Best MTB Mudguard [Review] in 2021
written by Cycle expert Alex Bristol
Check out the results fast – here are our review winners
All Mountain Style AMS Front Mudguard
TOP CHOICE
RRP ProGuard Bolt On Front Mudguard
OUR PICK
Crud Roadracer Mk3 Mudguard Set
RUNNER UP
Looking for ways to keep you and your bike clean during the winter months? No one likes the splitting mud patches covered all over the clothes or being hit in the face with mud.
Mudguards are a must-have on mountain bikes.
There are not only brilliant for protecting you and your bike from mud off the trail, but they also help you ride faster during the winter months. They provide coverage over your wheels to provide maximum protection while you ride.
However, it’s not as easy as picking up the first one you find and jobs a gooden, with so many on the market, there is a fair share of bad mudguards. With some being made with poor quality materials that offer zero durability to others that’ll break in a few months, it can be quite challenging if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
No need to worry though, I’m here to help!
To make things easier for you, I have spent 7 hours hunting through 58 different mudguards for mountain bikes to find a collection of my top picks that will suit you and your bike’s needs– no more muddy faces and less maintenance during the winter months.
Here’s a pro tip: getting yourself a mudguard covering the full arc of mud trajectory would be the best option as speed increases the mud thrown further forward and eventually gets onto the rider.
Here are my top picks of the best mountain bike mudguards for you.
We’ve spent the time so you don’t have to:
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Five Of The Best Mountain Bike Mudguards
All Mountain Style AMS Front Mudguard
Coming in at number one is the All Mountain Style Front Mudguard is great for the bikes during rainy days and for protecting the bike from the mud. This mudguard keeps dirt and water splashes away from your eyes as it is the front mudguard.
The AMS Mudguard has a specific product design high in quality and offers seal protection from dust, mud, and debris. Plus the special varnish to avoid scratching the graphic.
But that’s not all…
This mudguard is super sturdy and lightweight and provides extra front protection without ruining the bike’s sleek looks. It is the perfect fit for a mountain bike and fits effortlessly between the front fork.
It is thicker than most customers anticipated making it ideal for mountain bikes as it covers more area and protects against muddy trails. This will make a perfect trail-shredding companion.
Pros
Protection
Lightweight
Material
Quick-release attachment
Cons
None
Latest deal: All Mountain Style AMS Front Mudguard
RRP ProGuard Bolt On Front Mudguard
The number two spot goes to RRP ProGuard Bolt-On Front Mudguard. It is a direct mount mudguard that holds in place without velcro or zip-ties; it is also compatible will all main suspension fork designs making it ideal for hitting the trails.
This mudguard design is ideal for the rigors of modern mountain biking; it offers superb all-weather protection for any mountain biking, from Enduro and Downhill racing to fun-packed winter trail rides with friends.
It is also made from RapidRacer products, including polypropylene which is extremely flexible and offers ultra-durable performance while keeping the weight low.
But wait, here’s more.
There is no need for zip-ties or Velcro straps to place the RRP ProGuard Bolt-on Front Mudguard in place. This mudguard design is compatible with all main suspension fork designs. The full coverage of this mudguard on a bike provides unmatched protection from mud, spray, and anything else.
This mudguard offers high protection and super reliable construction; it is also available in two sizes, making it suited for all kinds of riding styles, weather conditions, and terrain situations. The RRP offers optimum protection from mud and sprays with a low-profile design.
RRP ensures your forks perform better for longer and do not require servicing as often; you can spend more time shredding the trails and less time fixing and maintaining your bike in the workshop.
Pros
Flexible performance
Protection
Material
Compatible
Cons
Durability issues sometimes
Latest deal: RRP ProGuard Bolt On Front Mudguard
Crud Roadracer Mk3 Mudguard Set
Want to keep yourself protected from unwanted spray and dirt and want optimum protection when tackling rough terrain? Well, let me tell you about the Mk3 Mudguard Set from Crud; it has a sturdy design and provides the protection you need on the trails.
This mudguard is a no-brainer, really.
