Calling Ruby Comp owners! I've a mudguard question...

[Cyclingfun]

Hello all - It's exactly a month today that my brother came up here to deliver my beautiful Ruby Comp, which he'd sourced on the net for a brilliant price - She's 5 years old but in immaculate condition and obviously hasn't done many miles with the two previous owners - the most recent had found she was the wrong size for her; don't know why the first didn't get on with her. I've been out about 7 times on her and am bowled over by her speed and lightness (having been on a hybrid for past 6 years) but am frustrated by the winter here at the moment. Today is hopeful (very windy but sunny and no ice) so won't spend long writing this.

I just want to ask if any Ruby Comp owners have opinions on fitting mudguards... My bro fiddled about and put Cruds on but, with 25s rather than 23s it's a tight squeeze and I'm having problems to keep the guards off the tyres - especially when there's muck on the roads (and there is lots of it because farmers round here are busy trying to turn the lanes into extensions of their fields, with a yucky layer of mud and sh*t spread all over the place!). Any experience shared would be welcome as I'd like to keep my backside clean and not put one in the eye of other riders!

[Megustalaplaya]

Can't help you with the fender question but want say congrats on the new bike! Pics?

[pinsonp2]

Did your brother try the regular Crud mudguards or the Racepac which is smaller? http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?IGPK=2126193459 I have these on my Giant TCX W and it took some creativity to make them work (the squared down tube was a real bugger), but they might work for the Ruby. I'm glad that Ruby found a good forever home!!!!!

P2

[Cyclingfun]

Can't help you with the fender question but want say congrats on the new bike! Pics?

Hello - thanks for the congratulations and the challenge to put some pics up... as I'm new to this site this may take me an hour or so... now let's see, do I press this...?

Well, goodness only knows if that's worked. This pic was taken before she was sold to me. I've now got dual (flat+clipless) pedals from my bro and an Adamo road saddle. My bro's also fitted an additional front brake (Cane Creek crosstop) which is handy. He really has been a star - just a pity he lives about 360 miles south as I'd never need a LBS if he was nearby! But I'm beginning to learn how to maintain my bikes (the other's a rather neglected hybrid: Giant Cypress 2007) thanks to the internet, some books and telephone advice. I'm a slow and very messy learner (oil everywhere!) but am getting there... Better stop - am a bit obsessed and could probably continue all evening!

[Cyclingfun]

Did your brother try the regular Crud mudguards or the Racepac which is smaller? http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?IGPK=2126193459 I have these on my Giant TCX W and it took some creativity to make them work (the squared down tube was a real bugger), but they might work for the Ruby. I'm glad that Ruby found a good forever home!!!!!

P2

Hi - thanks for your message. No, not the ones you mention but the Crud Roadracer Guard - I don't just need to protect my own back but also be acceptable to other cyclists if out in a group. Looking at the Racepac sort, I suspect they'd throw quite a lot of muck into someone's face if they were drafting? Although the Roadracers are very thin, they are still proving a tight squeeze over 25s. I'm hoping when I switch to 23s in the spring that they'll work OK then but if anyone else has found a better solution that would work with 25s, I'll be very happy.

I've had a quick look at the Giant TCXW on the net and it looks very smart - is it replacing the Madone or are you riding both?

[Seajay]

Portland Design Works "Full Metal Fender" for 23mm tires. 25s may be tough. If anything was going to work it would be SKS Race Blades Long. Not to be confused with the original race blades. These attach at the quick releases for the wheels. See Pics Attached. We've had GREAT success with these in our rainy environment.

[pinsonp2]

I ride all of my bikes some time during the year. So the Madone is my group ride bike and the TCX W more for exploring and bird watching. I confess, I'm addicted to bikes....so is my DH.

P2

[Megustalaplaya]

Cyclingfun, I am so jealous!!! I love, love, love her!!!

[Cyclingfun]

[QUOTE=Seajay;664692]If anything was going to work it would be SKS Race Blades Long. Not to be confused with the original race blades.

Thanks very much for this suggestion and the photos - your interest is much appreciated. I've had a look on the Chain Reaction website and the rear one really looks as if it might have a bit less bulk where it goes between the wheel and the seat stays & rear brake fitting - which is where the main problem is with the Crud. I'll talk to the Specialized people when I go to the BS on Friday and see what they've got to say about them...

[Cyclingfun]

Cyclingfun, I am so jealous!!! I love, love, love her!!!

Thanks for your jealousy - I like it!! What bike(s) do you ride?

[bikegranny]

Congrats on the bike, Cyclingfun! she's beautiful, very impressive. Happy trails!