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review
£5.99
VERDICT:
Secure fitting spray guard – in any colour you want as long as it's black
Weight:
15g
Contact:
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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For some, mudguards aren't cool – but neither is that mud stripe up your bibs and back. So what should you do? Chuck a few quid over the counter for Zefal's discreet clip-on Shield Lite M Under Saddle Guard, that's what, and enjoy a dry derrière.
There have been a few of these on the market for a while now, and you'll even see the pros using them on the TV, but as far as I'm aware the Zefal is the best fitting.
> Find your nearest dealer here
Being stamped out of a sheet of polypropylene, the Shield is simplicity itself, shaped to bend into and out of position in a matter of seconds.
As long as you have a standard-railed saddle (a rail either side), the Zefal will fit no problem. I've tried it on round tubed and even square section carbon with no issue. The rear two round cutouts slot neatly into position.
What differentiates the Shield from others like the Ass Saver or Velox is that the front section, which bends down to meet the rails, has more cutouts for location. This means it is more stable in use; maybe not by much, but enough to make a noticeable difference.
On a wet day you simply unfold it to provide coverage, and while it's not going to offer the rain-saving ability of a full mudguard, it does a good job of keeping the worst of the muck and soggy chamois syndrome at bay.
> Check out our guide to the best mudguards
So far it's been swapped between various bikes and the bend lines aren't showing any signs of weakening after being constantly folded and unfolded, so it should last a while too.
The price matches that of the Ass Saver and Velox, but obviously you can shop around for better deals. I personally think the Zefal is worth paying the full whack for anyway, so any discount is a bonus.
The only downside I can see is that it is only available in black. Otherwise, it's a great little rain shield that works really well for keeping your shorts dry and clean.
Verdict
Secure fitting spray guard – in any colour you want as long as it's black
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Zefal Shield Lite M Under Saddle Guard
Size tested: 100x330mm
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?
Zefal says, "Shield Lite M is a lightweight, discreet mudguard which fits perfectly to road bikes. Easy to fit, it can be stored under the saddle and quickly unfolds when needed. It won't add any weight to your bike and will also protect you from rear wheel spray."
That's pretty much it in a nutshell.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Material: Polypropylene
Dimensions: 330mm x 100mm x 0.7mm
Weight: 15g
Mounting: Saddle mount
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Stamped out of a sheet, there isn't much to go wrong. The notches and bends are in the right place for easy fitting to every saddle I tried.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
It's very good at what it does, keeping that mucky brown spray stripe away from your shorts and jersey.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
So far it's resisting the constant bending/unbending from under the saddle and doesn't seem to be weakening anywhere. At this price it is a disposable item.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
7/10
The same as the others on the market at 15g.
Rate the product for value:
5/10
Full retail from what I can find matches that of the Ass Saver and Velox versions.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's good at keeping the majority of spray off your kit.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The secure fitting method.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Not keen on the looks.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
The Zefal is about a simplistic as you can get: fold and fit. Personally I prefer its fixing method to that of the Ass Saver and Velux, which is why I'm giving it an 8.
About the tester
Age: 37
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: Mason Definition
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob.
His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!
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