Short and sweet: The RockShox Fender is the smallest mudguard in the test and is only compatible with forks of the same brand. It is a whopping 415 mm shorter than the longest mudguard in the test field. Despite its short length, can it keep up with the competition? We found out.
You can find an overview of the test fleet in the comparison test: The best Fender 2024 – 8 models in the test
Suspension giant RockShox offers an in-house mudguard designed specifically for its forks. The RockShox Fender is quite inconspicuous due to its compact size. It also looks very clean as the mudguard flows seamlessly into the fork clamp. RockShox offers a suitable mudguard for each of its different fork models. While the various fenders do not differ in appearance, price or functionality, the screw-on brackets require a different number of screws in different positions. For €25 you can have the 180 mm large and 42 g heavy fender delivered to your home. This makes it the lightest and smallest mudguard in the test and measures a full 415 mm less than the Mucky Nutz. Due to its compact size, the RockShox Fender certainly won’t get in the way when you hang your bike on the bike rack of a chairlift or shuttle.
Mounting the RockShox mudguard
Installing the mudguard is quick. The mounting interface for the ZEB uses three small screws. You simply attach the fender with it and you’re ready to go. The process is a bit fiddly due to the small size of the screws, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Because the RockShox Fender is designed for use with the brands latest fork castings, the compatible model years also differ. The ZEB had the new casting and assembly points from the date of its introduction in 2021. However, the Pike and Lyrik castings were not updated until 2023.
The RockShox Fender on the trail
Like all fenders tested, the fender was subjected to a workshop wobble test immediately after assembly. The RockShox fender does not move. This was also confirmed on the trails, which led to a pleasantly quiet ride. But how much protection does the smallest mudguard offer on muddy paths? As expected, it offers the least protection in the test field and cannot keep up with the Mucky Nutz MugGuard or the SKS MUDROCKER. However, the RockShox Fender is still much better than no fender in muddy conditions and is not aimed at those looking for the best possible protection. Thanks to its minimalist design, the RockShox Fender is a type of mudguard that you attach to the fork and leave on permanently. This means you are prepared for all eventualities and should you ever get caught in a midsummer rain, the RockShox fender is already mounted on your bike so you can simply continue shredding. It also reliably protects your fork seals.
Conclusion on the RockShox Fender
The RockShox Fender is the smallest mudguard in the test and also offers the least protection. It’s not for those who want the ultimate protection in the muddiest conditions. Instead, it’s designed for minimalists who prefer to attach the fender and leave it there all year round, because the RockShox Fender still offers much more protection than no fender at all. Its compact design is quiet, unobtrusive, won’t scratch your fork and is suitable for bike racks.
Tops
- fits seamlessly into the fork
- unobtrusive
- Does not affect bike racks
- Light
Flops
- lowest protection in the test field
- Not compatible with Pike and Lyrik models before 2023
For more information, see RockShox website.
For an overview of the group test: 8 mudguards in comparison
All mudguards in the test: FOX fender | Mucky Nutz MugGuard Long | Mudhugger EVO Bolt On | Trickle design kol:oss stealth | RockShox ZEB Fenders | Slicy Enduro/DH long mudguard | Zefal Deflector FM30 | SKS MUDROCKER FRONT
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Words: Sebastian Dirscherl Photos: Simon Kohler
