Zefal's Shield G50 mudguards are easily some of the best mid-coverage, quick-fit options I've tested. They don't quite qualify as full-length guards, but at the same time, they offer substantially more protection than most easy-fit guards do – and they stay firmly in place even on bumpy gravel rides.
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Zefal Shield G50 mudguards - Technical details
The Zéfal Shield G50 is a gravel-specific mudguard set consisting of a front guard extending from the fork down and the rear guard covering the back wheel from the seatstays.
The set is made of technopolymer, a hard plastic blend of polypropylene with a bit of fibreglass, robustness and lightness. The front mudguard weighs 195g, while the rear mudguard weighs 212g with the 20mm mud flap attached. The dimensions of the front fender are 461 x 54 x 210mm, and the rear fender measures 560 x 54 x 210mm, including the 20mm mud flap.
The Shield G50 is compatible with 650b and 700c wheels and can accommodate tyres up to 48mm wide. Improving the previous iteration G50, Zefal has replaced the attachment systems with an MD-Strap fastening system, which is quick to install and remove and offers a universal fit for whatever bike you have. Zefal says the MD-Strap system can be attached to front forks with diameters ranging from 10 to 55mm and rear stays with diameters from 10 to 32mm. And if you're worried about scratches, the attachment bits include soft pads, and the straps are silicone-coated - though adding some frame protection tape is still recommended for minimal impact.
Another update is the adaptable mud flaps in three sizes: 20mm, 60mm, and 120mm. These flaps allow you to tailor the mudguard length around the geometry of your bike.
Zefal Shield G50 mudguards - Performance
I've used the Zefal Shield G50 mudguard set on my commuter and gravel test bikes through serious downpours and on more grim and wet days than I'd like to remember.
I first thought these guards were quite hefty, especially as I'd been mainly relying on the AssSavers Win Wing for spray protection. I like a lightweight mudguard, even though I also fully understand the need for full-length mudguards for commuting. For gravel riding, though, those can often be overkill and, more often than not, the bolts will start to rattle on the rougher terrain sooner rather than later. The way Zefal has managed to make these guards provide a near-full length coverage but require no mudguard mounts to attach is impressive – and throughout the test period, I've not been bothered by any rattling, either.
I've been very pleased with the amount of spray these guards keep at bay. At the front, because the guard doesn't extend beyond the fork, some spray does make its way up. But at the same time, the flap extends so low that it has been very effective at keeping my shoes and toes dry. At the back, you still get some spray on your legs in very heavy rain but my backside has stayed dry.
Fitting these guards was easy because all you need to do is loop the MD-Strap around the seat stays and fork legs, then adjust the angle with a 5mm Allen key and you're good to go. The front guard only comes in one length but the rear comes with three attachments for the top. These allow it to extend longer towards the seat tube and provide more coverage, depending on the bike's geometry.
The front guard fitted closely to the area under the down tube well with no issues in the way of toe overlap. Placing these guards very close to the wheel also helps with this issue –though you might want to leave more space between the tyre and the guard in very muddy conditions.
Zefal recommends checking and tightening the MD straps before every ride, but I haven't needed to readjust or tighten them much. I have cleaned the dirt from under the straps regularly to avoid any paint scratches. To avoid any frame damage, it is a good idea to put frame protection tape on the attachment areas.
The construction is also sturdy enough that the material doesn't bend if it gets an impact but, because of the attachment system, I think they're not so rigidly attached that you'd break anything in the unfortunate event of a crash.
The easy and light attachment system also makes it easy to swap these guards between bikes, which is what I've done, and means you can do with just one pair for multiple bikes – and none of them have to have mudguard eyelets for these to fit.
Zefal Shield G50 mudguards - Verdict
I'd say the closest competitors to the Zefal Shield G50 are the Mudhugger Front and rear Gravel Hugger guards, which will set you back £48. That is not too bad for a full set but I'd argue that the attachment system of the Mudhuggers isn't quite as simple and fast as the one of the Shield G50, and as Ty noted it scratches the paintwork. The front Hugger extends unlike the Shield G50, in front of the fork and can offer more protection there but at the same time, it isn't as long as the G50.
The Ass Savers Win Wing rear mudguard (£22) is another contender. The Musguard Omni Wide mudguard set, which Pat reviewed, could be one for Zefal to beat but even though they're similar in price and lighter in weight, they are harder to fit and forget.
At £45 for both rear and front guards, I think the Shield G50 offers excellent value considering the protection and ease of fitment.
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