:
- Pure adventure riding: Frequent dismounting and bike handling may catch on fenders
- Extremely muddy conditions: Thick mud can clog fenders, causing more problems than solutions
- Racing scenarios: Weight and aerodynamic considerations may outweigh benefits
- Highly technical terrain: Rocks, roots, and obstacles may damage or dislodge fenders
Modern gravel bike mudguards have evolved far beyond the dorky, purely functional options of the past. Today’s solutions offer sophisticated engineering that addresses real-world riding needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
For most gravel riders, the benefits of mudguards—component protection, rider comfort, and extended riding seasons—far outweigh the minor weight penalties and installation complexity. Whether you choose minimalist clip-on solutions like the Ass Savers lineup, robust performance options like the Mudhugger Gravelhugger, or full-coverage traditional fenders like the SKS Bluemels, there’s a solution that matches your riding style and aesthetic preferences.
The key is honestly assessing your typical riding conditions, maintenance preferences, and performance priorities. For riders who value bike longevity and year-round comfort, quality mudguards represent one of the best investments you can make in your gravel setup.
Remember: the best mudguard is the one you’ll actually install and use consistently. Whether that’s a 61-gram Fendor Bendor Big or a comprehensive full-fender system depends entirely on your individual needs and riding style.
Ready to upgrade your gravel setup? Consider starting with a minimal option like the Ass Savers combo or the Mudhugger Gravelhugger system to experience the benefits before committing to a full traditional fender setup.
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