SKS S-Board

The SKS S-Board is deliberately positioned as the minimalist, pragmatic solution for riders with no room or appetite for full fenders. Road cyclists, gravel riders and sporty commuters who usually ride dry but get surprised once a week by a Randstad downpour — that is the target audience. At 15 euros it is insurance against the one time you arrive at the office without a fender and a completely soaked back. Protection delivers exactly what you would expect: the board catches most of the water your rear wheel throws up and channels it downward instead of onto your lower back. For a 10 km commute through wet streets the difference is significant — you will not arrive dry, but you will arrive without the signature brown stripe up the back of your jacket. Ride through a proper puddle and water still shoots up either side, because the S-Board only covers straight aft. Mud from cycle paths after rain still reaches your calves and shoes; for that you simply need more fender.

Compared to alternatives the S-Board is the Germanic solid answer to the popular Ass Savers Fendor Bendor and the Zefal Paragon clip-on. The Fendor Bendor is lighter and foldable, but offers less coverage and pops loose more easily on bumps. The Zefal Paragon gives a bit more protection but weighs almost double. The Blackburn Central is a full fender in another category altogether. The S-Board is the right call if you want a semi-permanent clip-on that stays put through a 60 km ride and comes off in 10 seconds when you take the road bike out on a sunny Saturday.

Honest about the weaknesses: this is not a serious fender and marketing that pretends otherwise would be dishonest. In proper Dutch torrential weather you will still get wet under your jacket via your trousers; the S-Board does not solve that. On poor Randstad cycle paths with cobbles and tree roots the clamp wants to creep slowly downward — pushing it back every 20 km is normal. And on carbon seatposts you have to watch the clamp force; set it precisely or use a rubber strip underneath to prevent scratches. For heavy daily rain commuting the Bluemels is the better tool; for the occasional unexpected shower, the S-Board is exactly what you are looking for.