Easy bike mudguards from old inner tubes

My winter hack bike was in serious need of some mudguards, now that winter is closing in fast. Getting soaked in a brown sludge of road grit is no fun! The problem I encountered was that most mudguards won't fit on the back because of the oversize cyclocross tyres I have fitted. So I set about making my own guard from some old inner tubes! There's no specific measurements in this instructable, because everyone's bike will be different.

The wire 2mm I used was only just strong enough for this so I'd use 2.5mm or even 3mm wire if I made these again. The front guard is perfect but the back one rattles a little.

I've entered this into the inner tube reuse contest so don't forget to have a look at all of the entries and vote for your favourite ones, when the time comes.

Here's what you'll need :

• Steel wire 2.5mm - 3mm (if using 3mm wire, a small amount 2mm wire will be better for the cross pieces)
• Scrap steel sheet about 1mm thick
• Old inner tube (thick MTB tube is best)
• Epoxy
• Eyelets
• Washers to suite the bolts

Tools :

• Pliers
• Leather punch
• Eyelet tool
• Allen keys to suit bike
• Scissors

Step 1 Cut your inner tube to size.

Decide on the length you want the guards to be by lining a piece of inner tube along side the wheel, do the front and back, but but the back guard away for now.

We'll just work on the front mudguard first. Measure the distance between fork eyelets and the edge of the mudguard. Add this to the length of the piece of inner tube you cut. Double this and add a foot spare for mistakes/clearances etc.

Cut a piece of the steel wire to this length and bend a U shape in the centre about the same width as your inner tube. This will be the beginning of the skeleton of the mudguard.

Comments

[TSC]

That is so smart!!!!!!!!!

[scraptopower]

Thanks!

[TSC]

Your welcome!!

[kikiclint]

I was going to make something for the contest, but my idea didn't pan out. I think I will vote for yours on the contest though, since my bike will probably be fitted with these within the next week or so. Awesome use of old tubes. I wonder if instead of the tube, and old tire would work since it has some structure to it already with the wires. Its about the right radius for the tire as well.

[scraptopower]

Thanks, that's a good idea, wood look cool if you used an old studded tyre :D