This review delves into the Mucky Nutz mountain bike fender, focusing on a recent Amazon purchase. The author secured the fender at a discounted price of $23, prompting a comparison between online and in-store purchasing options. The primary focus is on the installation process and the fender's effectiveness in protecting the bike's fork from mud and water damage. Specific attention is paid to the Velcro straps used for mounting, contrasting them with the more common zip tie method found on other brands. The review will assess the fender's performance in real-world conditions, highlighting both its advantages and any potential drawbacks.The author's experience emphasizes the fender's ability to shield the sensitive steer tube area from debris and water ingress, a crucial element in maintaining the bike's longevity. The comparison between Velcro and zip tie mounting systems underscores the importance of minimizing damage to the fork's finish. The review concludes with an overall assessment of the fender's value proposition, considering its price point, ease of installation, and effectiveness in protecting the bike from trail grime. The practical aspects of its usage on a Specialized Rip Rock bike are also documented and analyzed.
Pros And Cons
- Relatively inexpensive ($23 on sale)
- Uses Velcro straps for installation, potentially minimizing scratches on the fork
- Effectively blocks mud, water, and debris from entering the steer tube area
- Velcro straps might wear out over time
- Some minor wear might occur on the fork despite using Velcro
Read more: 5 Best Child Bike Fenders to Keep Your Little One Dry
Mucky Nutz Fender: An Amazon Discovery
I recently purchased a Mucky Nutz fender from Amazon. It was on sale for $23.00, a price that made it a tempting option. While Mucky Nutz fenders are readily available in bike shops, the online discount was too good to pass up. This review will focus on my experience with this particular fender and its installation.
My initial thought process behind purchasing the fender was to protect the inside of my steer tube from mud and water, avoiding the potential rust and damage. I had considered a steer tube plug, but learned that preventing water drainage is more damaging than occasional water exposure.
Installation and Design
The fender arrived with Velcro straps instead of the zip ties commonly included with other brands like Fox. This is a significant advantage, as Velcro is much gentler on the fork's lower legs, preventing scuffs and scratches. The Velcro setup allows for a more secure and less damaging fit compared to the zip tie method.
While the included zip ties provide a strong and reliable fixing method, the risk of scratching the fork remains a concern. The video shows the zip tie placement - one on each lower leg, and two near the crown of the fork to secure the fender.
Performance and Effectiveness
The fender effectively blocks mud and water from splashing up into the fork's crown area, as seen in the demonstration on the son's Specialized Rip Rock bike. This is a crucial protective feature, keeping out debris and preventing potential damage from water buildup.
While minor wear on the fork is possible, it’s minimal compared to the protective benefits offered by the fender. The fender's strategic placement shields the sensitive parts of the fork from the worst of the trail grime.
Overall Conclusion
The Mucky Nutz fender offers a great balance of protection and ease of installation. The Velcro straps are a welcome addition, minimizing potential damage to the fork legs during installation and use. While alternative zip tie mounting is also viable, Velcro is preferred for its protective capabilities.
At $23 (on sale), this fender provides excellent value for its performance and ease of installation. While I didn't install it on my Giant mountain bike in the video, I will be using it on my regular mountain bike during the upcoming season. The slightly less robust mounting than some alternatives does not overshadow the benefits of the fender.