For years, mention of troublesome mud in MTB circles has been met with the stock answer, to get some Crud Catchers. The name has become synonymous with mudguards in the same way that Hoovers are to vacuums.

Now Madison have decided the time has come to grab a piece of the (mud) pie for themselves by introducing the Cycraguard, ‘the world’s most technically advanced mudguards’ in conjunction with Cycra Racing. To support such bold claims come all sorts of technical information that is lost on me but that just goes to show my ignorance of the intricacies of mud management (although I’ve seen a bit in my time).

Actually, they don’t look too bad. There’s one to mount on the downtube to protect against front wheel debris and a seatpost mounted one that is there to prevent the traditional racing strip of muddy detritus accumulating on your backside. The rear one has the added bonus of a quick release mechanism – not unique I know, but welcome to any riders who would like to own just one rear mudguard to switch between their bikes. Added to which, you can fit and remove it at your whim, as soon as you think sensible, rather than forgetting and riding around in mid summer with the mudguard still attached.

Given the recent rain though, that’s not such a bad idea…

So, if you’re looking for a ‘technically advanced’ mudguard, these should be just for you! They’re available in white, black and titanium but you’ll have to wait until August 2007. I might get a set myself. Gee, if they’re technically advanced an’ all…

• More information about Cycraguards is available on Bike Biz.