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review

Tortec Reflector Mudguards

9
£27.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Superb full length guards at a very competitive price.
Weight: 
500g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Judging by our test pair, the Toretec Reflectors are serious contenders in the full- length mudguard hall of fame… if there is such a place.

Reflective pin striping is primarily for rider safety but also adds a decorative touch. Thanks to their density, they should survive many seasons and considerable abuse. A comprehensive and equally sturdy fitting kit including zip-tie chain-stay bridges means they’re as close to a genuinely universal fit as you’re likely to get, thanks to the choice of widths accommodating anything from a winter trainer through to Audax, tourer and even rigid mountain bikes shod with two-inch knobblies.

Unlike cheaper models, they have a much rounder profile complementing, rather than detracting from a bike’s clean lines.

3.4mm thick stainless stays tested the mettle of my bolt croppers and are paired with increasingly standard SKS secu fittings that neatly pop adrift in the event of the proverbial dead pigeon lodging itself between front tyre and guard. They weren’t fussed by a little gentle manipulation and certainly won’t fracture in the way galvanised models will. It was only a shame they hadn’t included longer Allen bolts for frames running guards and carriers from a single set of eyelets. 

Fasteners are supplied complete with nylon inserts combating vibration and in turn making infuriating roadside losses unlikely. Fitted to my Rough Stuff Tourer and treated to a mixture of lumpy lanes and battering bridle path, they’ve offered excellent protection from mud, spray and silt whilst remaining satisfyingly silent. Being fractionally shorter with riveted nylon flaps prevents them scraping the ground when manoeuvring through tight spaces and/or storing vertically.

Given otherwise excellent detailing and a wide spectrum of sizing it was disappointing to discover the BS compliant reflector doesn’t support a dynamo. However, a lamp could be retro fitted and the guard’s construction provides a suitably solid platform for mounting LED lights.

Verdict:

Superb full length guards at a very competitive price

Colours: Silver or Black

road.cc test report

Make and model: Tor-Tec Full Length Mudguards

Price: 24.99

Size tested: 26X1.5-2.1

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 Tortec is a full length mudguard with reflective detailing and BS compliant rear reflector aimed at riders from winter/club mounts through to tourists and even rigid mountain bikers running wide tyres - as close to universal appeal as possible.

Thick Chromo-plastic construction, Scotchlite striping running the length of the mudguard, 3.4mm thick stainless steel stays incorporating the increasingly standard SKS secu-clip system (front), nylon/stainless steel fitting kit.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

 

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

 

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

 

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

 

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Inclusion of a dynamo lamp at rear would make a great mudguard better still

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

Excellent weather protection, no rattles, nice profile - everything you'd expect from a good quality full-length model

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Durability, stylish understated looks, solid fixings.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing

Did you enjoy using the product?: Yes

Would you consider buying the product?: Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend?: Unreservedly

Your overall verdict of the product taking everything into account

Superb full length guards at a very competitive price.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset. My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years. I ride: Most days. I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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2 comments

Avatar
Anonymous (not verified) | 15 years ago
0 likes

They are great, although the only complaint I would have is in relaiton to the mudflaps: front isn't as good as the old (non reflector Tortecs I had) and the rear seems to have the effect of creating great lumps of mud which then flick up into the face of riders behind. If you ride alone, no bother, but i do often get shouted at (and so must get round to adding a long flap).

Avatar
jezzzer | 15 years ago
0 likes

but how much do they weigh???

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