Mudhugger Evo & Evo Shorty Bolt-On

[R120]

Just turned up in the post today, new Mudhugger Evo Bolt On. This will be going on my Zebs, replacing the OEM one which does f all in the wet and mud.

Mudhugger EVO Bolt-On (LONG) default fitting for most FOX (OPTIONS FOR ZEB, RECON, LYRIK,PSYLO, DVO AND OHLINS SEE BELOW)

Updated for 2026 - NOW 10mm longer at the rear and hidden mud deflector under front nose. Long Mudhugger EVO mtb mudguard, designed and made in the heart of the UK from waste plastic. PRICE INCLUDES UK SHIPPING CLICK HERE for our new compatibility chart. This version is NOT compatible with the...

www.themudhugger.co.uk

I already have the RRP bolt on that was released last year on my Fox equipped bikes (doesn't work with rs) so interested to see how this compares as the RRP is my current benchmark best front mudguard. - luckily just the weather for testing right now!

On first inspection the Mudhugger seems slightly more flexible and less rigid than the RRP - also it has the depression below the arch which is supposed to prevent the fork crown hitting the guard under full compression, however the lack of this has never been an issue that I have noticed with the RRP.

 

[Zimmerframe]

That looks tidy !

I have a normal mud hugger front and whilst it feels more flexible than others, it doesn't seem to ever move around or catch anything.

I also run the unattractive long on the rear (need to put it back on as I'm fed up with getting soaked). If you try to flex this by hand you can't get it to touch the tyre, however if you check it after a hard ride you can see tyre rub marks on the underside. It shows you how extreme some of the forces are on the bike sometimes.

 

[R120]

All installed, have to say was a hell of a lot easier than installing the Sram one. Its sits quite a bit higher at the front compared to the RRP, as has more tire clearance.

The RRP has shims that can be put between the fork bridge and the guard mount to alter the angle the guard sits at, whereas with the Mudhugger it is what it is. Mounting is super solid and quality of kit/instructions top notch.

2.6 Hillbillies on the bike at the moment. have include a pic of the RRP mounted up for reference on my other bike, with 2.6 Magic Marys.

Prefer the look of the RRP, but will see at the weekend how the Mudhugger fares.

 

[Zimmerframe]

You can generally re-mold/re-form the mudhuggers with heat if you want to vary the angles. I think there's some information on their website from what I remember.

 

[R120]

I think the clearance is probably a good thing, plus the Zeb has quite a bit more tire clearance between the arch than my 2019 36

 

[Zimmerframe]

I think the clearance is probably a good thing, plus the Zeb has quite a bit more tire clearance between the arch than my 2019 36

I suppose the only thing you need to watch out for is the funnel and spray phenomena you get sometimes where the guard funnels the spray forwards sometimes and then depending on the angles spirals back into your face !

Do you have a wind tunnel at home ?

 

[R120]

The good thing is it now got much better seal guards as the plastic sits nicely down between and extends behind the seals and the tire, like the RRP, whereas the older mud huggers didn't do this, and from my experience the seals got a pasting in the mud.

For me having decent protection of the seals is as important as how the guard deals with the mud, its one of the reasons I love the RRP, and also one of the reasons I dont like the Crud XL.

Good to see Mudhugger have improved this on the Evo.

 

[R120]

Good ride today, was a local one that took in a lot of muddy bridleways so a proper test. No rattling, and stayed rock solid, didn't block up at all either, and no mud in my face. Did a good job protecting the seals too.

Doesn't keep mud off the bike as far down the down tube as an the longer RRP Proguard, so I would say coverage wise it sits between the 2 RRP's.

So top marks from me, still think the RRP has the edge looks wise, but performance wise they both do a top job.

 

[Healy]

Got mine today for £20 what a bargain

 

[R120]

Mudhugger have now bought out a Shorty version of the Evo Bolt on, which I have got my hands on:

SHORTY EVO Bolt-On Mudhugger default FOX fitting (OPTIONS FOR ZEB, RECON AND OHLINS SEE BELOW)

BRAND NEW FOR SUMMER 2021 FOR FITTING TO RS ZEB ORDER THIS ADAPTER PACK TOO. FOR FITTING TO OHLINS ORDER THIS APAPTER PACK TOO. FOR FITTING TO RECON GOLD & SILVER 35 ORDER THIS ADAPTER PACK TOO. We’ve had the benefit of designing the new Mudhugger EVO around the latest FOX 36 and 38’s and...

www.themudhugger.co.uk

Whilst the larger Evo worked brilliantly in the winter, its too much for the summer, and I find the OEM Sram one to be useless, especially as it sits behind the arch with no protection in front or under it, meaning in summer months all the trail debris/stones give the arch a right pasting. Also the stock Sram one is very stiff, which means its pretty easy to get something wedged in between the tire and the guard, whereas the Mudhugger and other similar guards have a nice bit of flex too them.

As per the original Evo Bolt On the mounting hardware that comes with the guard is much better quality that the Sram kit too. Fitting the guard is a five minute job max, took it out for a ride today, rock solid and no issues.

Generally I much prefer the look of the RRP Bolt On guard, but the seemingly mythical Zeb adapter they have released is impossible to get hold of - however I rather like the shorty, so it will be staying on for now.

 

[Gazzaaitken]

Rrp bolt on adapter has been binned for the zeb, see emails below. Bummer as I had bought a bolt on guard but never fitted it. So that will be getting sold.

The whole project is going to be scrapped along with the mold we had made, this is due to clearance issues on some wider custom OE top crowns we’ve found that are in circulation.


Kind Regards

RapidRacerProducts Ltd


Hi


Are you going to make another one?

If not I will need to sell the bolt on guard and buy another type.

Thanks


No the adapter project for the Zeb is binned, once we’ve completed something we’re working on we’ll look at a change to the design rather than an adapter, but if yet though.

Kind Regards

RapidRacerProducts Ltd