mini review of SKS Edge Al 56 on Free Ranger
Posting back here for @properbikeco who asked about these and anyone else interested.
First thing to note is that the mudguards are stiff and have a very square profile. The Free Ranger, like many carbon bikes is all about smooth curves. This does cause some conflict in fitting. I’m happy with that compromise for their rigidity and wide clearance. YMMV.
I decided to cut mine in a couple of places. Those with more time, more tools and more inclination might find more refined solutions.
My bike is a medium and I run 700*38 (off road) and 700*28 (on road). In both tyre sizes they keep an awful lot of muck off me. I probably could have used the smaller size in hindsight but there would have been insufficient clearance if I bought a set of 650s for off-road.
The two areas of cutting (or your better solution) will be the lower fitting behind the BB and the fork crown.
There is some toe overlap with my size 11s.
The thick stays are solid and don’t rattle and the one time I’ve pulled a guard out of line it was because the stay slipped in the fork mount. A gentle push had it realigned.
If SKS offered the same dimensions with a bit more curvature in the aluminium profile they’d be even better (imo) but maybe that would cause other issues with strength/rigidity.