Zefal Shield S10

The Zefal Shield S10 is a minimalist rear mudguard that offers a decent amount of coverage to the rider and has a sturdy fixing system. For a cheap and cheerful fix, what's not to like?

• Pros: Secure fitment, decent coverage
• Cons: Restricts the use of a saddle bag

Sometimes you're going to find yourself having to ride in the rain, and if your bike isn't equipped with full mudguards or doesn't have the mounting points then something like this S10 model is a worthwhile workaround.

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For starters, it literally takes a few seconds to fit. The clamping area is grooved to accept most standard saddle rails and you just clip the mudguard on.

For added security the Zefal comes with a Velcro strap, just to make sure that everything stays in place. Once fitted, I got no movement from it even when riding on gravel tracks and rough byways.

With a length of 280mm, the S10 offers pretty decent protection from rear wheel spray to your lower back. It's never going to do as good a job as a full guard for yourself or riders behind, but to keep the worst of the water off it does a good job.

It kept my lower back dry and it reduced the effects of ending up riding with a wet chamois.

The S10 is designed for road use and has a width of 85mm at the saddle end, narrowing to 62mm at the other, which Zefal reckons will work with tyres up to 38mm in width. There is a wider S20 mountain bike version if you need it.

Riding a cyclo-cross bike with 35mm tyres things were fine, and I didn't get much spray around the sides, although I found it worked best with tyres around the 30mm mark.

The only downsides with saddle-mounted guards is that you can't fit a saddlebag plus things like lights on your seatpost aren't protected.

When it comes to value, splashing out £9.99 on something that performs as well as this makes a lot of sense.

It offers more coverage than the Syncros Coast Fender (£8.99) for instance and won't require you to have a specific saddle either.

> Essential wet weather cycle clothing and gear

It's reasonably priced against the similarly designed Tacx Mudguard Race T7000 at £14.99, too.

On the whole, the Zefal is a cheap and effective solution for those days when you just can't avoid the rain on your race bike.

Verdict

Simple and effective mini mudguard that is sturdy and easy to fit