The Pakbrite Fender XL is an effective seatpost-mounted rear gravel mudguard that integrates well with the brand’s lights and storage products. However, it’s expensive and its RRP doesn’t include the £30+ Tri-Fin mount required for installation on your bike.
According to Pakbrite, hardware and rubber inserts supplied with the Tri-Fin ensure compatibility with all shapes of seatpost. It then allows you to twist the Fender XL on and off in seconds and also attach other Pakbrite accessories.
On the back of where the Fender XL clicks on to Tri-Fin mount, you can lock on either the Carbon Capsule Pro tool keg or the PakLite Mini rear light, or you can just use the mudguard on its own. As a result, you don’t have to compromise lighting or carrying capacity while using it.
You might imagine that running a loaded tool caddy on top of a clip-on mudguard would be a recipe for rattling off-road. In fact, the Fender XL was so silent during testing, I sometimes forget it was attached. This included when bombing down rocky Peak District tracks.
The mudguard didn’t budge one bit either. I attributed this to the solidity of the Tri-Fin mount’s connection to the seatpost and the Fender XL’s to the mount. Another benefit of this design is that the mudguard doesn’t risk scratching your paint like some seat stay mounted mudguards can.
Like most rear gravel mudguards, the Fender XL isn’t designed to protect others from your wheels’ spray. But it did keep my bum and back dry during wet winter gravel rides. I was riding 45mm tyres and the Fender XL’s 67mm width should cover much wider rubber. A narrower 58mm road version is also available.
Made from nylon glass and ABS, a lightweight thermoplastic polymer, the Fender XL feels solidly built and its 150g weight is competitive for this category.
However, its ever-changing price is less so. It was £58.85 when I started testing it – more than twice as expensive as the Mudhugger Rear Gravel Hugger and the more stylish Ass Savers Win Wing 2 Gravel – and it remains dearer now it’s listed at £37.48.
Even at the lower price, you’d still need to get the Tri-Fin mount as well.
In the Fender XL’s defence, it is less likely to damage your paint than the other two and it’s faster to install and remove than the Mudhugger.
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As impressed as I was by the Fender XL’s coverage, stability and interaction with storage and lights, and Pakbrite’s ingenuity in creating this system, I’m dubious it warrants the investment. The existing solution of separate mudguards, saddle bags and rear lights works fine for most cyclists at significantly lower cost.
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Pakbrite says: “The Fender GT/XL provides a solid, secure lockup that stays firmly in place, even on rough roads and demanding terrain.
“Extended coverage helps block road spray, mud, and debris to keep you dry and comfortable in unpredictable conditions.
“Engineered for durability and stability, the Fender GT/XL maintains consistent performance through wet commutes and rugged adventures.
“Robust construction and dependable mounting ensure your fender stays secure when you need protection most.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Made from Nylon glass and ABS, the Fender XL is best for mountain and gravel bikes, it measures 120mm x 67mm x 510mm, fits all shapes of seatpost and Pakbrite’s accessories can attach behind it.
Rate the product overall for quality (1-10):
9/10
Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10):
9/10
Rate the product for value (1-10):
3/10
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
It’s really expensive compared to the Ass Savers Win Wing 2 Gravel and Mudhugger Rear Gravel Hugger, both of which are highly rated rear gravel mudguards.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
Use this box to explain your overall score
Performance and ease of use are really good but the price is a major problem.
Age: 31Height: 190cmWeight: 76kg
I usually ride: Fairlight Strael 3.0My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX (2016, rim brake)
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 yearsI ride: Most daysI would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: Time trialling, Cyclocross, Gravel riding, Touring, Club riding