The following fitting manual is dedicated to EXT VAIA fork. It applies to both the Racing and MX versions of the mudguard.
Racing version
Tools needed
You will need the following tool for installation:
2mm allen key
Prepare for installation
The mudguard is attached to the stanchion protectors, which are flexible by design. During extreme impacts (e.g. big jumps or drops), the protectors may flex enough for the mudguard to touch the fork’s upper tubes.
If you expect to ride in such conditions, it’s recommended to apply the included protective stickers to the top tubes.
Use the standard method for applying protection film to bike components.
Installation
- Remove the back plates from the mudguard by unscrewing the main bolts.
- Pay attention to the orientation of the back plates. Small arrows indicate the top of each plate.
- To properly match the left and right plates, ensure the shape fits the slots in the stanchion protectors.
- Position the mudguard on the stanchion protectors. Ensure that the brake hose is positioned in front of the mudguard.
- Insert the first back plate inside the stanchion protector. Make sure it fits the slots and hold it in place with your finger.
- Apply thread locker (included in the kit) to the first bolt. Use the 9mm metal washer—this is crucial. Installing the bolt without the washer may damage the mudguard or scratch the main tube if the bolt is screwed in too far.
- Repeat the procedure for the second bolt and then for the other side of the mudguard.
- Unscrew the bolt and remove the hose clamp from the mudguard body. Apply thread locker to the bolt.
- Route the brake hose through the bracket. Make sure the lower part of the hose is close to the stanchion protector and not loose.
- Reattach the clamp and tighten the bolt. Do not overtighten—it should be just tight enough to hold the hose in place without allowing vertical movement.
- Unscrew the bolt in the top hose guide.
- Gently “open” the guide by bending the clamp and place it on the top tube just under the lower crown. Be careful with the white slider inserts inside the guide. If they fall out, push them back into place.
- Position the brake hose between the white inserts and close the guide.
- Check the position of the guide. The brake hose should be parallel to the top tube.
- Tighten the bolt enough to close the gap and secure the guide, but do not overtighten.
That’s it! Enjoy your ride!
MX version
Tools needed
You will need the following tools:
- 2mm Allen key
- 2.5mm Allen key
- Small hammer (for removing the mudguard, if needed)
Installation
- Unscrew the bolt from the center bracket and remove the top spider.
- Install the center bracket on the rear part of the mudguard.
- Note that the bracket is asymmetrical to support both offset versions of the VAIA fork.
- For 44mm offset, position the bolt forward.
- For 48mm offset, position the bolt backward.
- Place the spider back onto the bracket and screw in the bolt only enough to engage the thread. Do not tighten it yet.
- Position the rear part of the mudguard under the fork crown and slide the spider into the steerer tube. The mudguard should align with the lower crown.
- If it doesn’t fit properly (you can’t insert the spider or there is a gap between the rear supports and top tubes), check the bracket orientation and the offset setting for your fork.
- If it doesn’t fit properly (you can’t insert the spider or there is a gap between the rear supports and top tubes), check the bracket orientation and the offset setting for your fork.
- Apply thread locker to the provided bolts (M4x45 and M3x10).
- Position the front part of the mudguard and screw in the bolts, starting with the M4 bolts. After all bolts are in place, tighten them securely.
- Now tighten the center bracket bolt while pressing the mudguard against the crown.
- Be aware: when you tighten this bolt, the spider locks inside the steerer tube and will remain locked even if you unscrew the bolt and remove the mudguard.
- To remove the spider, screw the bolt back in and tap its head gently with a small hammer to release it.
- To remove the spider, screw the bolt back in and tap its head gently with a small hammer to release it.
- Unscrew the bolt and remove the brake hose guide clamp. Be careful not to lose the white slider insert inside the clamp.
- Place the brake hose between the white inserts. Reattach the clamp and tighten the bolt.
- Separate the lower bracket from the back plate by unscrewing the mounting bolts.
- Place the back plate inside the stanchion protector. Watch the orientation—small arrows indicate the top of the plate.
- Hold the plate with your finger and install the bracket by tightening the bolts.
- Make sure the brake hose will be positioned on the left side of the bracket.
- Make sure the brake hose will be positioned on the left side of the bracket.
- Remove the clamp from the bracket. Place the brake hose into the bracket and reattach the clamp.
- Ensure the hose is not loose and stays close to the stanchion protector.
- Tighten the bolt just enough to keep the hose from sliding up or down.
That’s it! Enjoy your ride!
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