The Crud Roadracer Mk3 Mudguard Set has a sturdy design with bolted fixtures on the brake bridges. It is the ultimate clip-on pair for bikes to ride on mountain trails, off-road, or shredding rough terrain.
This mudguard provides the best fit for your tires. It minimizes the amount of spray coming from the tires due to mud on the road.
This mudguard keeps the back of your bike clean if you set it up properly. It has super strong velcro making it easy to install and remove when you need it. All in all, it has a sleek design, easy to use, and provides the protection you need when hitting the trails.
Pros
Bolted fixtures
Protection
Perfect fit
Design
Cons
Can rub if not setup correctly
Latest deal: Crud Roadracer Mk3 Mudguard Set
4.
Rowdy Mudguard Set
Rowdy Mudguard Set provides great protection to the bike from the mud while riding off-road, mountain trails, or somewhere else. It is the first high-end dirt board for kids’ mountain bikes.
I have found that mudguards have mainly been limited to adult riders, and now you’ve found one for yourself you can get one for your kid’s first bike too.
But here’s the kicker.
The design of this mudguard allows you to mount it on almost every frame type, including full suspensions. It has a bombproof fixation on the seat post, which makes it thief-proof.
Adults aren’t the only ones that need protection from the mud and grit from the wet and wintery trails; this mudguard does the job well land; it makes family rides that much more enjoyable.
Pros
Protection
Mounting
Bombproof fixation
Lightweight
Cons
Mud clogging
Latest deal: Rowdy Mudguard Set
5.
Bontrager Enduro Front Fender
Keep the tire spray away and protect your forks from the splatter of the trails with Bontrager Enduro front fender; it is a super durable and flexible poly fender that will keep you and your bike covered through the gnarly winter trails.
With the super easy to attach design, it has 4 attachment locations that will install in seconds. The only thing this kit is missing is zip ties (which aren’t included in the set). But with a quick order from Amazon or a trip to Walmart, it’s fairly easy to get hold of.
Here’s more…
With the say-to-attach design and 4 attachment locations, these multiple-mounted eyelets offer compatibility with most forks and tires up to a whopping 3 inches wide.
This mudguard is also made from 1mm polypropylene which is super durable and easy to clean. It will provide you with the protection you need, so mud will never stop you from pushing the limits ever again.
It may not keep your whole bike clean, but it will keep the mud from flinging into your teeth and face, as well as keeping the seals on your fork from being completely doused in mud in the winter months. For 10 bucks, it’s a bargain.
Pros
Lightweight
Protection
Material
Safety
Cons
None
Latest deal: Bontrager Enduro Front Fender
Looking for the best clip-on mudguards instead?
We’ve put an in-depth guide together for that.
We have looked over 13 clip-on mudguards to make sure you’re getting the best for your money. We looked at safety, length, tire fit, and ease of installation to make sure we’ve found the greatest products available to buy – you can see the full guide here which will be more relevant than the one you’re reading now.
Best MTB Mudguard Buyers Guide
While buying a product, you should look for the product that suits your requirements. You need to do some research by looking at and comparing different products based on your requirements. While searching the product according to your specifications, searching the product looks at different ratings, prices, quality, and features.
There are many things in which you need to pay attention to, which first is the price of the product so that you could have an idea of whether it is lying in your range or not.
When some products lie in your price range, then compare them based on product’s quality to know whether the product you are buying has good quality or not. Then you choose some products based on features and customer ratings.
While comparing different products, you should choose the best one that has everything according to your requirements. You want to go for move protection and look for a mudguard made from good materials and has good features.
What makes the best MTB mudguard?
Mudguards or fenders significantly reduce the amount of mud that sprays onto your front wheel; it not only protects you from getting covered in mud but also protects your bike and fork seals. Your bike will thank you for the mudguards during the winter months.
The best mudguards should be fairly easy to fit and offer a substantial amount of protection against mud and spraying; they’re also tough enough to stay in shape if they get folded in a crash.
I would also recommend going for a mudguard made from recycled plastic to help with the environment.
