Author Topic: Fenders  (Read 9779 times)

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Offline BP

Fenders
« on: November 07, 2005, 11:17:39 am »
Hello all,

I have thought sometime on the fenders vs no fenders debate, and have decided to equip my bike with full fenders. I havent seen any full fenders at my local LBS. So my question to the veteran commuters/touring bicyclists out there is what is a good brand to go with and what online venue is a good place to look at them. I have seen some by planet bike, some on nashbar.com, and performance. I dont know if some come in different colors but my bike is light green.

BP


Offline wanderingwheel

Fenders
« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2005, 02:11:24 pm »
Assuming your bike can fit normal fenders and your not looking for fancy stainless (Honjo), wood (River City Bikes), or carbon fiber (Berthoud), the standard fender is the SKS / ESGE.  The Planet Bike Freddy Fenders are every bit as good as the SKS, and include a mudflap.

I would look for a fender that fits my tires and has a quick release on the front wheel (both SKS and Planet Bike have it).  Beyond that, I don't think it matters much.  Also, adding mudflaps to the fenders makes them much more effective.  If you want matching fenders, go ahead and paint them; they are plastic and even a rattle-can paint job can look good on them.

Sean


Offline DaveB

Fenders
« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2005, 06:59:28 pm »
I have SKS/Esge fenders on my early 80's Trek "rain bike" and they work very well.  Zefal makes similar fenders so buy what you can find.  There is no significant performance difference.  Mounting is straight forward if your fork and rear dropouts have mounting holes and they come in silver and black so the color is a "one size fits most".

My fenders came with steel mounting screws (M5x.8) but replacing them with nylon screws is safer.  If something gets wedged between the tire and fender. The nylon screws will break and allow the wheel to keep turning.

Fenders make a tremendous difference on wet roads and in light rain.  They keep your shoes dryer and prevent the black streak from forming on your back.

In a downpour, nothing helps.


Offline driftlessregion

Fenders
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2005, 12:21:00 am »
Fenders make it much nicer for the person riding behind you! Rivendell is a good source of fenders and he (Grant Peterson) will even show you how to install them on bikes without eyelets http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/.


Offline RussellSeaton

Fenders
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2005, 11:32:54 am »
I have a Zefal black plastic fender on the rear of my touring bike.  No front fender.  Back in 1992 I had both front and rear fenders.  While touring Europe I discovered the short front fender was worthless.  So I installed a cheap long front fender I found in a store.  It worked but had a poor mounting method and looked ugly.  And I carried my bike in the trunk of my car so the front fender was in the way when turning the handlebars to lay it in the trunk.

My points: 1.  Make sure the front fender is very long and goes down as far as possible so it keeps water off your shoes.  Get one that covers the entire back of the front wheel closest to your feet clear down to the ground, if possible.  2.  Keep in mind how you haul your bike and whether that method will work with a front fender.


Offline BP

Fenders
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2005, 03:22:14 pm »
Thanks everyone for the their suggestions, its really apprecieted. I think I will go with full fenders with mudflaps. Planet Bike's Freddy Fender Hardcore seem to fit the bill. I think I was on the right track just wanted to ask for some advice before I made a purchase.

Thanks again for all the replies!

BP