Buying mudguards issue

[alpinemonkey]

Hi,

I'm having a strange problem trying to buy mudgaruds. I have a Claud Butler Explorer 400 and am trying to find mudguards which will fit it. I am having trouble with this for two reasons:

1) The bolts which come with the mudguards I have tried seem to be one size too big for the holes in the frame of the bike (the bolts were M5 size. I think my holes are M4)
2) The bridge-clip at the top of the rear mudguard does not match up with the holes in the frame. The holes in my frame at this point run vertically through the frame section, as opposed to horizontally, so don't match where the bridge clip would be screwed.

Are there specific mudguards I should be seeking for this bike as the standard ones in shops don't seem to fit?

Many thanks.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

It should be possible to fit mudguards to your bike quite easily. Not quite sure why your mount for the rear mudguard is vertical - but if it is, you could drill a hole through the mudguard at the relevant point and then use a bolt. If the bolts supplied with the guards are too large - just buy the relevant replacements, they should be relatively cheap.

 

[Tim Hall]

The vertical hole (presumably in the brake bridge) means you don't have to use the manky bridge clip. Get the mudguard into the right place then mark it. Remove it and drill a hole. Secure with a bolt into the vertical hole. The manky bridge clip is prone to rattling and breaking - you're better off without it.

 

[alpinemonkey]

Thanks for the replies. Would there definitely be enough clearance to do that though? As in, so the wheel doesn't touch the bolt and/or nut.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Hard to say to be certain.. I would use the bolt so that the head is in the mudguard and the nut on the brake bridge. You could grind the bolt head down prior to fitting to reduce its profile. Sometimes with really tight clearance frames, changing tyres from say 25c to 23c makes all the difference. If it really is not possible to fit mudguards - many cyclists opt for SKS Raceblades.

 

[boydj]

Use a flathead bolt which tightens with a screwdriver to maximise clearance. If it is a quality steel frame, then the hole may well be tapped for a machined screw.

 

[Tim Hall]

I used a countersunk machine screw to get a wee bit more clearance.