SKS Raceblade Long 25mm
dj58
Posts: 2,223
They are back for 2016, Wiggle have them listed as, Email when in stock, and are referring to them as SKS Raceblade Long 2 Mudguard Set.
SKS are referring to them as Raceblade Long Black or Silver finish
http://www.sks-germany.com/en/products/raceblade-long-black/
http://www.sks-germany.com/inhalte/uploads/2015/08/AB_ersatzteile_RACEBLADE_LONG.pdf
Lets hope that they have beefed up the mounting/quick release hardware.
SKS are referring to them as Raceblade Long Black or Silver finish
http://www.sks-germany.com/en/products/raceblade-long-black/
http://www.sks-germany.com/inhalte/uploads/2015/08/AB_ersatzteile_RACEBLADE_LONG.pdf
Lets hope that they have beefed up the mounting/quick release hardware.
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cool, might grab a pair of these when they are releasedwww.conjunctivitis.com - a site for sore eyes0
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Looking at the images so far they don't seem that different from the previous version.
The locks look very similar. I would assume that the images are deceptive as this was the area they needed to address.
I was also hoping that the front guard flap/extension would have a much longer bracket to support the length of the guard, but it looks like this is not the case.0 -
It's a bit puzzling that they appear to have called these the mkII version when the last version was a distinct change from the original set that appeared only 3-6 months earlier, so I always referred to those as the mkII ones.
The tails seem slightly different so I am assuming that the pictures are of the updated set and yet, as stated, the rest looks pretty similar. I will have a punt when they come out though, my current method of fixing via cable ties is a little less convenient than it could be.0 -
Lets hope that they have beefed up the mounting/quick release hardware.
Let's hope so. I really liked these 'guards, apart from when the rear came loose and jammed between the tyre and caliper.
£40 seems a bit steep though?0 -
I had been waiting for these:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=13034023
Look virtually the same bar the mudflap and a bit more chunky around the brake mounting point, maybe a sign the clip-lock part has been beefed up. I been through 2 sets in a couple of years, this was one reason for retirement, along with the plastic splitting, hopefully the profiles are now less brittle as well.
I went with Cruds in the end as per the other thread, but haven't fitted them yet since summer has (re)appearedEdinburgh Revolution Curve
http://app.strava.com/athletes/19200480 -
[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19697446#p19697446]KingOfTheTailwind[/url] wrote:Let's hope so. I really liked these 'guards, apart from when the rear came loose and jammed between the tyre and caliper.
Yeh, likewise.
Unless they have made some major improvements to the clips I'd regard these as death traps.0 -
OK, for those interested, I have taken delivery of some of these and first impressions are pretty good. The new locking mech seems a hell of a lot beefier and, because of this, the bracket is both stronger and has a greater kink to hold the guard away from the tyre (so don't be tempted to just use the current brackets if replacing guards from the last 2 versions). The end of the guards is also better and slightly longer for greater protection.
I have fitted these onto an Allez E5 with 25mm Schwalbe Ones and the fit looks to be very good. As stated, these are the new ones, named MkII although they are actually the third version. I have had all 3 versions and these look to be the best. First ride is actually tomorrow so I reserve the right to repost afterwards moaning like a bitch.
Here are some pics:
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Just bought a set of these 2016 version (with the metal clips). All seem good but the small leading front guard section on the front wheel does flap a bit when you get going. I may remove it and only re-attach when it's really wet.0
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Just bought a set of these 2016 version (with the metal clips). All seem good but the small leading front guard section on the front wheel does flap a bit when you get going. I may remove it and only re-attach when it's really wet.
Yeah, I gave up with that last time around. Seemed to be a bit pointless given that the break in coverage over the brake bridge meant that all water was dumped off there anyway. Same goes for the secondary flap at the back, can't be arsed with it!0 -
Thats a shame. I recently purchased raceblade XL's. I did prefer the longs as they were quite sturdy, but after a year or so the quick release failed and even going over a speedhump would eject it out. I havent binned mine yet, but will try and replace the rear metal holding parts with the front to salvage onto a spare bike.N2 - SW1
Canyon Endurace 9.00 -
Thanks Bobbinogs, i had been looking for a review of the new version.
Very interested to hear how they perform during a ride - especially if the front flap rattles as much and is still vulnerable to snapping off.0 -
I've had them for a few weeks now, and they have been fine once I managed to get them fixed to the frame. I have put them on a disc brake frame, so had no real way to connect the clips to the forks and rear brake bridge. I had a suitable bolt for the front, and managed to attached the rear by means of a spare cleat screw!
