We’re pretty convinced at this point that suspension for fat bikes is a good thing, but it brings up a few potential concerns. One of those issues centers around the durability of the fork seals. By nature, a fat bike is pretty much guaranteed to see more slop and muck than the average bike – not to mention road salt.
As you would imagine, those monstrous tires also have equally impressive spray, flinging mud, snow, and sand everywhere. Conceived by Chris Lalonde after his own sloppy experiences on his Bluto equipped fat bike, the Beaver Guard is similar to a number of other front fenders but specifically built for the RockShox Bluto.
After a few super muddy rides of our own (don’t worry, no trails were harmed), something like the new Beaver Guard Fat Bike Fender seems like it should be standard equipment. Selling for just $15 plus shipping, you’re going to want the details after the jump…
Owing its name to the beaver tail like shape of the guard, the fender has been undergoing multiple design revisions to offer the best protection and fit. Christian mentions he noticed a lot of mud and ice build up on his fork stanchions, seals, fork crown, headset after rides so he wanted to make something that would fit the Bluto as well as the 4.8″ tires.
Cut from flexible weather resistant plastic, the guard is capable of withstanding plenty of winter riding abuse. Installing to the fork with 4 included zip ties, the Beaver Guard provides spray coverage for everything north of the stanchions. The clearance on a Bluto running a Surly Bud 4.8″ tire on an 80mm rim is already pretty tight, but the Beaver Guard fits.
Version 1 at the top has evolved into version 2 shown here on Christian’s bike with the CrankBrothers sticker. Now a bit longer and wider for even better coverage, the fender is going into production and will likely have Beaver Guard branding.
Fenders are currently available for pre-order with the price set at $15 plus shipping. Chris says they will start production in the next couple of weeks with fenders shipping out shortly after that. Pre-orders can be made by emailing beaverguardfatbike@gmail.com.
