Review
Crankbrothers Guardian Universal Handguards
In a bit of a new direction for the brand, Crankbrothers are today releasing their new Guardian Handguards. They come in two mounting options: the Integrated version uses the inner clamp of your lock-on grip, while the Universal version uses a quick release lever to clamp the guard to your handle bar.
I tested the Universal model, and they are very easy to adjust. When I first installed them, I was a bit off on the up / down angle. The quick release allowed me to adjust without tools on the trail.
Installation was easy; just pop your grips off and slide them on. Then all you need to do is close the quick release clamp once you've determined your optimal location. The mount is narrow enough to fit between the grip and the brake mount for my set up.
Other features include extender blocks to give you two vertical options, 12mm adjustment away from your hands, and 33mm of lateral slot adjustment. My set up was without the extender, at the lowest height and I pushed the width about 8mm past the end of my grip for lots of protection.
Considering Ian's mount location, he could be a good candidate for the integrated version to clean up his cockpit. His Death Grips use the DMR mount which is compatible with a shim that is included with the the integrated guards. The downside to this solution is that you lose the quick release for tool-free adjustment on the trail. Photos - Ian Rudd
I did 6 big rides and some after work quickies on the e-bike with the guards mounted. It may have been psychological, but the more things I hit, the more confident I felt. Knowing your pinkie isn't going to get smashed is a good feeling. I rode a variety of North Shore trails and tighter lines felt better with the Crankbrothers Handguards than without them.
At one point we were out on a powerline road in a snow storm and I was able to tuck my hands behind the guards and save my gloves from getting soaked.
The Universal version clamps to the bar using a tidy quick release simplifying trail side adjustments. Photos - Crankbrothers
Detail of the Universal clamp.
33mm of lateral adjustment is independent of clamp placement.
The integrated version, shown here, mates with lock-on grips to keep your cockpit clean.
Crankbrothers Guardian Handguard Features
- 33mm side to side adjustment
- Two-position mounting to address most brake levers
- Handguard extenders included for riders with larger hands
- Included lock rings integrate into existing grips (integrated only)
- Collars feature rotational adjustment for arms (integrated only)
- Quick release mounting for easy installation and removal (universal only)
- Materials: Arm – glass filled nylon, Guard – HIPP (High Impact Polypropylene)
- Weight: 177g (integrated - no shims), 157g (universal)
- 5-year warranty
- Includes multiple shims to accommodate most lock-on grips (integrated)
The integrated version comes with shims for 16 grip brands to allow you to replace the inner clamp with the Handguard mount.
If you live somewhere with vegetation that bites back, or where the trees are very tight, these might save you some misery. It turns out they can also be helpful in nasty weather. Photo - Crankbrothers
Concluding Thoughts
Overall I was impressed with the Crankbrothers Universal Handguards. I feel like I hit enough vegetation and weather to give them a thorough assessment. I set them up wider than my bars so I could gauge width better on trail. Would I buy a set? Yes I would, and one of my riding buddies had his eyes on them, too.
Crankbrothers Universal / Integrated Handguards - 60 USD Integrated // 50 USD Universal
Comments
Zombo
3 weeks, 2 days ago
Been thinking about getting some of these on my hardtail xc/gravel bike because I ride a lot of unmaintained forest roads and trails. The only problem is I already have the sqlab innner bar ends. I'm not worried about compatibility, I'm worried about making my bike so ugly even I can't ride it :).
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XXX_er
3 weeks, 2 days ago
I look at those guards and think they put more stuff on a bar that already has more stuff ? I wear a Watson work glove with big pieces of rubber on each digit for protection, I could punch holes in the drywall but its my house. A padded palm on a slim ODI grip they grip fine, 100% synthetic so they never smell bad, don't wear and were cheap at the chainsaw store
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BarryW
3 weeks, 2 days ago
I've wondered for a few years about using these in the winter primarily to keep my hands warmer.
Thanks for the review.
What would you buy with you own coin? The integrated or the universal quick release?
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TheJankFiles
3 weeks, 1 day ago
I would think universal, but I’m trying out different grips lately so I’m biased.
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