SKS Bluemels Basic fenders / mudguards review – good, but the clue’s in the name: they’re pretty basic

The latest version of the classic SKS Bluemels design is fairly good at keeping you dry, but fiddly to install

Image shows the SKS Bluemels Basics fenders / mudguards
(Image credit: John Stevenson)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

SKS Bluemels fenders / mudguards are modern classics, a design that’s hardly changed in decades. They work, and they’re durable, but they lack features you’ll find on the best bike guards.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Stop you getting drenched when it rains

  • +

    ‘None more black’ good looks

  • +

    Famously tough laminate construction

  • +

    ASR break-away mountings for safety

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    No mudflaps

  • -

    Fiddly installation

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Riders who’ve previously shunned fenders / mudguards are often surprised at just how effective they are keeping you comfortable when it rains. You still get damp, but you don’t get a constant flow of cold water from the road chilling you, so if you’re dressed appropriately your clothes still have a chance of keeping you warm.

As the name suggests these are the most basic full-length fenders / mudguards in the range of German accessory maker SKS, and while they may lack a few bells and whistles of the very best bike fenders / mudguards you’ll find elsewhere they still do the essential job of stopping you from getting rinsed in cold water when it rains. 

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