Touring - Novara Safari Fenders and Kickstand

Based in part on some of the excellent information I've picked up here, I'm planning on getting this bike soon to use primarily as a commuter and for some shorter tours. Fenders, and to a lesser extent a kickstand, are important to me in both roles. I've seen a lot of references to fenders and kickstands on this bike and photos of it with fenders and kickstand as well. Yet, I have not seen many specific references to what make of fenders and kickstand you all are actually using. So, what are you all using and were there any special modifications you had to make in order to get them installed properly? (I'm posting in the Commuting Forum also.)

I have Planet Bike fenders on mine (not sure which model, but they work fine), and the ESGE two legged kickstand that fits up behind the bottom bracket. I don't really like this kickstand, since it is not all that stable. When standing, either the front end or the back end of the bike wants to come up off the ground, and if it's the front end then the handlebars have a way of swinging around if you're not careful, which has resulted in the bike falling over. You get used to it, but it's just something to be careful of. I much prefer the Greenfield kickstands that attach on the rear triangle, but that doesn't work on this bike because of both the thickness of the frame tubes, and the proximity of the disc brake.

/Neil

JP,
I'm in the same boat as you are - purchasing the Safari after shopping for a while. I've ordered mine from REI (about two weeks before I get it), and when I next talk to my guys there I'm going to ask about fenders and a stand. They have a decent selection of products they can order directly from companies, so I'm going to see what I can get. I'll let you know what I find out.

Another thing to keep in mind. I have heard/read/seen that the rear rack is a custom size for the bike. Should it break for some reason it is hard to replace, especially on a tour (which, aside from everyday riding, is why I'm buying mine). Some bike bloggers I've read speculate that the Aluminum rack isn't strong enough for a fully loaded tour. I'm skeptical about that one, and I haven't seen any Safari owner's journal/blog/website substantiate this concern.

But again, I'm going to have a chat with my guys and see what they think. I'm definately getting a front rack, the Old Man Mountain racks have nothing but good reviews everywhere. Though, the tech at REI has been using an inexpensive one for years. When I spoke with him last he saw no reason to spend the extra money - and on my budget I probably won't.

Keep us posted on what you find. I hope my little bit of insight helps!

-Charlie

I'm using an older Novara model that I think became the Safari. I'm running the planet bike hardcore ATB fenders with cascadia mudflaps added on later. Seems they finally got around to adding black cascadia's to their line-up so you wouldn't have to go that route for black. I definitely recommend longer mudflaps. They still don't catch all the spray though. Only way around that is to add your own wide flap.

SKS fenders. The best, imnsho. :D

I have managed to get the Greenfield kickstand mounted on my Safari, as described here with pic:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/board/message/?thread_id=74003

/Neil