Commuting - SKS fenders

Just a note that my front SKS 35mm full fender (black) cracked through in two places after about 2-3 years on the bike. No crashes on this bike, or any other apparent reason for the failure - I think it just turned brittle with time and cracked spontaneously. Any similar experiences out there? Ah well, got another pair for less than $22.

Noticed recently that mine has cracked as well, only it's the rear fender in my case. It's been in use for a bout a year.

Any experience in dealing with their warranty?

I've had SKS fenders fail twice, but there was an impact or crash involved both times. Before breaking I had them on the bikes for 5+ years, summer and winter, no problems.

--J

I experienced this with a 3 yr old SKS, but it was a picked up stick that shattered the fender. I have also had several Blumels fenders shatter from picked up sticks or rocks during very cold weather, but since they were 20-30 years old, can't hold it against them! I never had a plastic fender shatter or crack from fatigue alone. Don

I'd love to get aluminum fenders some day.

I'd love to get aluminum fenders some day.

Stainless steel. I've got gobs of miles on a set of Giles Berthoud fenders that are five years old, live on dirt roads, and holding up fine. Wallingford (http://www.wallbike.com/fenders.html) carries them. They've gone up in price because of the falling USD but they are still worth it, they last forever.

Another thing about plastic fenders is if you have to mail order them, they often arrive warped because the company stuffed them in the box tight.