Commuting - Fenders

Does anyone have any suggestions for fenders for my commuter bike. I'm tired of getting soaked (especially my feet) by the water that sprays up from my front tire. :(

My bike is a 1999 Raleigh R600 road bike. I've tried Zefal plastic fenders but they won't fit in the small space between the tire and fork. Thanks.

The best fenders ever are made by Planet Bike. The sell at Performance Bike for about $25. They are poly-something or other and have darn good mud flaps. They come in both MTB and road sizes. I have owned several other fenders and these are definitely my favorite.

If Zefal fenders don't fit, you could try SKS fenders, but I'm pretty sure that if there isn't clearance for Zefals, you are S.O.L.

In the meantime, until you find a fender that fits your bike, you might want to see if you can get a pair of Smart Wool socks. On wet days, wearing Smart Wool socks and Doc Martins, my feet feel dry and warm.

I made my own out of some cable routing. They work a lot like crud catchers, but the front one extends further. I think they cost me about £3.00.

D*Alex would probably say they don't look great, but they seem to work! :)

Ellie

Ellie,
Can you briefly describe your fenders and how you made them?
Regards,
Raymond

I have a set of very low profile aluminium mudguards on my road bike, but as it's an audax frame it has clearance. Try SKS (ESGE)

Originally posted by RonH
Does anyone have any suggestions for fenders for my commuter bike. I'm tired of getting soaked (especially my feet) by the water that sprays up from my front tire. :(


Hold up! We're in a major drought!

(You'se gettin' rain down there?) :confused:

Another thought would be overshoes. They'd keep your feet dry.

Originally posted by RainmanP
Ellie,
Can you briefly describe your fenders and how you made them?

They aren't very scientific!

I got a 2m length of cable routing (white plastic stuff, I went for approx. 3" across, profile kind of _i--i_ ) and cut it so that the front length is long enough to go from the forks to the bottom of my bottle cage attachments. It's secured by the screws for the bottle cage, and a cable tie at the top. I'm pretty pleased with that one, it's quite neat.

The back is more of a bodge job. I'm not entirely sure I want to describe that!! :D

I'll try drawing them later today, that'd probably be easiest.

Ellie

Thanks, Ellie. So basically it is something like plastic pipe/tube that you have split lengthwise? I think I get the idea. Very clever!
Regards,
Raymond

Actually, a liter cola bottle cut length-ways and fastened over the down-tube will protect you from a lot of front tire splashing.

Just about anything covering your rear-rack (including your lunch box) will protect you from much of the rear wheel sling.

HOWEVER, for the Ultimate in commuter bike accessories, go to the ebay collectables/transportation/bicycle area and search for some antique rubber/plastic mudguards. They fasten to the bottom of your front fender (you might have to drill a hole in the fender). Cost is usually between $5.00 to $10.00 for new-old-stock (NOS).

Oh, Baby, those work sweet. Some even have reflectors on them.

I don't bother with fenders. I just carry a change of clothes in my pannier (inside a plastic bag of course) when it rains. Mind you, at this time of year, I try to avoid changing out of wet clothes. :p

I've just taken delivery of some very sexy slim mudguards (fenders to you ;) ) from France.
They are designed to fit on lugless, no-clearance race frames.

I got them from:
http://www.cyclesdsalmon.com/

Took a week to get to the UK. I'm sure they deliver to US.


Stew