Commuting - SKS commuter fender modification (warnings many photos)

I bought a set of SKS commuter fenders (http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/FE1037), not realizing they're slightly different than the Chromoplastics (http://www.sks-germany.com/en/stage.php?mod=prdlist&zg=0&cat=4) (also see here: SKS P35 Black Fenders 700c/35mm (http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/FE1006). The commuter fenders are actually not even listed on the SKS website. They are about $10 less than the chromoplastics if that's important to you. Here's the package:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfenderpackage.jpg

The commuter fenders most importantly appear to be shorter than the chromoplastics, mounting hardware aside. They mount a little flimsier than the chromoplastics as well but I haven't noticed any undue side effects from this. However, the length of the fender is somewhat problematic.

As you can see they do not extend far enough to cover the rear wheel to the point where spray won't cover your rack and equipment on it:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod01.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod02.jpg

I decided to extend the fender using some rubber stair tread bought at Home Depot and whatever I had on hand, in this case the carrying strap from a car battery.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod03.jpg

I cut off one of the notches that slot into the battery to allow me to thread the strap underneath the fender (to make it look prettier in the end):

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod04.jpg

Using a drill I drilled a hole in the strap the same size as the stock opening on the fender, this is about 17/64:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod05.jpg

This allows you to use the stock mounting hardware to fix the strap directly to the fender. Note that removing the stock mudflap will give you the room to fit the mounting hardware, just be sure to trim off the excess plastic from the drill hole:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod06.jpg

And put back together:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod07.jpg

Note that at this point in time you can choose to mark/drill a second set of holes on the other side of the metal clamp, then use whatever fastener you have to secure it in place. Just Make sure the fastener isn't long enough to start rubbing your tire. I chose to simply zip-tie the strap to the metal bracket for expediency. Note that the entire fastening area will be held well away from the tire, even with only the one metal support because the metal support is attached to that bracket. So it's far less likely you'll produce something that'll start rubbing the back of your tire in this manner.

Here it is, fastened back on the bike, note where the metal support is relative to the end of the plastic strap:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod08.jpg

I cut the stair tread to make a 2.5 inch wide flap, I would suggest making it longer than mine, perhaps 12.25 inches:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod09.jpg

(continued in next post due to image limitations)

I decided to use epoxy (the real kind that comes in two tubes, not superglue) to fasten the stair tread to the strap. Here it may be helpful to have clamps but if you don't and don't mind waiting, some types of epoxy will harden within 6 minutes:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod10.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod11.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod12.jpg

To cap it off I decided to add the stock mudguard that came with the fender back to the bottom. Again here expoxy may be the easiest way although using a rivet will make the entire set-up far more secure. Of note, if you choose to use epoxy make sure you wedge some cardboard between the tire and plastic strap to keep the epoxy away from your tire.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod13.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod14.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k15/lurker1999/SKScommuterfendermod15.jpg

I plan on putting some black 3M reflective tape on the mudguard to complete the modification.

To put this in perspective you may be better off simply spending the extra $10 for the real Chromoplastic fenders which I believe are longer. However, if you've already bought the commuter fenders or need to use those for whatever reason here's a way to turn it into a usable fender.

To put this in perspective you may be better off simply spending the extra $10 for the real Chromoplastic fenders which I believe are longer. However, if you've already bought the commuter fenders or need to use those for whatever reason here's a way to turn it into a usable fender.

Those fenders appear barely sufficient in width for your tires. With the distance you had to mount them away from the tires, they won't be effective. The project has been interesting, but I'd just forget the lost expense and get fenders more suitable in size, both longer and wider.

He got the wrong fenders to start with. These work great, except there's a little spray that comes off the front wheel. I should make a mudflap for the very bottom of the front fender with a piece of milk jug or something similar. Oh yeah, get the fender closer to the tire if you can. Oh, now that I look at it, that was an awful lot of effort to save $10. :) Mine are the SKS P35 full fender.

http://www.wolfenet.org/gallery2/v/Bikes/surly/img_1531.jpg.html

I'll probably make a switch at some point in time. But I figured I'd see if I could make these work for the moment. Black stair tread may be easier than a milk jug and look nicer as well for a front mud flap. I put one on and it seems to work reasonably well.

When I bought my SKS Commuter fenders, they came with mudflaps installed on them. And I mount them much closer to the tire.

I want to see pics with the black reflective tape! :beer:

Is that bike brand new? it's too clean to have any milage on it!

I want to see pics with the black reflective tape! :beer:

Well the black reflective tape is here, but I decided to pull the trigger and get the P35 fenders (it was never about the money, simply ordered the wrong ones, then decided to see if I could make them work).

After some more fiddling I hope the P35 fenders will be more stable because of the additional support bar. Also I will be able to directly compare the commuter fenders to the P35 fenders. I'll post photos when I have both in hand.

I won't be using the metal clip for the fender though and will either zip tie it in place or use the bolt provided since the clip rattles off on rough surfaces.

And the bike is new. I only got it last month and it only has 100 miles on it.

I like the way you mounted the U lock. I'm going to try that method today. and see how secure it holds out. My locks look to be thinner then you lock. Then again the photo makes htat lock look fat.


Zero_Enigma