INTERVIEW W
hilst Zéfal may have gotten its start as a manufacturer of bicycle pumps, over the years the brand has expanded into other accessories, including mudguards and bikepacking bags. And, as Brunet explains,
that’s been a large focus over the last few years. “Over the past two years, we have undertaken a complete
redesign of our mudguard range. After launching models dedicated to road and gravel bikes, we are now expanding into MTB with two new products. The Deflector FM40 front mudguard has been available for several months. “Thanks to dedicated adaptors, it can be mounted directly onto fork arches, offering a clean and secure fit. In April, we will launch the Deflector RS90, a rear version designed for very wide tyres, featuring a brand-new mounting system to ensure stability and ease of installation.” Keeping up with industry trends for things like wider
tyres, different frame mounting points, etc., can be tricky if you have a large-scale manufacturing operation. But that hasn’t stopped Zéfal from developing a following with its mudguards. Of course, that’s not all the brand has focused on. “At the same time, we continue to focus on our historic
core business: pumps,” adds Brunet. “We have invested in a new CNC machining centre at our Jargeau factory, enabling us to manufacture new pumps in France. The first product to benefit from this investment is the Zéfal Adventure, a pump designed specifically for long-distance riding.” Just as the different disciplines of cycling have changed
over the years, so has the importance of manufacturers demonstrating their commitment to balancing out their carbon emissions – and that is something Zéfal has focused on. “We are proud to have transformed our industrial site
through a major investment in geothermal energy. Since this winter, our factory and offices have been heated using this new system, reducing our carbon footprint by 12% while lowering energy costs and strengthening our competitiveness.” But what’s next for Zéfal? Where does the brand see itself heading in the next 5-10 years? Brunet is adamant that Zéfal will continue to overhaul its material design to be more eco- friendly. “We are actively working on improving our products
through the use of new materials and a stronger focus on eco-design principles. We are also expanding our tool range with the launch of a torque wrench this year, followed by new integrated on-bike tool solutions in the coming months. “Furthermore, in France, we were among the pioneers of
bikepacking around ten years ago, and we continue to develop innovative bike-carrying and storage solutions.” Currently, Zéfal offers a range of bikepacking equipment,
from frame bags, saddle bags, fork bags and mounting systems to lights, mudguards and bottles. And it’s a good sign not just for Zéfal, but for the industry that the company is
www.bikebiz.com
Top: Deflector MF40. Middle: Deflector RS90. Bottom: ZEFAL Adventure Pump.
March 2026 | 19
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