Despite having full mudguards on my Bob Jackson, the chain and running gear were still getting filthy on the muddy, wet roads so it was time to fit a mud flap. The more traditional options were either a Gilles Berthoud or Brooks leather mud flap or I could have gone with something home made to provide a bit more length. Tokyo Fixed Gear stocked the Brooks - it’s £15 - so it was an easy decision, the thinking being if it turns out to be a bit too small, I can keep the same fittings and just bolt on some heavy rubber cut to shape instead of the leather, though looking at it I think it will be fine.
Dimensions are 145mm height with a width of 110mm at its widest and 55mm at its narrowest where it bolts onto the mudguard.
The Brooks mudflap is essentially a treated 5mm thick piece of heavy duty leather with good quality fittings. It feels very stiff indeed but in fact softens quite a bit when wet. I am not sure it would work well on plastic mudguards, but with properly fitted stainless or aluminium guards it’s perfect.
It was easy to fit, the only challenge being drilling the slippery polished surface of the Gilles Berthoud mud guards - I made a small indent with a punch, then drilled two small pilot holes before drilling the final 5mm holes - it’s worth taking time over this to get them drilled just right.
First ride with it in place this morning in very heavy rain with some puddles several inches deep and the difference was very noticeable - I was still wet of course but much cleaner, particularly my feet and the chainrings, bottom bracket and downtube are completely protected from spray.
------ Update on 17th January 2013 -----
Don't forget the threadlock! The nuts will vibrate off quite quickly, easily solved with some Loctite 243 though...
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