Mucky Nutz Bender Fender 2.1 review
Matt first reviewed a Bender Fender back in November 2009 and his is still going strong. With some fork changes towards the end of last year I was “forced” to give one a go as I couldn’t fit my SKS Shockblade to my tapered fork steerer.
Apparently the 2.1 is a little thicker than version 2.0 and that version is a little bit refined from the version that Matt first reviewed.
Basically it fits the same way, 5 velcro straps securing it to the stanchions and fork arch, and once fitted doesn’t seem to move. As you can see it’s seen some mud over the last few months and it does it’s job of stopping the mud flying forward and up, only to land on your face a second later. One major added benefit that not all mud guards provide is that it keeps most of the mud away from the suspension stanchions.
I run mine with a conventional Crud Catcher and seem to come away nearly as clean as with the Shockblade.
So, in summary, it’s light, cheap and it works. Grab one!
I’ve also noticed on Mucky Nutz Facebook wall that they are developing a rear, seat mounted version. This looks really interesting for the full suspension riding, short legged rider with a dropper post, who can’t mount any other sort of rear mudguard… i.e. me!
About the author
Dave's been riding seriously since about 1997 and is one of the founding Molefathers — along with Matt and Mark — that came up with the idea of a MTB website for Mole Valley riders.
He's had several different bikes but it's now mainly 29ers in Dave's stable, apart from an Orange 5.
Current Bikes: Orange 5, Salsa Spearfish and Kona Big Unit
There are 7 comments on ‘Mucky Nutz Bender Fender 2.1 review’
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Karl says:
Been running one since October and agree with Dave.
I like the cleaner stanchions and very light weight.
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Posted on February 1, 2012 at 1:22 pm
KevS says:
What Karl said, plus, it is so effective I haven’t needed to wash my face for over a year now! 🙂
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Posted on February 1, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Markymark says:
Highly recommended. This piece of kit is very effective at stopping debris to the face and protecting the stanchions. It looks pretty good too. I personally leave it on all year and only fix on the crud catcher race pack (front and rear) when its absolutely mud-bath conditions.
I’ve had the 1.0 and 2.0 (they got it right with this version as it was slightly longer front and back). I’ve just fitted the tad thicker 2.1 to my new carbon hartail build (sssshhhh the Mrs dont know bout it) which i’m planning to start taming this weekend…whoo hooo.
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Posted on February 1, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Dandy says:
Agree with all the above, so why not 5 ‘moles in the hole’?
Price maybe, though it won’t break the bank. You could argue that it’s a bit much for plastic and Velcro, as home made versions made with a plastic bottle can work just as well, but these Blue Peter versions just look pants (which is important to some of us)!
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Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Dave says:
The reason I gave it 4 out of 5 is that it isn’t, in my opinion, a full solution as you still need a Crud catcher to stop the mud coming up at you from below the down tube.
I suppose you could argue that it’s not designed to do that but I’d say my SKS Shockblade is a more effective single solution.
Anyway, that’s my reasoning! Stay tuned for the rear version…..errr….to be thoroughly tested in dust reduction until it starts raining again. Although Karl has one already and there was not a hint of dust on him today at all ;o)
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Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:16 pm
StevenD says:
Or because the Fast Fender is better ?
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Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Dave says:
Again, Fast Fender sufffers from the same issue, keeps your face clear but not your lower body. Fast Fender also does not keep the crap off the stanchions!
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Posted on April 2, 2012 at 5:37 am