Mudguards are essential for winter riding, regardless of the bike and discipline. At the very least, they keep the muck out of your face and your vision clear while descending. If you up the coverage to something more extreme, they can provide full body protection against the wet filth that's flung by your wheels. Even though the best mudguards are pretty simple in design, there's a load of stuff to look out for when buying your next one – and not every mudguard is as effective as the next. 

The best MTB mudguards 2024

• Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Bolt-On Mini V2
• Crud Catcher XL Fender
• Mudhugger Rear Hugger MK 2
• RapidRacerProducts ProGuard Mini Bolt-On
• Zefal Deflector Lite Front
• RapidRacerProducts ProGuard Max Protection
• The best MTB mudguard

Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Bolt-On Mini V2

£40

2024 rrp proguard v2 hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer

Although the version one ProGuard Mini is still available, the Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Bolt-On Mini V2 takes things up a notch. Using a similar bolt-on mounting system that relies on spacers to fit particular forks, the V2 ProGuard is now compatible with a wider range of forks, fitting nearly everything on the market.

Other new features include a revised shape for better fork-crown clearance – the seal guards have also been redesigned for better performance. However, a serious improvement over the previous model is that the bolts use a 3mm Allen key, so they're a little more durable.

With the V2 mudguard, the brand has only improved its performance as it's a better-looking guard that does an excellent job of keeping muck away from the face and out of eyewear. It's seamless, too, as our tester has happily ridden with it installed all year.

For more details, take a look at the Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Bolt-On Mini V2 mudguard review.

Crud Catcher XL Fender

£35

crud-catcher-xl-fender-review-10.jpg, by Jim Clarkson

The Crud Catcher XL provides excellent coverage and almost complete protection. And while it looks a little odd off the bike, it's quick to install and mount using strong o-rings.

It isn't without its issues as there's no protection for the fork's seals or stanchions and it can rub the tyre occasionally but these are small downsides for the mass of spray protection this mudguard offers.

Check out the Crud Catcher XL front mudguard review for more information.
 

Mudhugger Rear Mudhugger MK 2

£35

2023 mudhugger rear hugger mk 2 hero.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Rear mudguards might be considered a fashion faux pas, but they still have a real use on mountain bikes. Mudhugger's Rear Mudhugger MK2 offers tonnes of protection thanks to its full wrap and serious length.

This is Mudhugger's second go at a rear mudguard and its changes are clear as it's been updated with rubber strips to add frame protection and reduce rubbing and there's a new long front flap that protects the suspension linkage. It's available in two sizes and installation is simple, making for easy removal when the time comes.

To learn more about this guard, read the Mudhugger Rear Mudhugger MK 2 review.

RapidRacerProducts ProGuard Mini Bolt-On

£35 =

2023 rapid racer products proguard mini bolt on hero 1.jpg, by Liam Mercer

If stability, effective protection and discreet but stylish looks are what you're after in a front mudguard, the RRP ProGuard Front Mini Bolt-On is the one for you. It's the smallest front mudguard in the brand's range but, despite its small size, it provides serious protection.

The ProGuard comes with several specific features, including the Seal Sheild that keeps dirt from finding its way towards your fork's seals, and the guard is shaped to offer increased clearance for fork crowns. It's built using a special polypropylene mix that makes it bendy and durable.

Coming with a range of fork adapters, it can fit a lot of suspension forks on the market but importantly, it's stable and it comes sorted with top-quality mountain hardware. During testing, we found that there was simply nothing not to like.

For the full write-up, read the Rapid Racer Products Proguard Mini Bolt On review.

Zefal Deflector Lite Front

£11

Zefal Deflector Lite Front_4, by Ty Rutherford

The Zedal Deflector Lite is minimalist but effective. It's simple to fit and is compatible with all mountain bike forks. It's one of the more subtly styled options and is quiet, too.

Although small, it does a great job of fending off large clumps, but its protection isn't fully complete, as our tester found that some spray still made it to his face. However, that is an inherent trait of the smallest mudguards. It offers great protection to the fork seals, and it's surprisingly stiff, so it stays in place even when rattling down the most horrendous of descents.

For a closer look, here's the Zefal Deflector Lite front mudguard review.

Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Max Protection

£29

2024 rrp proguard max hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Max Protection mudguard is the larger cable-tied version of the Mini Bolt-On above. Its extra length provides much more protection without losing the cool features of its smaller brethren.

Present is the special polypropylene mix that ups the durability and the mudguard has been crafted to work with 26- up to 29-inch wheel sizes. However, this one gets a flick at the rear of the guard which is said to reduce spray when the front wheel is turned.

Installation is simple, although we found it works best with cable ties rather than Velcro straps. The muck protection is great, making it an ideal choice for deep winter conditions or for those who use chest-mounted action cameras.

For more, check out the Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Front Max Protection mudguard review.

RapidRacerProducts ProGuard Front Bolt-On Mini
£40

2024 rrp proguard v2 hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Mini Bolt-On takes home the best MTB mudguard trophy as it provides the best balance of discreet looks, reasonable pricing, stability and protection. Its bolt-on fitment means it's easy to remove but it looks so good that it might as well stay put year-round.

Then its ability to keep spray out of the rider's face is far better than its small size might lead you to believe. And it's the only mudguard to score a full five stars in our tests.

For more details, make sure you read our Rapid Racer Products ProGuard Mini Bolt-On front mudguard review. 

How to choose the best MTB mudguards
Are MTB mudguards worth it?

An MTB mudguard is a must-have, even if you ride in the dryest conditions. They keep water, mud and even dust out of your face, keeping your vision clear so you can descend like a hero. Anyone who has ridden in the wet without a mudguard can attest to having stopped mid-descent to rub flung mud out of their eyes. At worst, it could even lead to a crash. Attaching something as simple as a mudguard will do a great job of avoiding this.

Installing a mudguard at the rear of your mountain bike is a much more controversial topic. For many, the looks are a massive turn-off so they choose to ride without one and, to be honest, the downsides are few apart from a muddy back. However, if you're looking to stay as clean and dry as possible, a rear mudguard will do exactly that. That is unless you pick a smaller rear mudguard which will keep mud and water from finding its way into your suspension linkage and bearings. Smaller mudguards act as a barrier and can prolong the life of your bike's important bearings.

Do I need a front mudguard?

For the ever-changing conditions of UK riding, front mudguards are a mainstay on almost everyone's bikes. This is because the conditions we ride in change sometimes on an hourly basis, so having a clear face and vision is imperative to a good time out in the filth. However, if the majority of your riding is done in the dry, a mudguard isn't necessary.

It's a simple case of analysing your general riding conditions and making a call. If it's a wet winter ride, a mudguard is imperative. That's not so much the case in the summer – unless your route involves some stream crossings or puddles. Some British riders use a mudguard all year round.

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