Things to check before buying MTB Mudguards:
The following are some recurring features of the products mentioned above in the article:
Mounting: In the past, people used to mount the mudguard to the down tube. Now the trend has changed, and people consider the fork brace to be the prime site for mudguards. There are many ways through which you can mount the mudguards such as you can drill holes in the mudguard to mount it on the bike.
Some of the mudguards come with zip-ties, which loop around the fork legs. Others use Velcro straps to mount the guards, and you can remove these later on easily. There is some new design to which you just have to bolt directly to the back of the fork brace. The products mentioned above in the article are of different types so you can go to one of your requirements.
Material: Polypropylene is the material used in most mudguards as it is light and cheap. There is another material from which it gets made which is 100 per cent recycled plastic. The products mentioned above in the article are of different materials so you can go to one of your requirements.
Different types of MTB Mudguards:
There are many different mountain bike mudguards to choose from on the market, many different types and fits. I will be running through the most common types you’ll find when buying mountain bike mudguards.
Clip-on mudguards: Clip-on mudguards typically attach to your seat post; they’re ideal for a quick fix as they offer a decent amount of sturdy protection from rain and mud. However, they offer the least amount of coverage in comparison to other mudguards.
They’ll work efficiently to stop the mud streak going up your back, but they won’t do too much to protect your legs. But there are still some benefits of using clip-on mudguards; they’re easy to use. Just clip onto the seat post or front fork, and you’re good to go.
They’re ideal for those who don’t want to spend ages trying to remove their mudguard; it is ideal if your frame doesn’t have the eyelets required to get a fixed mudguard.
Fixed mudguards: These are slightly upgraded from clip-on mudguards as they include both a front and rear guard. They provide the highest level of protection on the trails and road.
Fixed mudguards take more effort to attach though, most styles need to be fitted onto the eyelets (these are on most bike frames). They’re pretty simple to install, and once they’re installed, it is very much left and forget. It’s ideal for riders who are faced with consistently bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are the questions that most people ask about the best MTB mudguards:
Do I need mudguards on my mountain bike?
Many things are necessary for a mountain bike to have, but a road bike isn’t. One of these things includes mud clearance. There is a need for mudguards on the mountain bike to protect your bike back and front from the mud while riding on muddy trails.
The mudguards fit high up, on the seat tube, and down tube to protect the bike from the mud if you want; you can fit it on your road and commuting bikes too.
What mudguards are best for a mountain bike?
If you want to buy a mudguard for your bike, then you have to look for the right one that can fit on your bike. The mudguards protect in different ways, which depend on where you mount them.
If you mount them on the front, it protects the front, eyes, and face. The mounting mudguard at the back will keep the bike clean. I would recommend fixed mudguards for mountain bikes as they provide more coverage and protection.
How do you fit mudguards to a mountain bike?
The simple designs clip onto your mountain bike using plastic cable ties to clamp the guard to the fork legs and hold it securely in place. Others use removable rubber o-rings to secure the mudguard firmly in place.
You may find some have to be attached to the eyelets, which will require tools. For complete convenience, some clamp directly onto the front of your bike for easy installation and removal. However, most mudguards will come with all the instructions and kit you need to install.
Summary
Mountain bike riders need mountain guards to protect their bikes from the mud of the trails. The mudguards protect from any kind of dirt or mud while travelling off-road, on trails or somewhere else. There are different types of mudguards as you can mount some of them at the front which protect the face from the mud spray. Some of them are mounted at the back to protect the back.
The material of the mudguard is mostly polypropylene, which makes the mudguard lightweight and cheap. You should buy a mudguard to which you can mount easily and can provide more protection. Moreover, each brand of mountain bike mudguards would have its own features which differ from the other ones based on pros, and cons.
If you want to get a good mudguard, then you should go for one that suits your requirements and for that you should do some research by comparing different products. The products mentioned above in the article will help you to find the best MTB mudguard for you.
Happy muddy trail shredding!
Alex Bristol
Content Manager at Pedallers
ABOUT
Alex is a cycling expert at Pedallers and focuses on reviewing bikes, accessories, and general cycling. He searches for the most up to date products that match the needs of cyclists across the world. Whether it's recent news or the best bike set-ups, Alex is a trusted source for anything around cycling.
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