Buying a bike is most often a significant event for a person. However, after this or during operation, the owner may wonder about the feasibility of acquiring the wings on the front and rear wheels. Someone considers them an absolutely meaningless device, while others, on the contrary, are inclined to significant advantages. Let's consider this question in more detail.
Kinds
It should be noted that bicycle wings differ from each other even visually. However, several main types can be distinguished. They are intended for different bike bikes, suitable for sports, mountain, road models, folding and universal, adults and children, perfect, for example, for a double-suspension bike, which is convenient to move around in difficult terrain. They can be either easily removable or stationary. However, the main ones are long stationary, short stationary and short removable wings.
As for short stationary models, they are usually made of light material, for example, plastic. Their installation does not cause difficulties. They are fixed to the frame with just one bolt. In addition, the wing can be mounted on a fork. Installation is done once, after which the elements are constantly on the bike.
However, it should be borne in mind that the shins of the rider, as well as the switch area, are practically not protected from dirt.
When it comes to short removable wings, they look similar to previous instances. The material of manufacture is also plastic. Elements are fixed using a special clamp.Users do not think this option is particularly successful, since it is located too far from the wheel, respectively, the dirt flies in different directions, but it does not clog the wings. In addition, the protection is easily removed if necessary.
You can not ignore the long stationary wings. They can be metal or metal-plastic. There are all-metal models. Their distinguishing feature is the ability to close the wheels by almost a quarter. This allows maximum protection from adverse road conditions. However, not everyone likes these models. The fact is that they are next to the wheels, respectively, quickly clog, and also weigh a lot. It is not recommended to use them when driving over rough terrain or the forest.
In addition, a set of cyclists can be replenished with mini wings. Initially, their function was to protect the seat and lower body of the cyclist. However, the model did not become particularly popular.
Advantages and disadvantages
I must say that the pros and cons of each type of wing. You should make your choice, focusing on their specific nuances. And also important is how exactly the cyclist plans to use his transport: whether it will be riding on the highway or on rough terrain.
Long stationary models have significant weight, in addition, they are quite bulky. However, protection in this case will be maximum. Cyclists can choose models from metal or metal. In some cases, it is advisable to pay attention to carbon models. The fastening is reliable and is carried out at several points at once - this helps the element not to hang out even with fast and active driving.
A long stationary bicycle wing almost a quarter hides the wheel, being as close as possible. This is good in the sense that protection is provided as much as possible. However, among the minuses, it can be noted that due to this arrangement, dirt can clog under the wing, and this, in turn, interferes with the free movement of the wheel.
Cleaning helps to fix the situation, which takes time from the owner of the bike.
The long stationary wing is approximately half the length of the short. In the second case, it turns out to be cumbersome, in addition, the weight is significantly reduced. However, there are also disadvantages, one of which is weaker fastening, as the element rests on only one bolt. This does not add stability to it. Most often, the device is made of plastic, which is quite fragile, but it is very cheap to use. Protection is not too reliable, but still there, and the design looks neat.
In terms of basic qualities, the quick-detachable wing is very similar to a short stationary wing. However, differences are still present. For example, the element is practically not clogged with dirt, as it is located quite far from the wheel. As the name implies, it is quickly fixed on a bike and is just as quickly removed.
At the same time, users note rather weak protective properties.
How to choose?
The bicycle wing is designed to protect the owner of the bike from dirt and splashes from under the wheels. Please note that large structures will significantly increase the total weight, while aerodynamics will decrease. In some cases, this is extremely undesirable, for example, when it comes to competitive and extreme disciplines.
When choosing a device, experts recommend that you pay attention mainly to the size of the tires and the type of mounts present. Size includes not only width but also diameter. With their definition does not arise difficulties, since the data are indicated on the surface of the tire. Diameter can range from 12 to 29 inches. The most popular tires with indicators of 16, 20, 24, 26, 27 and 28 inches. Width is also very important, because coverage area should be maximum.
This value is especially important for fat bikes and mountain bikes. The detail can be chosen wide or, on the contrary, very small.
Next, you should decide on the mount. On the bike must have the necessary holes that will be required to fix the wing. Most often they are located on the gorilla of the fork, sometimes on the lower tube of the frame. They can also be in the area where the rear wheel is attached to the structure. If such holes are provided by the manufacturer, you can install a complete set of wings.
The shape and appearance of the bike wings must be chosen, focusing on the type of bike. The fact is that different models are adapted to different driving conditions. therefore wings can be divided into several groups: for mountain bikes, road and city bicycles.
An important point when choosing is the geometry of the wing. For example, the famous German company SKS It offers a variety of quality products - cross profiles with a large number of faces and grooves, which serve to divert water that will not get on the cyclist. Mudguards also protect it.
It is the detailed elaboration of the elements and the honing of every detail that distinguishes branded products from unknown Chinese products.
We must not forget about the appearance. This element is quite capable of adding an attractive cycling bike. You can choose models that vary in color from standard white to matte black. More expensive specimens are made chrome. Aesthetes manage to pick up bicycle wings even for retro-style bikes.
In no case should you choose bicycle wings based on cost. The fact is that fragile and low-quality plastic is used to produce the cheapest Chinese models, and it can break even from insignificant external influences, such as a stone falling, and, accordingly, will fail. Moreover, the price of branded products is not so high as to save on them, and the service life is much longer.
Features of each type
Whatever shields are used, if a cyclist runs along mountain plains, he will need protection from dirt. In this case, users recommend the use of quick-detachable elements. The market offers this product in a wide range. The main thing is to choose the right size.
If we are talking about a road bike, one of the main conditions is to maintain speed characteristics. Both aerodynamics and weight should be considered. Accordingly, large and heavy metal wings are not a good idea. But carbon or plastic full-size elements are perfect.
They not only provide reliable protection, but also allow you to move pretty quickly and comfortably.
If the bike is used to travel around the city, you should make a choice in favor of full-sized long wings. Preferred manufacturing materials are metal and metal-plastic. They perfectly protect the cyclist from moisture and dirt in rainy weather.
However, you need to understand that during bad weather you still can’t stay dry, but after a shower it will be quite comfortable to move.
Wing diameter 26
Users claim that 26-inch full-sized wing deserves special attention. It not only looks neat, but also protects the cyclist from dirt and water. This is because the element occupies almost half the wheel.
The manufacturing material can be both plastic and metal-plastic or light metal. This allows you to create a design is not too heavy, but at the same time quite durable. In some cases, the elements have water-repellent properties.
Mounting options may be several.They have their own clamps, which allows you to securely fix on the frame or fork independently.
Do I need to set?
This question is most often asked to those who are going to make a choice regarding full-sized bicycle wings. All arguments should be considered.
Despite the fact that many consider the protection to be rather weak, it still allows you to protect the owner of the bike from dirt and moisture. This is especially true after rain, when dirt can fly from under the wheels and dirty the rider.
Mostly the wings give the bike a presentable appearance. However, on some vehicles, they, indeed, may not look too appropriate, but this is rather the exception.
Excess weight, of course, can be an obstacle. However, it is literally about seconds, which in ordinary life are not particularly important. And there are much more advantages.
The same goes for the deterioration of aerodynamics. Indeed, it can be reduced, but not so much that it matters if it is not about sports competitions. therefore landlords are choosing wings more and more often.
See how to choose wings for a bike in the next video.
