In our last mudguard group test, the shorter version of the Mucky Nutz narrowly missed the test victory due to its short length, though it still secured the Best Buy award. This time we tested the longer version, which is also the longest mudguard in the test field. Will it claim the victory this time around?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best Mudguard 2024 – 8 models in review
If you don’t think the UK has bad weather, you should take a look at the various mudguards from Mucky Nutz. Their product portfolio includes large mudguards for the rear wheel and a whole range of different models for the front. Among them is the MugGuard, which is the longest mudguard in our group test at 595 mm. It encloses the tire like no other. Weighing in at 106 g, it’s not the heaviest model on test despite its length. Mucky Nutz are happy to ship the MugGuard worldwide from their headquarters in Cornwall, for which they ask £ 25 excluding shipping. If you’re looking for something a little less obtrusive, Mucky Nutz also offer a smaller version for £ 20.
Fitting the Mucky Nutz MugGuard
Fitting the Mucky Nutz MugGuard for the first time, you must first cut the included Velcro into 6 individual pieces, for which it’s just long enough. Mounting the MugGuard is fiddly, as there is no loop to help cinch the Velcro straps down. The mudguard doesn’t sit as securely on the fork and will eventually scratch the lowers. To prevent that from happening, we recommend covering the affected areas in a bit of protective tape. However, the Velcro straps allow you to fit and remove the mudguard as and when needed without the use of any tools.
The Mucky Nutz MugGuard on the trail
Before hitting the trail, we gave the MugGuard a firm shake. It felt relatively loose and we tried to tighten it as much as possible. After that, the mudguard felt a little more secure, though it still moves relatively easily compared to the competition. This is confirmed on the trails where it tends to rattle. We eventually resorted to fastening the MugGuard with cable ties, which we tightened with pliers. Although that reduced the rattling, it didn’t solve the problem entirely. This is due to the combination of flexible material and the mudguard’s length. However, this pays off in terms of protection. No other mudguard on test did a better job of keeping the mud out of our eyes, even outperforming our test winner the SKS MUDROCKER by a small margin. With the Mucky Nutz, your view remains clear in even the most adverse conditions.
Our conclusion on the Mucky Nutz MugGuard
No other mudguard in our test field offers as much protection as the MugGuard from Mucky Nutz. No matter how muddy and wet the trails, it kept our vision clear. No tools are required for the installation. Unfortunately, fastening with the included Velcro straps is a fiddly affair and it’s difficult to get the MugGuard firmly secured. As a result, it tends to rattle annoyingly on the trail. Cable ties can mitigate this to some extent.
Tops
- most protective mudguard on test
- tool-free installation
Flops
- fiddly installation
- rattling
For more information, visit the Mucky Nutz website
For an overview of the group test: 8 mudguards in comparison
All Mudguards in test: FOX Mudguard | Mucky Nutz MugGuard Long | Mudhugger EVO Bolt-On | Riesel Design kol:oss stealth | RockShox ZEB Fender | Slicy Enduro/DH Long mudguard | Zéfal Deflector FM30 | SKS MUDROCKER FRONT
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Words: Sebastian Dirscherl Photos: Simon Kohler
