When attaching the SKS mudguard to your bike, you have the choice between Velcro, cable ties and bolts. This means you can adapt the mudguard to your needs and either permanently bolt it to the bike for the winter or quickly attach it on a rainy day.
You can find an overview of the test fleet in the comparison test: The best Fender 2024 – 8 models in the test
SKS is a huge bicycle accessories manufacturer that offers everything a biker’s heart desires, from pumps to luggage racks, bottle holders, mudguards and fenders. SKS manufactures the MUDROCKER FRONT in Germany. For €29.99 you will receive a 490mm long mudguard and all the necessary hardware to attach the mudguard with either cable ties, Velcro or bolts. To prevent your fork legs from being scratched, two small protective films and two small foam pads are included. Due to the different mounting options, the weight varies between 120 and 147 g, which makes the SKS mudguard one of the heavier models in the test field.
Installing the SKS MUDROCKER FRONT fender
Due to the universal fit of the SKS MUDROCKER, there are only a few suspension forks with which it is not compatible. Only forks like the upside-down models from Intend and Bright or the Manitou Mezzer with an inverted triple clamp are not compatible. The MUDROCKER offers three different attachment options: Velcro, cable ties and bolts. The quickest and preferred attachment method is the Velcro option using the three included straps. They are rubberized to prevent slipping and have a loop so you can tighten them tightly. The velcro straps work well for the lower fork legs, but the strap for the crown is a bit too long so it sticks out. The length of the Velcro strap is also a bit short, but this never caused any problems in our tests. If you are looking for a longer-term solution, you can also replace the straps with cable ties. Alternatively, you can also screw the mudguard to your fork bridge. To do this you need a fork from RockShox, FOX or Öhlins with two threads. Unfortunately a RockShox ZEB and Lyrik doesn’t work because it has three threads in the fork bridge. We were able to attach the adapter to a current FOX 36/38 and RockShox BoXXer. If you have a compatible fork, you must first attach the adapter to the fender. You can then screw the mudguard onto the fork bridge. For a secure fit, it must also be attached to the base with Velcro or cable ties.
The SKS MUDROCKER FRONT mudguard on the trail
After installation, the mudguard proved to be a secure fit on the fork in our workshop rattle test. The same applies on the trails and ensures a pleasantly rattle-free and quiet ride. The SKS also offered convincing protection and kept our faces clean even in the most adverse conditions. However, its effectiveness, as well as its length, falls somewhat short of the protection offered by Mucky Nutz and Mudhugger. However, the SKS MUDROCKER outperforms the rest of the test field and also keeps the fork seals free of mud.
Our conclusion about the SKS MUDROCKER FRONT mudguard
The SKS MUDROCKER FRONT was consistently impressive. It provides excellent protection for your face and fork seals. It’s also the quickest mudguard to install in the test and requires no tools thanks to the Velcro fasteners. This means you can quickly mount the MUDROCKER on the fork on a wet day. If you leave the fender on your bike for more than a day, you can secure it with cable ties or screws. It is the deserved test winner!
Tops
- fastest assembly
- good protection
- doesn’t rattle
Flops
- always requires Velcro straps for the fork legs
- Screw-on adapter does not fit the RockShox ZEB and Lyrik
For more information, see SKS website.
For an overview of the group test: 8 mudguards in comparison
All mudguards in the test: FOX fender | Mucky Nutz MugGuard Long | Mudhugger EVO Bolt On | Trickle design kol:oss stealth | RockShox ZEB fender | Slicy Enduro/DH long mudguard | Zefal Deflector FM30 | SKS MUDROCKER FRONT
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Words: Sebastian Dirscherl Photos: Simon Kohler
