Even though Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Mini Bolt On is the smallest mudguard in the brand’s range, it packs quite the muck-protection punch. Not only is it light and secure on the bike but it also looks great and comes with a range of adapter brackets, helping it fit a whole bunch of forks straight out of the pack. To put it simply, there’s nothing not to like, earning it a worthy spot in the best MTB mudguards category.
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RRP ProGuard Front Mini Bolt On - Technical details
The Rapid Racer Products (RRP from now on) ProGuard comes in three sizes, Mini, Standard and Max Protection, each offering an increased level of spray protection thanks to extra length through the range. On test, we’ve got the Mini which weighs in at 99g, five grams lighter than claimed.
Although it differs in length, the ProGuard Mini gets all of the same features as found on its longer-range stablemates. Those being RRP’s Seal Guard design that’s included with the aim of keeping crud from finding its way into your fork’s seals and the rear flick, which should offer protection whilst cornering.
Made using RRP’s own polypropylene mix, this mudguard is compatible with 26-inch, 650b and 29-inch wheels with tyres up to 3in wide. It can then fit most forks on the market thanks to the hardware that’s included in the pack but there are aftermarket adaptors available for RockShox models. Straight away, the ProGuard can fit Fox, Marzocchi, Ohlins, and SR Suntour forks with the correct bolts included. There are also adaptors that raise or lower the front of the guard for better fitment.
RRP ProGuard Front Mini Bolt On - Installation
As the ProGuard Front Mini is a bolt-on design, it doesn’t use cable ties or Velcro to keep itself in place. Instead, it makes use of the fender mounting threads that are now found on a bunch of forks on the market.
Installation is very simple but before putting the bolt to the thread, it’s important to stick on the adhesive rubber patches that attach to either side of the guard. These protect your fork and help stabilise the guard.
Then it’s a case of threading the correct bolts into clean threads with the correct adaptor for your fork. RRP very kindly includes both all of the bolts you’ll need and decent quality corresponding Allen wrenches which is a seriously classy touch.
RRP ProGuard Front Mini Bolt On - Performance
I’ve ridden with a ProGuard Mini Bolt On for over a year now and I’ve been incredibly happy with its performance. So much so that it’s stayed on my bike and continues to do so.
A main concern with running a mudguard like this, which rests against the inside of a fork, is that it’ll rub paint away. However, while there are signs of some rubbing, I’m impressed with how little scuff there is around the contact areas.
But in terms of spray protection, the ProGuard Mini’s performance has been exemplary. It does an excellent job of keeping spray out of my face, allowing me to confidently continue with my speedy descent. Only on a very rare occasion have I had muck fling into my face but that’s only happened when it’s been absolutely sopping.
To be honest, I’ve found this guard so effective that I don’t think there’s much need for the brand’s lengthier alternatives, but if you prefer to keep your whole front mud-free, those make perfect sense.
Throughout my time with this mudguard, it’s never clogged and it’s remained super stable, only rattling when I’ve had the wrong adaptor installed or with none at all - understandably.
Onto Seal Sheild is simply a catchy way of describing the extended portions behind the rubber patches. This adds further muck protection to your fork’s seals and does a pretty good job. While there’s always a bit of something that finds its way into these areas after proper mucky rides, it’s far less than without, or when used with mudguards without similar features. This feature alone makes it a worthy addition to a bike year-round as it keeps dust away from fork seals, too.
I’m a fan of its minimalist but curvy design, too. It carries a high-end feel and it looks great on the bike. But what really makes the ProGuard Mini Bolt On a cut above the rest is the quality of the hardware that’s included. While the threads on the bolts are small to fit into the fork’s threads, the heads of the Allen bolts are large, which ups the guard’s stability even more, while distributing pressure evenly on the guard's bracket.
RRP ProGuard Front Mini Bolt On - Verdict
As for value, the RRP ProGuard Front Mini Bolt On positively stacks up against its rivals, being £3 cheaper than Mudhugger’s Shorty Evo Bolt-On while following a similar design. However, the ProGuard fits more forks from the start.
The £30 SKS Mudrocker blends bolt-on capabilities with zip-tie or Velcro attachment. While effective at keeping spray away, it’s not quite as well refined as the ProGuard.
The Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Mini Bolt On is an excellent mudguard and one of the very best on the market as it combines an excellent build quality with an attractive silhouette that effectively keeps mud and spray away. It is even better because it comes with good-quality hardware and tools in the pack.
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