Agreed, mudflaps are there to keep the bike cleaner and for the riders behind you. Otherwise, full coverage, flapless fender will keep the rider dry.

I made my own mudflaps from water bottle and tried milk bottle, but in the end I switched to www.buddyflaps.com. These have special hardware and work perfectly.

Bottom Line: Recommend you buy the SKS fender w/o flap, then add Buddy Flaps extensions for a ride that is as dry as can be yet hassle free when wheeling on back tire etc.