Zefal Deflector Lite rear mudguard sits at the minimalist end of the brand's offerings. For its size, it provides good protection and comes in a simple-to-fit and universal package. It's a subtle addition to your bike and remains quiet on the trails. If you need more protection, then look at Zefal’s Deflector RS75 option.
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Zefal Deflector Lite rear mudguard - Technical details
The Deflector Lite is the smallest mudguard from Zefal. Made from polypropylene weighing in at a claimed 18g and measuring 235mm in length, this guard is designed to be discrete.
It's a universal fit with multiple fitting holes to suit attaching to a wide range of rear triangles using up to six cable ties. This guard is suitable for 26, 27.5 and 29-inch wheels with a recommended max tyre width of 3.0”.
Fitting was a simple affair using the provided zip-ties and protective tape. For testing, I fitted the deflector to a Specialized Stumpjumper and opted to use two ties on the seat-stay arch and two on the stays. Some shaping along the pre-creased fold lines helped with fitment. It's worth noting some frame designs don’t have an arch across the seat stays, this may affect the stiffness of the guard because you won’t be able to secure it using the middle cable tie holes.
Zefal Deflector Lite rear mudguard - Performance
The Deflector Lite is a small and discrete mudguard so don’t expect massive levels of protection that you would get from a wrap-around style guard. The protection it does provide is still noticeable over no guard at all - I found there was noticeably less mud around the seat area which was welcomed on wet rides. That said, it didn’t protect much against mud spray, this still found its way all over my back as it always does.
With this design of guard, it doesn’t drop much below the seat-stays meaning the bridge on the chain stays and any lower linkages are still in the firing line of the rear tyre. On the plus side, the minimalism does make this guard more universal and shouldn’t interfere with a wide range of frame designs.
The guard does a good job of staying out of the way throughout the rear wheel travel and with the pre-defined folds the thin plastic guard is remarkably stiff. I can report at no point, even through braking bumps and rough trails, did the guard make any noise, which is impressive.
I was unlucky to break this guard during testing. A stick got caught in my rear wheel and dragged it through the guard tearing the plastic. Considering the design, it was unsurprising the guard broke but it didn't rattle around even when damaged, which is rather impressive.
I wasn’t sure about the looks of the Deflector Lite to start with but it has grown on me. It's an angular shape which stands out against the usual rounded designs. It's available in one colour and one style but the subtle contour line graphics compliment any style and are in keeping with “mountain” biking.
Zefal Deflector Lite Rear Mudguard - Value and Verdict
With an RRP of £12, this guard isn’t going to break the bank. With the performance on offer, it's a good value over running no mud-guard. If you’d like to add more style to your ride, the Slicy mudguard is worth looking at, at £13 it's a similar price and looks to offer slightly more protection.
Rapid Racer Products offers the ProGuard Rear Mini which will set you back £26, which is considerably more. It's built out of a stronger material, so it's more durable and its designed only to protect the linkage, shock and bearings.
However, if it's more coverage you're looking for, there's no beating the Mudhugger Rear MK2. However, it's much more expensive at £35.
The Zefal Deflector Lite rear mudguard is a well-priced, minimalist option that provides effective protection for the size. The guard is lightweight, quiet on the trails and has plenty of fitting options to make it universal.
