How to fit mudguards to a bike

Make sure you have the correct type of mudguard. Some bikes have dedicated mounting points and there are mudguards specifically designed to attach to these.

If your bike doesn’t have mounting points, it’s possible to buy clip-on mudguards, although these don’t generally offer the same level of protection. They can also wear or damage paintwork.

If you haven’t used the rubber grommets to cover the mounting points, there’s a good chance that they will be full of grit and dirt. If so, use a cleaning spray or lubrication to clean the inside of the mounting point. Then use one of the screws to test the thread, making sure it screws in without any problems.

Remove the wheels from the bike. Then lay the mudguards out and allocate all of the screws and fixings so that you’re prepared. Most mudguards will have instructions so that you know where each screw or fixing needs to go.

Starting at the rear of the bike, attach the mudguard or fender to the mounting points on the seatstays. Only hand-tighten the screws for now so that the mount is loose; this will allow you to alter the position of the mudguard once the wheel is attached.

Then attach the mudguard or fender to the mounting point on the seat tube, once again making sure that it is only finger tight.

Install the rear wheel. Then alter the position of the mudguard so that it is close to the wheel without rubbing it. The mudguard also needs to be positioned centrally over the wheel. This will ensure that it offers the maximum level of protection.

Once you’re happy with the positioning, tighten all of the fixings, making sure that you follow any recommended torque limits. If you’re unsure what these are, aim for around two to three newton-metres. Double-check all of the screws before finishing - you don’t want a rattling mudguard tormenting you on rides!

For the front mudguard, follow the same process. Remove the wheel and then start by attaching the mudguard to the mounting points on the fork legs followed by the fork crown. Once again, these only need to be hand-tight.

Install the wheel and then position the mudguard so that it is close to and central to the wheel. Once you’re happy, use one hand to hold the mudguard in place and the other to tighten the screws to the recommended torque limits.