So having ridden them for a while, I can say the following - the front extension is a little 'flappy', and given I have no front caliper, the gap is wider for me but I have left it there anyway, it will stop a little more of the water being thrown up. The rear extension I have also left on, but had to secure it by using velcro 'coins', two opposing velcro stickers on the back of the seat tube and the 'guard. This stopped the infuriating rattle at the back. Having adjusted the length of the stays, I have had no problems with rubbing with 25mm tyres, and they seem sturdy enough even over the rough Cumbrian country roads (which may or may not still be there after Desmond has done his worst!). All in all a good, if not perfect, solution, which I was happy with after a relatively disastrous dalliance with some SKS Chromoplastics. I paid £45 as well, so £40 isn't that bad.0 -
Thanks Bobbinogs, i had been looking for a review of the new version.
Very interested to hear how they perform during a ride - especially if the front flap rattles as much and is still vulnerable to snapping off.
They were very good today, no issues whatsoever. I'm afraid I don't use the little flaps, just the main sections for the front and back. The brackets do appear to be a lot more sturdier than the last lot so I suspect the little flaps will be better and more stable, but as per LL above, not perfect. To be fair, I think any little flap would have struggled in the winds today!
I guess ultimately the Raceblade Longs are always going to be a second best solution to proper guards but these are now as good as it gets for bikes with limited clearance and appear to set the new standard.0 -
Thanks Bobbinogs, i had been looking for a review of the new version.
Very interested to hear how they perform during a ride - especially if the front flap rattles as much and is still vulnerable to snapping off.
They were very good today, no issues whatsoever. I'm afraid I don't use the little flaps, just the main sections for the front and back. The brackets do appear to be a lot more sturdier than the last lot so I suspect the little flaps will be better and more stable, but as per LL above, not perfect. To be fair, I think any little flap would have struggled in the winds today!
I guess ultimately the Raceblade Longs are always going to be a second best solution to proper guards but these are now as good as it gets for bikes with limited clearance and appear to set the new standard.
Thanks. Interesting to know. Think i will get a set to replace my old raceblades.0 -
As long as I don't have to rivet the frikkin things together. Where's Fudgey?
I would like them to go all the way to the BB on the back wheel so that it keeps the front mech and chainset a little cleaner like the Road racers.
Here's a whole dossier on them
viewtopic.php?f=40004&t=13000690&hilit=sks+racebladeseanoconn - gruagach craic!0 -
Does it mention anywhere what the minimum acceptable clearance between the brakes and tyres is?
No it F**kin doesnt! I bought a set and can only use the the long back guard. Merlin refused to refund as I'd tried to fit them. I told them they should state min clearance. I also told SKS. Crud do. Anyway the front will not fit my Cervelo R3 there is not enough room for the metal bracket. The small back profile had to be cut so short it wasnt worth using. They should design them so that the bracket screws into the back of the brake bolt and supply an appropriate brake bolt. Also its very difficult to remove the back guard from the bracket so not instantly removable as they suggest. I would say you need at least 5mm clearance at the front and even then it will be so close any sh*t will get stuck there. The new Raceblade Pro are the ones I need but not available until end of Jan.
£38 for a back mudguard. Does any body want to buy the front?Pegoretti
Colnago
Cervelo
Campagnolo0 -
Interesting to see the grey plastic clip is now metal - but - IME it's not always the grey clip itself that's wears it's the strip of black plastic on the guard itself that fits against the inside (tyre side) of the grey clip that wears away especially on the rear. Any changes there?0
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Similar experience here with a Cervelo R3 2013 and Conti 4000SII 25mm although I could fit the small guard at the front and back (no need to cut down). Managed to fit large front guard but clearance was minimal and not worth risking clip getting stuck between tyre and fork. The large front guard was also rubbing against the brake/shift cables when turning.
Will leave as is given that back wheel protection is primary concern.0 -
[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19756453#p19756453]wishitwasallflat[/url] wrote:Interesting to see the grey plastic clip is now metal - but - IME it's not always the grey clip itself that's wears it's the strip of black plastic on the guard itself that fits against the inside (tyre side) of the grey clip that wears away especially on the rear. Any changes there?
Yepp. The mechanism is now all enclosed (see my piccie above). Hence, from the underside you cannot see the little tabs, etc. I figure the reason being that the enclosure supports the little tab and prevents it wearing out/breaking off?0 -
I've been using these for a while and whilst they are sturdy and stop spray being flicked up off the wheels they don't do much for your brake blocks and wheel wear. Having the gaps at the brakes means that all the crap seems to be chucked out of the guards at this point and all over the brakes. My brake blocks have never been so continuously covered in crap before I fitted these and this weekend I replaced all my brake pads as they had worn about 10 times quicker than normal. I also think that they will be wearing my wheel rims quickly due to being constantly covered in grit and road 'shite'. Whilst these are alot more sturdy than crud raceblades I'm not convinced they are doing a better job.0
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Maybe i could offer a modification service if anyone wants them fixed haha.
since refitting mine i have not actually used the road bike in the last month (or any bike for that matter) but mine are the older style.My winter bike is exactly the same as my summer bike,,, but dirty...0 -
... Anyway the front will not fit my Cervelo R3 there is not enough room for the metal bracket. The small back profile had to be cut so short it wasnt worth using. They should design them so that the bracket screws into the back of the brake bolt and supply an appropriate brake bolt...
