Commuting - Please rate this rear rack acting as mudguard

How well would it act as a mudguard? Pls see the partin bold below. I’m looking to attach it to the FX 7.3.Would it be sufficient in rain? Pls share your experience.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=10942


•The Blackburn MTN Rear Rack features a built in flat plate which doubles up by acting as both a mudguard and as a support for your load. Attachment to your bike is easy using either a 3 or 4 point attachment. Stainless steel fittings included.
•Suitable for frame sizes 16-21 inch
•Durable Alloy Pannier Rack

2.

Looks similar to my wifes rack ;) She still gets mud thrown up from behind the rack, and also throws mud at me when following her. The rack might stop mud from getting thrown onto the back of your legs or under your seat, but doesn't do much for your back (you'd still get the skunk stripe)

I had that - OK, it stops a bit of rain/mud being flung vertically, but it's not comparable to an actual mudguard/fender.

I had one similar to that before I went with an Xtracycle. In fact, it is still sitting on the shelf in the garage. It didn't help much with mud or rain. Mud would still fly upwards and hit me and hit others if they were behind me. Mud and water would also hit me in the back of the leg. Full fenders under it is the way to go if you want the best mud/rain protection.

Looks like the one I have. Doesn't even keep my butt dry by itself. Before I got fenders, I attached a piece of cardboard to the end to keep the spray off of my back. Still got my drivetrain all dirty. Get full fenders; with 700c wheels, all that plate protects is your seatpost.

Pretty worthless from my experience. It will save you from 'The Stripe', but it'll do nothing for your feet and the bottom bracket area of your frame. What do you plan to do for the front?

If you are serious about riding in the rain, throw down the money for proper mud guards, you'll be thankful you did.

I had a bike rack very much like that. Moved it to my wifes' bike as she does not ride in the rain. Fenders, Yes!

Thanks for the replies,, I guess I will have to get proper fenders then.

Yup get front and back fenders, the front fender saves you from eating mud and gunk when you turn. Please get full fenders to spare the guy behind you from getting coated by your spray.

Planet bike makes good fenders than have a mud flap at the bottom that stops a lot of extra spray. Or you can get wooden fenders. http://www.woodysfenders.com/

I have this rack. It doesn't work as a fender ( bottom of rack bag stays a little dryer in spots, but that is about it)