the problem is many off-the-peg bikes today don't allow for mudguards so people simply don't bother or use small clip-on things
25 years ago, most road bikes used by club riders would have had clearance for mudguards and often eyelets too although people just used p-clips if not
attitudes towards mudguards have changed a lot too over 25 years - people are happier now to use their washing machines more frequently, and to soil up their kit every ride, I assume to buy new kit more frequently too, as personal wealth has increased much during this time
the question today is really about respecting the rider behind you on a clubrun rather than yourself - my clubruns are mixed with mudguard/non-mudguard users but I never ride behind someone without mudguards if it's wet - this works in my club but I know others clubs that implement stricter riding formations this could be a problem. And as a side note about riding formations - I appreciate the need for safety when riding in a 20+ group along B roads but these twats that bark orders at people when they let a 2m gap open up are just farking idiots - get a life it's just a clubrun.
Touch wood, my guards are ok to ride behind (never heard a complaint anyway) the flap I think will help.
