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review

RRP Rear Guard

9
£8.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Tricky to set up in the first instance, but after that an extremely practical mudguard
Weight: 
33g

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The RRP Rear Guard isn't to be confused with a proper mudguard, but this quick fix guard is ideal as a last minute solution and it will keep you fairly clean.

It's designed for all bikes, so I used it on my road (Giant Defy) and mountain (Merida Juliet) bikes. If your bike can't be fitted with mudguards, this is a decent solution to stop you getting covered in muck.

The guard fits to the underside of your saddle and it's a good location to stop spray ending up on your back. Fitting it initially is quite tricky. There are two velcro straps that attach it to your bike and these do keep it firmly in place. I did have to look online for additional fitting instructions. The instructions on the guard became much clearer when I watched a video on how to fit it. They cleverly added a code on the packaging for you to scan that will take you to the video.

After making sure the straps go in the correct holes and you have the front locking arm securely fitted and cut, you are good to go. Once you know what you are doing though, it is very quick to set it up and you can do this in seconds.

When in place the mudguard doesn't move. It's really secure and feels like it can take a lot. And it did. I took my mountain bike on some pretty muddy trails just to give the Rear Guard a good run. There was bound to be some splash back, but the guard seemed to take the brunt of it leaving me clean(ish).

It worked just as well on my road bike in wet conditions. It doesn't work as well as full mudguards, but that isn't its intention or design. It is a last minute quick fix solution that does its job. And for those concerned about adding weight, it's a very light 33g.

The guard itself is really flexible and won't break easily, making it feel durable and worth the money. At £8.99 it's pretty cheap.

For a thin piece of plastic that isn't exceptionally long (in fact it's quite short at about 31cm), it's deceiving in appearance. A surprisingly effective mudguard for days and rides when you may not have full guards fitted.

Verdict

Tricky to set up in the first instance, but after that an extremely practical mudguard

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road.cc test report

Make and model: RRP Rear Guard

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The guard is aimed at cyclists needing a quick fitting mudguard and is suitable for road, mountain and CX bikes. RRP say "The RearGuard is simply a 'game changer' in the last minute fast fitting REAR mudguard field, nothing is as secure". The guard is secure and easy to use after you get it set up initially.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Ideal for road mountain and cyclo-cross bikes

One size fits all

Velcro fitting strap included

Made in the UK

33g

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

The plastic bends and doesn't feel like it will break easily.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

As a quick solution to stop you getting filthy, this mudguard is very good at what it does.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

I can see this lasting a long time and being used over and over again.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
10/10

It is incredibly light.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

As a mudguard it isn't too expensive for the job it does.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall the Rear Guard was excellent. It kept me clean and dry.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

I liked the practicality of this guard as a last minute fix.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It was confusing to set up in the first instance.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 34  Height: 158cms  Weight: 61kg

I usually ride: Giant defy  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

 

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6 comments

Avatar
Bakugekiki | 8 years ago
0 likes

I've done well over 1000 miles on two bikes with my original ass saver, never had it detach. Not sure what the problem is. I can't get it to fold under the saddle like it's meant to but that's a non-issue.

Avatar
Colin Peyresourde | 8 years ago
0 likes

Yup. One commute for the ass saver. It's a cash waster.

Avatar
HulaBoy | 8 years ago
0 likes

Just completed the very wet and mucky Flanders Sportive.
The cobbles were literally littered with Ass Savers.
Mine was lost early on.
This looks a much better prospect.

Avatar
Fluffed | 8 years ago
0 likes

Looks a smidge wider than the asssaver, selling point is the security though .. this isn't coming off unless you want it to.

Avatar
laterrehaute | 8 years ago
0 likes

Does this provide better protection than the 'asssaver'?

Avatar
PaulBox | 8 years ago
0 likes

After buying something similar for a mountain bike I was surprised by how effective it was. I've been using a cheap version from Planet X on my road bike for a few months.

It's not good enough to protect others draughting, but it certainly keeps your backside dry.

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