While they do nothing for the clean lines of a road bike, mudguards are an essential in winter if you want to avoid the inevitable streak of sludge up your bike from riding on Britain’s wet, muddy and debris-strewn roads.

Your club mates will thanks you too, if you invest in a full-length cover for your back wheel, but for those unwilling to budge the Ass-Saver is an ideal alternative.

The plastic cover attaches easily to most standard rail saddles and does exactly what the name suggests – saves your ass from a soaking.

Now in its third iteration, the guard provides more durable protection than its predecessors, and will fold under the saddle when not in use so does not have to be removed.

Lightweight – it adds just 15g to your machine – and easy on the wallet too, it is ideal for riding in all wet conditions, not just winter, thanks to how compact it can be folded away.

Website: Ass-Saver