No it's because it's the winter bike too - so I have the guards on for the other riders in the bunch. If I am using it for proper cross then I will take the guards off. Surely you have mudguards on your winter bike if you ride in a bunch a lot? Also I can recall occasions where I've been riding in heavy rain and not been able to see because of the spray of water from the front wheels. Plus it keeps your arse dryer and the mud off it so you don't get complaints when you pop in for a cafe stop.