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The setup for our practical test of the mudguards was quite special: a test rider in white painter's overalls rode five times through a rock-deep mud puddle several metres long. Afterwards, it was very clear what the mudguards were capable of - or not... There is no protection up to the knee or half a thigh, but the rest was kept reasonably clean by the good constructions.
The additional weight is less than the eye-catching appearance suggests. Effective mudguard sets weigh only 350 to 400 grams. If you want to buy a set in favour of a uniform look and easy procurement, you can't go wrong with SKS. However, all models are also available individually. Functionally, the British Crud XL fender for the front and the cantilevered Unleazhed at the rear are the favourites. As most models are designed for similar rear triangles (four-link with a seat stay angle of around 30 to 35 degrees), the easily angle-adjustable model from Mucky Nutz can close any gaps at the rear. Topeak offers the most elegant and robust attachment for frequent mounting.
1 - Crud XL Fender / Rear Fender
- Set price approx. 65 euros (online)
- Length f/h: 62/64 cm
- Weight f/h: 194/168 g
With the Fender XL for the front wheel, the British have landed a hit. The tool-free assembly with six tight rubber rings is wobble-free, the centrally split design allows air to reach the tyre. Plenty of length at the front, so good protection for the face. Our tip for the front wheel.
The rear mudguard inevitably leaves a lot of air to the tyre for the suspension travel on the fully. The protection is correspondingly moderate - more a part for hardtails. Mounting on the seatpost requires a 5 mm hexagon socket. Technically solid, but not a winner. Unfortunately only available to order online.
Evaluation Crud XL Fender/ Rear Fender
2 - Mucky Nutz MugGuard front/rear
- Set price 77 Euro
- Length f/h: 62/82 (44) cm
- Weight f/h: 110/225 g
The front mudguard from Mucky Nutz could probably only be fitted sensibly with cable ties. The Velcro strips supplied are fiddly and not very durable. They also barely keep the very flexible protector away from the tyre. From our point of view, not very recommendable.
The rear wheel model, on the other hand, can shine. It offers the greatest angle adjustment and is therefore also suitable for hardtails or rear triangles outside the four-link mainstream. It sits solidly. The mounted extension can be quickly removed with the press of a thumb. Good protection and good construction.
Rating Mucky Nutz MugGuard front/rear
3 - SKS Mudrocker Set
- Set price 65 Euro >> available here
- Length f/h: 50/65 (up to 85) cm
- Weight f/h: 122/266 g
SKS delivers the most balanced set in the test. Both parts are really good in terms of protection and mounting, even if neither sets standards. At the front, only SKS offers the option of direct screw mounting on suitable triple clamps with the enclosed adapter, but the relatively wide Velcro straps also hold both protectors securely in place.
The rear mudguard can be mounted at two angles and can be extended forwards and backwards by around ten centimetres using the included extensions. We did not use the rear extension because it would have increased the visible tail. A plus: the extensive mounting material included in the scope of delivery.
Rating SKS Mudrocker Set
4 - Topeak Tetrafender Set
- Set price 65 Euro >> available here
- Length f/h: 54 (38)/55 (32) cm
- Weight f/h: 230/360 g
Topeak goes to great lengths for its mudflaps: the already sturdiest Velcro straps in the test can be tightened further with a small screw, the metal struts are adjustable and both protectors can be shortened and lengthened without tools. That weighs. The set is over 200 grams heavier than most of the competition and is somewhat more complex to adjust during initial assembly.
With good average protection at the front and a slightly too small deflector at the rear, the set doesn't quite keep up with the manufacturing quality in terms of protection.
Rating Topeak Tetrafender Set
5 - Unleazhed MR02/M02 Set
- Set price 75 Euro >> available here
- Length f/h: 51/76 cm
- Weight f/h: 115/217 g
At first glance, the set from the German manufacturer Unleazhed looks similar to the SKS range. A direct comparison reveals different qualities: Unleazhed makes do with narrower Velcro straps for its slightly lighter set, and the rubber pads between the rear mudguard and frame are also a little more fiddly.
However, the protective effect of the rear mud catcher is significantly better than that of the competitor. The generously long protector is less susceptible to vibrations thanks to three-dimensional reinforcements on the inside. This allows it to utilise its length and width with ease. No other in the test kept the back cleaner. Similar performance to SKS on the front wheel.
Evaluation Unleazhed MR02/M02 set
