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.
> Find your nearest dealer here
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
Make and model: Zefal Shield S10
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, "The Shield S10 is a light, discreet mudguard designed for road bikes. Its integrated mounting system makes it easy to install on all types of standard saddle rails. A strong self-adhesive strap reinforces the hold of the Shield S10, protecting your backside from splashes."
For such a small mudguard the Zefal provides decent coverage.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Zefal:
Light And Discreet: Very Light Mudguard
Quick Mounting: Quick Mounting And Removal
Double Lock: Double locking system under the saddle
Universal: Compatible with all standard-rail saddles
Tech Specs
Material: Polypropylene
Weight: 55g
Dimensions: 280mm x 62 to 85mm
Max recommended tyre width: 38c
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
8/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Decent coverage to keep road spray to a minimum.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Sturdy fitting.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Can't fit a saddle bag.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It is well priced against others on the market considering its performance.
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 overall score
It's very good, with an impressively sturdy fitting system and a shape that provides decent coverage.
Age: 40 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 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
In the car following you, or in the fridge at your villa, if you're doing laps of your private island.
CO rebreathing, altitude camps, and altitude/hypobaric tents are all trying to exploit the same effect: The body producing more red-blood cells in...
Royal Parks are nothing but a bunch of middle and upper class nimbys that loath cyclists and love drivers and SUV's. The only way cars will be...
Jeremy Vine makes the list again.
DOT4 is pretty aggresive stuff (nothing melted), mineral oil is probably OK on EPS hemets. I'm surprised this is allowed on planes.
" To be fair it is a completely unsolvable problem…. Like aging, belly button lint, or fascism. "
Blocking, shunning and disparaging people is the last refuge of failing organisations desperate to discourage members of the public providing...
Imperial College now do a helmet safety test, and while this wasn't tested, other Kask's were - and didn't score very well....
Amazing that I've been cycling in Richmond Park for 45 years and still visit regularly and I've never once seen a cyclist scream, spit at or...