Mud Flap?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 250
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: 1992 Serotta Colorado II,Co-Motion Speedster, Giant Escape Hybrid, 1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour
Mud Flap?
So I am considering adding mud flaps to our bike fenders. But I would like to make them myself and would like a NICE looking one and a nice installation.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
LDPE from plastic jugs are fine.. & flat sheet stock is sold... but for prestige there is Berthoud's leather mudflaps Berthoud parts from Peter White Cycles
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
I like black ones. The reasonably heavy duty plastic of 10-litre oil containers you will find in department stores work quite well. You can create your own shapes, it curves quite well to conform with the shape of the fenders and you can make them reasonably long.
However, don't go too stiff. Based on my experience, a good flexible mudflap means you won't break anything should you get it caught on another external object, and it won't break your fender should it get caught up between the fender and the wheel. It also enables you to rest the fork dropouts on the ground when removing the front wheel.
YMMV a little.
However, don't go too stiff. Based on my experience, a good flexible mudflap means you won't break anything should you get it caught on another external object, and it won't break your fender should it get caught up between the fender and the wheel. It also enables you to rest the fork dropouts on the ground when removing the front wheel.
YMMV a little.
Last edited by Rowan; 09-15-14 at 05:26 PM.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 154
From: Boston area
Bikes: 1984 Bridgestone 400 1985Univega nouevo sport 650b conversion 1993b'stone RBT 1985 Schwinn Tempo
I used stair tread. Rubber is good. some prefer gasket rubber, however I can't find black gasket rubber. Rivendell sells Longboard flaps separately that will fit some SKS fenders. Truck tire inner tubes might also be a source of rubber.
#6
I made a front mud flap from a piece of black vinyl base molding, its flexible & cheap, I was able to buy a single piece at Home Depot, I use wire ties to secure it. Since we only do short tours I don't install my mud flap unless I expect rain otherwise its rides in the panier.
#7
Senior Member



Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,727
Likes: 2,105
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
I used the black plastic lid from the largest size plastic Folgers container. Two stainless bolts to attach to fender. I have done this on both 45mm and 60mm wide fenders. Looks much better than it sounds. A good scissors can cut the plastic.
#8
cyclopath
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,264
Likes: 6
From: Victoria, BC
Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad

I like full length mudflaps that reach the ground. I've made them out of milk jugs and rubber stair tread material. Both work fine, but don't look awesome.
I also got a few pairs of Buddy Flaps and for $12 - $14 they are well worth the cost. Very durable and you get some extra reflective material on your bike if you go custom/fancy.
#9
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
I have made them out of a variety of materials. I typically like leather on my vintage bikes and some form of plastic or vinyl on my more modern bikes.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#10
Planet Bike mud flap on SKS fender. They cost $6.00 for a pair including shipping. A couple of pop rivets hold them on very securely.

#11
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 250
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: 1992 Serotta Colorado II,Co-Motion Speedster, Giant Escape Hybrid, 1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour
Thanks for the replies! Stopped by the local hardware store, not the big orange box!, and bought a black stair tread. Made up a pattern and cut them out. I used aluminum pop rivets with a backing washer to install them. I just made them from the front. Have enough material so maybe I should make rear ones also.
We just came back from a cross country tour and we are heading out on a short ride on the GAP with relatives who have never toured. Thought this would be a good chance to see how the flaps perform. Also the relatives!
We just came back from a cross country tour and we are heading out on a short ride on the GAP with relatives who have never toured. Thought this would be a good chance to see how the flaps perform. Also the relatives!
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 10
From: columbus, ohio
Bikes: Soma Saga, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, New Albion Privateer
Thanks for the replies! Stopped by the local hardware store, not the big orange box!, and bought a black stair tread. Made up a pattern and cut them out. I used aluminum pop rivets with a backing washer to install them. I just made them from the front. Have enough material so maybe I should make rear ones also.
We just came back from a cross country tour and we are heading out on a short ride on the GAP with relatives who have never toured. Thought this would be a good chance to see how the flaps perform. Also the relatives!
We just came back from a cross country tour and we are heading out on a short ride on the GAP with relatives who have never toured. Thought this would be a good chance to see how the flaps perform. Also the relatives!






