Commuting - Do fenders work??

I'm getting fenders for my road bike. But, do those little half-fenders and snap ons really work? The ones I see while riding just seem to small to cover all the wet, especially at faster road bike speeds. (I don't mind my feet getting wet, but want to avoid the stripe through to the skin both front and back. And I want snap ons, b/c, the sun does poke out occasionally.)

I would either get the real thing, or just use a rack with a solid top in the back. Those snap on pretenders are a waste of time and money.

However, you can mount real fenders using zip ties making removal and installation very quick.

Dave

anything is better than nothing but I perfer the real thing, I use the planet bike hardcore fenders with the mud flaps, they keep me and the bike dry from the water on the road.

Thanks, I suspected they didn't provide much protection. I'll have to check out the zip tie idea. I suspect mud flaps would be best to protect the drive train and feet, but I'm not sure I'm ready for anything that elaborate.

As mentioned, I got a zip tie one that is about 10inches and covered the downtube. Well all it was good for is keeping my water bottle clean. The problem with road bikes, especially, when compared to my mountain bike, is that road spray gets sprayed in front of the fork and you going fast will simply run into the water. I recently replaced that fender with a full SKS fender which is alot better. So, I would avoid the partial solution and get something that covers the front of the fork too as well.

Jay

If your bike can take full fenders, then that is definately the way to go. SKS make the best and they come in narrow size. They have safety release stays at the front which have saved my bacon at least once.
If your bike doesnt have threaded eyelets and clearance, maybe you should think about a winter training bike.

Thanks, all, for the help. Just picked up my new bike this weekend. Great! Fabulous (Trek 2100), but the clearance is so small I can't imagine any size fender fitting. I will check w/ the people who sell the SKS. Otherwise, it may be a winter bike.

Thanks, all, for the help. Just picked up my new bike this weekend. Great! Fabulous (Trek 2100), but the clearance is so small I can't imagine any size fender fitting. .

The bike shop was able to install fenders on my Trek2200. But...
If you're in traffic, you'll still get side-spray from cars. You'll need rainpants that cover the top of your shoe *WHILE* pedaling. Most rain pants are TOO short. So you may need an extra gaitor to cover the sock area. And a waterproof shoe or bootie.

I added a gaitor to the waterproof cycling shoe, now I arrive at work dry. Before, I'd get so wet that the shoes and socks wouldn't dry in time for the return trip.

Fenders help to a certain extent, but as vrkelley suggests spray from passing vehicles is a problem.

I seem to remember from cycling days in the past, when all weather roadies would be seen attired in a large Poncho type waterproof covering not only themselves but a large part of their cycles this would seem to have been an ideal solution for some reason no longer in fashion. Maybe a cover like this would be worth a revival

[QUOTE] Fenders help to a certain extent, but as vrkelley suggests spray from passing vehicles is a problem.
I seem to remember from cycling days in the past, when all weather roadies would be seen attired in a large Poncho type waterproof covering not only themselves but a large part of their cycles this would seem to have been an ideal solution for some reason no longer in fashion. Maybe a cover like this would be worth a revival

The problem is that most of the "wet" comes from the road.

I've experimented with numerous fenders, and here's what I've learned: all fenders are not created equal. Those little snap-ons are great for a quick fix but when it comes to full-time commuting in a wet climate (I live in very damp Portland, OR) you can't beat a pair of full fenders -- I highly recommend SKS. And whatever you do don't forget the mud flap on the front!