Riding in wet and muddy conditions can be a miserable experience without proper protection. This comprehensive review explores the best mudguards available in 2025, comparing various models to help you choose the ideal option for your bike and riding style. We delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each mudguard, considering factors such as mounting systems, durability, effectiveness, and price. Whether you're a mountain biker tackling muddy trails or a road cyclist navigating wet commutes, finding the right mudguard can significantly enhance your riding comfort and enjoyment.This review covers a range of options, from the popular Crud Catcher and its complementary Mud Crutch, to high-performance options like the Zefal Deflector FM 20 and robust choices such as the Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid. We also examine the SKS Race Blade Pro XL, tailored for road cycling. Our analysis will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, helping you stay dry and focused on the ride ahead, regardless of the weather.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to install.
- Keeps behind and feet dry.
- Prevents showering of riding buddies.
- Some gaps where spray gets through.
- Incompatible with through axles.
- Will break away in a crash.
- Catches mud and water thrown off from the front tire.
- Stretches to conform as the fork compresses.
- Catches larger clumps of dirt.
- Saves the trouble of making a DIY mud guard.
- Dirt ends up redistributed onto the fork seals.
- Stiff polycarbonate construction.
- Encloses tires well.
- Long rubber flaps stop almost all spray.
- Easy mounting to frame eyelets.
- Quite heavy due to size and rubber flaps.
- High performance.
- Mounts easily.
- Can be mounted permanently with zip ties.
- Fits all wheel sizes and nearly all forks.
- Catches a lot of spray.
- Surprisingly low price.
- Fit is close on 29 tires, more liable to clog.
Read more: 5 Best Child Bike Fenders to Keep Your Little One Dry
Crud Catcher: The Down Tube Champion
The Crud Cycling Crud Catcher is a popular choice, known for its effective mud protection. Its down tube mounting offers a unique advantage—nothing clogs up, unlike fork-mounted options. While it excels at stopping mud thrown up from the front tire, it doesn't offer complete protection from spray blown back into your face.
Pairing it with a mud crutch (discussed later) provides comprehensive protection. Its high-quality, durable construction is a plus, and many frames even feature specific eyelets for easy installation. For other frames, rubber rings ensure a secure fit. This makes it a top contender for MTB mudguards.
Race Face Mud Crutch: DIY Simplicity, Enhanced
The Race Face Mud Crutch is a more sophisticated take on a DIY mudguard. This Lycra and elastic guard stretches around your fork crown and arch, creating a shield against mud and water from the front tire.
Its stretchy material adapts to fork compression, effectively catching larger clumps of dirt. However, it does redistribute some dirt to the fork seals. While you could DIY this with an old inner tube, the Mud Crutch offers convenience and a polished look. Best used in conjunction with a Crud Catcher for optimal protection.
Zefal Deflector FM 20: Enduro-Proven Performance
Developed with pro enduro teams, the Zefal Deflector FM 20 is a high-performance mudguard. Its Velcro straps allow for easy on-the-fly mounting or permanent attachment with zip ties. Suitable for most forks and wheel sizes, though the fit might be tight on 29er tires, potentially leading to clogging.
The deflector’s design catches a significant amount of spray. Despite its high performance and stylish looks, it offers surprisingly competitive pricing, making it one of the best value MTB fenders on the market.
SKS Race Blade Pro XL: Road-Ready Protection
The SKS Race Blade Pro XL road bicycle fenders are easy to install, clipping onto frames without eyelets. They consist of two parts joined by steel brackets attached to the brake caliper bolt.
The mudguards are held up by thin steel supports clipping into QR skewer eyelets—a design that prioritizes breakaway protection in crashes. While they offer good rear and feet protection, there are gaps at the fork and seat tube, allowing some spray through. Incompatibility with thru-axles is a significant limitation.
Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid Fenders: Robust and Reliable
The Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid fenders are made of durable polycarbonate. Their rounded shape and long rubber flaps enclose the tires well, minimizing spray. Mounting is easy via frame eyelets, with a plastic bridge at the rear and metal at the front for durability.
Breakaway clips add safety. Their large size and rubber flaps make them heavy, but this is a small trade-off for reliable, effective protection. If staying dry is paramount, these are a good option.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mudguard
The best mudguard depends on your specific needs and riding style. The Crud Catcher excels at stopping mud, while the Race Face Mud Crutch complements it for superior protection. The Zefal Deflector offers high performance at a great price, the SKS Race Blade Pro XL is suitable for road cycling, and the Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid provides robust protection against spray.
Consider factors like mounting options (eyelets, Velcro, etc.), tire compatibility, and the level of protection you require when making your decision. Ultimately, a combination of the Crud Catcher and Mud Crutch offers the most complete coverage for MTB riding.