To be fair though, a Cervelo R3 is based on a purebred race bike and therefore not really designed for mudguards and British weather/roads... so I don't think one can blame a mudguard manufacturer for not being able to fully account for that.
It does seem that many British riders want a race level bike with really tight geometry and minimal 'aero' gaps (some not even being able to take 25mm tyres), trendy pressfit BBs and wheels with low lube/open seal ceramic bearings, milled rims and low spoke counts and then moan when the whole package doesn't offer the same durability/repairability as a decent sturdy winter bike with hand built wheels, 28mm tyres and fitted mudguards.
I was caught out when I bought a Spesh Secteur a few years ago as a 'do it all' bike that is advertised as having mudguard eyelets...but the blurb neglected to mention that the brake clearance was so tight that I even struggled to get Cruds working with 23mm tyres, so I never got to use the blinking eyelets for proper guards.0 -
Bobbinogs wrote:To be fair though, a Cervelo R3 is based on a purebred race bike and therefore not really designed for mudguards and British weather/roads... so I don't think one can blame a mudguard manufacturer for not being able to fully account for that.
It does seem that many British riders want a race level bike with really tight geometry and minimal 'aero' gaps (some not even being able to take 25mm tyres), trendy pressfit BBs and wheels with low lube/open seal ceramic bearings, milled rims and low spoke counts and then moan when the whole package doesn't offer the same durability/repairability as a decent sturdy winter bike with hand built wheels, 28mm tyres and fitted mudguards.
I was caught out when I bought a Spesh Secteur a few years ago as a 'do it all' bike that is advertised as having mudguard eyelets...but the blurb neglected to mention that the brake clearance was so tight that I even struggled to get Cruds working with 23mm tyres, so I never got to use the blinking eyelets for proper guards.
Spot on. I bought a specific bike for commuting & winter rides. Ok, the online store i bought it from did tell me it could fit guards (little did i know that they were in fact talking about raceblades or cruds), nonetheless i decided to keep it as i wanted a bike with a racing geometry. That was my choice and as a result i accept getting covered in cr@p in the winter and rain. Raceblades do provide some protection, especially for those behind (if riding in groups).
Just hope the MK2s are more sturdy than the previous version (had the front bracket snap on a fast descent).0 -
Mine seem sturdy enough, and fit where PDW full metals just wouldn't. Brakeless is right about the brakes getting covered in crap; I'm trying to work out a fudge for that and to protect the front mech.
What I will say is: quick-release? B*lls. Getting the guards back off the metal tabs is nigh-on impossible. Or I'm doing something wrong.0 -
Mine seem sturdy enough, and fit where PDW full metals just wouldn't. Brakeless is right about the brakes getting covered in crap; I'm trying to work out a fudge for that and to protect the front mech.
What I will say is: quick-release? B*lls. Getting the guards back off the metal tabs is nigh-on impossible. Or I'm doing something wrong.
I've kept the front mech protector from my old crud blades on. The rear mudguard is a bit of a hybrid and works well apart from the brakes getting covered in crap.0 -
... Getting the guards back off the metal tabs is nigh-on impossible. Or I'm doing something wrong.
mmm, I had the same issue when I quickly tried to do this as part of the fitment/adjusting but figured that it was probably a good thing. All the previous complaints were about the guards detaching...so they appear to have fixed that
I am leaving the issue of detaching them now until April, and would probably accept having to remove the bracket from the brakes as a 'worst case' scenario.0 -
My problem is that in theory I convert the commuter into my winter club ride bike every week. I originally thought I'd be detaching the guards as well as stripping the rack & lights and changing wheels and brake pads. Not happening. Ah well, it makes it nicer for anyone following my wheel, I guess.0
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Maybe i could offer a modification service if anyone wants them fixed haha.
since refitting mine i have not actually used the road bike in the last month (or any bike for that matter) but mine are the older style.
Erm...
***PATENT ALERT***PATENT ALERT***
November 19th 2014:
viewtopic.php?f=40004&t=13000690&hilit=sks+raceblade&start=20#p19264258
December 8th 2014:
viewtopic.php?f=40004&t=13000690&p=19301980&hilit=sks+raceblade#p19301980
That's it Fudgey - I want a fight with you at the back of Gregg's in the car park, tomorrow at 9am.seanoconn - gruagach craic!0 -
I had some of the previous version but they wouldn't fit under the brakes on my Scott CR1 with 23mm GP4000S tyres. The metal bracket rubbed against the tyre.
I'm even less hopeful now I've gone up to 25mm.0
