Modular Racing Bike Mudguard

thingiverse

Racing bikes offer a fantastic mode of transportation. However, dealing with wet roads can be frustrating: water splashes up from the tyres, creating a real nuisance. Store-bought mudguards often lack style, weigh too much, or simply don't fit your bike's unique design, so I sought out an alternative solution. Meet the Modular Mudguard! Choose and combine the desired modules (check out the STL Name Guide in the pictures) to create your ideal layout. You'll never have to worry about getting soaked on a rainy commute again. If you've got other module ideas or want any modifications, look below for information on customized parts. If you build one, please share your results! Print Settings Printer Brand: Ultimaker Printer: Ultimaker Original Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.4x0.1mm Infill: 20% Notes: These parts are designed to be printed on their side. To ensure they don't topple over, I printed a raft around the parts, but I think this isn't necessary. Support material is also not required unless your printer struggles with bridging. There's one exception: the cutout and bracket in the BracketCutout part need support material for a secure fit. However, you'll need to secure it more permanently to use it on your bicycle anyway. Post-Printing Bar attachment I purchased stock mudguard bars that connect to the mudguard and frame. Making them yourself isn't too much trouble, but you probably want to ensure they won't rattle when riding the bike. Since my bike lacks attachment loops on the frame, I also created simple connection brackets. They're custom-dimensioned for my bike to the millimeter (11mm and 16mm); if anyone is interested in them, let me know and I'll publish them on Thingiverse as well. Fixing the parts There are many ways to do this. The easiest would be using superglue or (if using ABS) acetone. You can also drill small holes through the connection parts and use tiny bolts and nuts. This way, you can change the composition to your liking. However, make sure to use locknuts; everything will vibrate violently, and normal nuts will definitely come loose. Also consider using washers. Rivet together for that industrial look. Again, use washers to avoid damaging the plastic. Weld together by friction welding with filament & multitool (video will follow). I used friction welding because it's awesome, fast, and definitely permanent. I made a video that I'll share shortly to give an idea of the very simple process. Black isn't the best color for friction welding due to discolouration, but still. Try it! How I Designed This Weight The weight of the Neutral part is 16 grams (PLA, 20% infill, 0.8mm wall thickness). Both end caps weigh about 8 grams, and the bracket parts