After a long, hot summer, it’s time to face reality and dig out the trusty winter spec mudguard. The Mucky Nutz Mudguard Long is, as it says, long, maybe one of the longest on the market, and offers a very good level of protection from mud and spray, but I found it very hard to get a secure and stable fit.
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Mucky Nutz Mudguard Long – Technical details
Made in the UK from 100 percent recycled plastic, the Mucky Nutz Mudguard Long is designed to fit 26in-29in wheels and up to three-inch wide tyres. Weighing in on my scales with the velcro straps provided at 113g, it’s certainly lightweight, and this is also reflected in the build, which, to be honest, feels pretty flimsy. It measures 595mm, which makes it one of the longest available.
It’s a sleek-looking guard, with a slight recessed area where it fits to the fork’s arch for increased tyre clearance. There are no lips at the back – something a few other brands feature for increased protection. The forward part extends quite far, which should help reduce spray, and the arms, used for fixing it to your fork’s legs, are pretty wide at the top to help protect your fork’s seals and stantions. There are multiple fastening slots for fitment, and it comes with a roll of thin Velcro for tool-free installation and quick removal.
Mucky Nutz Mudguard Long – Performance
I found it a little fiddly to fit, if I’m honest. With the Velcro roll cut into individual straps, I just couldn’t seem to get a secure fit, especially on the fork arch. It felt a little wobbly, so I was apprehensive as I headed out to the trails.
I can’t remember the number of times I stopped to readjust the Velcro straps to try and get a secure fit, but it was a lot. I tried all three slot positions where it attached to the fork arch, but could I get it to stop rattling on rough trails? No. It soon became evident that the thin plastic construction isn’t rigid enough to securely support the mudguard’s length, resulting in some movement. I’d also add that the mudguard’s legs could be a little wider to help secure it better.
After stowing my bike poorly after one ride, I discovered I’d bent it out of shape; luckily, a few hard bends in the opposite direction rectified this. I also discovered some paint wear on my fork arch because of the movement.
Luckily, the thing it’s designed to do, it does well. It kept my vision completely free of muck, did a sterling job of reducing the amount of mud and spray reaching above my knees, and didn’t suffer any clogging. It’s just unfortunate that it’s compromised by the unstable fit, which is annoying on rough trails.
Mucky Nutz Mudguard Long – Verdict
Whilst the price point is attractive and the coverage on offer excellent, there are better options out there.
The Mudhugger Evo Long is a little more expensive at £30; it’s tougher and more durable than the Mucky Nutz, offering a more secure fit due to its robust build and wider arms. It’s slightly heavier at 122g and offers a high level of protection.
Whilst the Crud XL Fender’s looks are polarising, there’s no denying the protection on offer due to its long length and massive flared end. It’s super quick and easy to fit but a bit more at £30, and it weighs in at almost double at 202g.
Although the protection on offer is top-notch, it’s unfortunate that the build and fit of this guard are a bit of a letdown. I can’t get past the rattling when riding the tough stuff, so it may well pay dividends – for your sanity at least to pay a bit more for something more robust, or invest in a direct mount design if you have the budget.
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