We recently stumbled upon the CombOver, a new mudguard with an unconventional toothed design intended to keep only your face clean. Find details and more photos of the unique contraption here…

Skepticism was my initial reaction when Logan shared this Instagram reel he’d found of the new CombOver Mudguard in action, where many commenters were quick to point out that the rider is caked in mud. Having dug a little deeper in the meantime, I’m still suspicious of its utility, but it’s nonetheless one of the most interesting and unexpected bike accessories I’ve seen in a while.

Combover Mudguard
  • Combover Mudguard
  • Combover Mudguard
  • Combover Mudguard

Designed to protect only your face, eyes, and mouth from trail debris while riding, the two-piece CombOver Muguard weighs just 25 grams and features a somewhat sinister-looking angled slat construction with material “only where it’s needed,” according to the small brand from the UK’s Peak District. It mounts to either side of your bike’s downtube with zip ties and is said to be compatible with any wheel, tire, and frame size.

  • Combover Mudguard
  • Combover Mudguard

Available on pre-sale now, the £12 ($16) CombOver’s horizontal slats are angled to intercept rising mud without restricting airflow. However, I suspect the market of riders who prioritize aerodynamics and mud protection is rather small. The designer also highlights its discreet design, but it seems it would, in fact, be quite the conversation starter. In relative terms, the weight difference between the 25-gram CombOver and something like the Mucky Nutz Gut Fender (28 grams) or even the Portland Design Works Origami Front Fender (60 grams) is fairly small, and whether it’s actually as effective as its many more “traditional” competitors in real-world use has yet to be seen.

For anyone interested in learning more about the CombOver’s backstory and the research that went into its development, there’s a thorough overview on the brand’s How They Work page. Note that the CombOver can also be paired with the Toupee for additional coverage.

You can see more details at CombOver.co.uk. What do you think? Is this something you’d try, and could you see it working for you? Let us know in the Conversation below.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Dispatch

New Components

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.