Nice. Apart from the front mudguard.
Obviously mountain bike mudguards are inherently fugly, being designed to - in order of priority:
a) fit around the bouncy bits
b) not clog with mud or jam the wheel
c) keep the headset dry
d) stop the front half of the rider being splattered in poo, at least from the knee upwards
[1]or alternatively, for the other popular front mudguard design:
a) keep the manufacturer's logo on the downtube clean
b) erm, that's it
That aside, it's a pretty good example of the species, being a much higher quality than the type usually found on BSOs. The mounting is secure (or at least it is thanks to the addition of a bit of inner tube as a shim on the expansion plug), features a quick-release for ease of car transport, and the plastic is a lot less bendy than you'd expect.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sks-shockblade-ii-front-mudguard/rp-prod104735It's the DIY one at the back that needs work. While integrating with the rack is neat and avoids the worst of the badger-stripe effect, it doesn't stick out far enough to the rear to prevent hilarious accumulation of mud on top of the rack bag. I'll make a 'tail' to attach to the light mount...
[1] If you're going mountain biking you're going to get muddy legs at a minimum. If nothing else, from the bits where you get off the bike. If it's less technical, I can use the hybrid with its much more competent mudguards.
