Zéfal Deflector RS90: Extra-long mudguard for full-suspension bikes and e-MTBs

​When the trails turn into a mud bath in autumn and winter, many MTB mudguards quickly reach their limits. With the new Deflector RS90, Zéfal is now launching an extra-long rear mudguard designed to offer riders and their bikes significantly better protection against dirt and spray.

Whilst front mudguards are now standard on almost every mountain bike, the area behind the rear wheel often remains surprisingly unprotected. Why is that, actually? A wet backside and back are just as unpleasant as mud splashes on your face. That’s where the new Deflector RS90 into play. The mudguard is designed for riders who want to keep as much mud as possible off their back, saddle, shock absorber and rear triangle in wet conditions.

More protection than traditional mudguards

For years now, the trend has been towards ever shorter and lighter mudguards. Whilst this looks neat, it often offers only limited protection. With the Deflector RS90, Zéfal has deliberately taken a different approach.

With a total length of 77 centimetres, this mudguard is significantly longer than many minimalist designs on the market. It also features a wide design which, according to the manufacturer, is compatible with tyres up to 3.0 inches. Riders of enduro bikes, e-MTBs or plus bikes in particular are likely to be the target audience.

Interesting: The RS90 sits relatively close to the tyre. The distance can also be adjusted. This is crucial for the mudguard’s protective effect. The closer a mudguard runs to the tyre, the less water can splash out to the side.

Designed specifically for full-suspension bikes

Traditional mountain bike rear mudguards generally work well on hardtails, but often clash with the rear triangle of modern full-suspension bikes.

Zéfal has therefore specifically designed the RS90 for full-suspension bikes. It is secured using four rubberised straps attached directly to the frame or the swingarm. This ensures that the mudguard remains compatible even with telescopic seatposts.

Another positive feature is the frame-protecting design. Soft pads are designed to prevent dirt from getting between the fixings and the frame and causing long-term damage to the paintwork.

This concept is likely to be of interest to winter drivers

At first glance, a weight of 315 grams doesn’t seem particularly light. For riders who only fit the tyres for rainy rides or winter tours, however, this is likely to be of secondary importance.

A far more relevant question is whether the long design actually offers noticeably more protection than the numerous short mudguards on the market. The chances are certainly good. Particularly on long rides through mud and water, a few centimetres of extra length often makes a bigger difference than elaborately developed tread patterns or design solutions.

The RS90 is likely to be of particular interest when used in combination with the Deflector FM40 front mudguard. Together, the two mudguards are designed to provide the most comprehensive protection possible against spray.

Technical specifications: Zéfal Deflector RS90