My 2nd best decision

[DAJ]

My cube SUV Hybrid Pro is probably my best cycling decision ever, even though I still ride my conventional bikes whenever the circumstances allow. With a pannier rack on the back the e-Bike is unbeatable by my conventional bikes when loaded up and it means I can do a supermarket run without using the car.

All well and good but as spring passed through summer and autumn I find myself in WINTER, all my bikes have been languishing unused due to my reluctance to have a road stripe up my back and a mud splattered face on arrival at my destination.

It has only taken me 40 years to realise that full length mudguards are actually "AWESOME", I was twelve when I last pulled them off a bike and have shunned them ever since. How ignorant have I been, how much crap have I had in my face and how often I had to change clothing before I could sit on the sofa over the last 40 years!

I got some bargain 60mm Raleigh guards off Ebay for a 26" wheel which fit great on my 650b wheels. I now cycle past Asda, Tesco & Aldi to get to Morrisons for my shopping. The Mudguards have half paid for themselves already due to £5 off a £10 spend at Morrisons.

 

[flecc]

Yes, in our country bicycle mudguards are an essential, yet we so often follow fashion rather than commonsense, especially when young.

It's very much a UK failing though, due to cycling having a sporting image here. In the main cycling nations like The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark where cycling is seen as transport, bikes are commonly equipped from new with all the essentials, mudguards, carrier, lights, bell, decent stand and a lock.
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[grldtnr]

Yes, in our country bicycle mudguards are an essential, yet we so often follow fashion rather than commonsense, especially when young.

It's very much a UK failing though, due to cycling having a sporting image here. In the main cycling nations like The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark where cycling is seen as transport, bikes are commonly equipped from new with all the essentials, mudguards, carrier, lights, bell, decent stand and a lock.
.

And that is how it should be,bikes really be seen a viable means of transport, but sadly because of middle class aspirations, cycling has the wrong image in this country, plus the attitude of modern motorist doesn't help.

I think the one good thing that came out of the destruction of 2 world wars in Europe, is the clean slate given to public transport and the rise of an integrated transport system, which was lacking in Britain,because by in large ,our infrastructure wasn't ruined like it was in europe, yes there was bombing in our cities but not the ruination experienced on mainland Europe.

 

[flecc]

I think the one good thing that came out of the destruction of 2 world wars in Europe, is the clean slate given to public transport and the rise of an integrated transport system, which was lacking in Britain,because by in large ,our infrastructure wasn't ruined like it was in europe, yes there was bombing in our cities but not the ruination experienced on mainland Europe.

True, but there's also the political dimension. Largely socialist Europe is more inclined to state run transport systems under central control which aids integration of services and consistent updating of infrastructure. They are also prepared to print enough money to achieve those aims.

Our UK conservative inclinations have led us into fragmented privatised services which chase profits with scant regard for public service. And we print money to get private banks off the hook, leaving them to disperse it as they wish. Unsurprisingly we end up with millionaire creation being our most successful industry.
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[DAJ]

True, but there's also the political dimension. Largely socialist Europe is more inclined to state run transport systems under central control which aids integration of services and consistent updating of infrastructure. They are also prepared to print enough money to achieve those aims.

Our UK conservative inclinations have led us into fragmented privatised services which chase profits with scant regard for public service. And we print money to get private banks off the hook, leaving them to disperse it as they wish. Unsurprisingly we end up with millionaire creation being our most successful industry.
.

Yes, but, full mudguards are "AWESOME", which pretty much sums up my original point, .

 

[grldtnr]

Yes, but, full mudguards are "AWESOME", which pretty much sums up my original point, .

Always ridden on the roads with mudguards, the only time I didn't fit guards was when riding trails and off road.

 

[LeighPing]

Always ridden on the roads with mudguards, the only time I didn't fit guards was when riding trails and off road.

There are some great mudguards for off road use. They don't look pretty. But, they do a hell of a good job.

 

[Croxden]

I've got mudguards and a carrier on my Haibike, looks like a proper old mans bike but people are still impressed with it.

 

[LeighPing]

I've got mudguards and a carrier on my Haibike, looks like a proper old mans bike but people are still impressed with it.

Any pics?

 

[Croxden]

Any pics?

I'll try to do one for you, there will not be a dog in it though.

 

[LeighPing]

I'll try to do one for you, there will not be a dog in it though.

No-one's perfect. The more people I meet, the more I love my dog.

 

[Benjahmin]

Mudguards and panniers for me, no dog either.
Never understood the need for weight saving of a few ounces of plastic so inheriting a badger stripe up yer back. How I remember those miserable winter rides home from school when I couldn't afford mudguards.

 

[Croxden]

Any pics?

Any pics?

 

[Croxden]

Picture as requested.

I hope this works, never managed for a year or two.

 

[LeighPing]

Picture as requested.

I hope this works, never managed for a year or two.

 

[Croxden]

Ah, I thought not. I tried to get a link to my Flickr page hoping that would do it, d8veh uses photobucket but I've had trouble with that.

I think I've upset my computer, it does sulk quite often.