Ass Savers are lightweight rear mudguards designed for riders who want quick protection from road spray without fitting a full mudguard set. They are cheap, tool-free and easy to remove, which makes them useful for road, gravel and commuting bikes that do not have conventional mudguard mounts.
The main thing to understand is that there are now two different ideas in the Ass Savers range. The classic saddle-mounted Ass Saver protects mainly your backside, while the larger Win Wing attaches near the rear wheel and provides substantially more coverage for road and gravel riding.
How to fit a classic Ass Saver
The standard Ass Saver sits underneath the saddle between the rails. Fold it along the marked lines first so it holds its shape, then slide the front section between the saddle rails and secure it according to the model’s locking tabs.
The guard should extend behind the saddle and line up with the rear wheel. Check that it is stable before riding and that nothing can interfere with the tyre.
What does an Ass Saver actually protect?
The classic saddle-mounted version mainly protects the rider from the narrow jet of water thrown directly off the rear tyre. That is enough to stop the familiar soaked stripe up your shorts and jersey, but it does not keep the whole bike, legs or following riders dry.
It is therefore best thought of as emergency or minimalist protection rather than a replacement for full-length mudguards.
When the Win Wing is the better choice
The current Win Wing 2 sits much closer to the rear wheel and provides considerably more coverage. The Road version is designed for tyres up to 35mm and weighs around 64g, while the Gravel version is built for tyres up to 60mm and weighs around 72g.
Both fit without tools and use a wishbone-style support around the rear stays. Frame-protection stickers are supplied with current Win Wing 2 models because the attachment sits against the bike rather than under the saddle.
Ass Saver vs full mudguards
| Option | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Ass Saver | Emergency rain protection and bikes with no mounts | Limited coverage |
| Win Wing 2 | Road and gravel riders wanting more coverage without full guards | Still does not protect the front wheel or following riders like full guards |
| Full-length mudguards | Winter commuting, group riding and regular wet-weather use | More fitting time, weight and frame-clearance requirements |
Can you use an Ass Saver on any bike?
The classic saddle-mounted design works with many conventional saddle-rail setups, but unusual saddles, bags or accessories can interfere with fitting. The Win Wing range is more dependent on tyre width and frame shape, so check the model-specific limits before buying.
For road bikes, the Win Wing 2 Road is the relevant current model. For gravel bikes with wider tyres, use the Gravel version rather than assuming the road model will clear the tyre.
How effective are Ass Savers in heavy rain?
They help, but no short rear guard can deliver the same protection as full-length mudguards in prolonged rain. The classic version is mainly about keeping your backside cleaner, while the Win Wing adds more useful coverage higher up the rider’s back.
If you regularly commute through winter or ride in a group on wet roads, full mudguards remain the better solution. For occasional bad weather, an Ass Saver is much easier to live with.
How to clean an Ass Saver
Rinse mud and grit off with water and wipe it clean. Avoid storing the guard caked in road salt or abrasive dirt, particularly where the mounting points touch the saddle or frame.
For Win Wing models, also inspect the frame-protection stickers periodically and replace them if grit has worked underneath.
Where to buy an Ass Saver
The classic Ass Saver and Win Wing ranges are still current. Check current Ass Savers and Win Wing availability on Amazon UK.
The official Ass Savers range also includes replacement parts and different road, gravel and MTB versions, so it is worth checking exactly which model suits your tyre width before ordering.
Are Ass Savers worth it?
Yes, if you want lightweight, occasional rain protection and do not want to fit full mudguards. The classic version is especially useful as something you can leave folded in a bag until the weather turns.
If wet-weather riding is a normal part of your week, the larger Win Wing or a proper full-length mudguard setup will protect more of you and the bike. ProCyclingUK’s wet-weather cycling guide covers the rest of the setup needed for riding comfortably in rain.
