Touring - Appreciable difference between aluminum fenders vs. plastic?

Ok, so as a few of you may have read, I just got a rocking C-dale T400. The bike is in amazing condition (like awesome)but I'm upgrading a lot of stuff. DT shifters are getting swapped out for Ultegra barcons, saddle already got switched to a brand new Brooks B17.

So now I am looking to get fenders. I want the Planet Bike Cascadia fenders. So now my question is to go with the aluminum ones, or the black polycarbonate ones?

Pluses for plastic:
Lighter,
Will flex, not dent

Pluses for Al:
Major bling
I think I like 'em more,
They will dent, but won't crack like plastic, so they could be bent back into a useful shape if need be.

What's your call? At this point I am leaning towards aluminum for the look of it, but that's really it. Any suggestions?

I have gone for the utility of plastic smash, twist, bend they just spring back into shape...I agree about the look but I would rather have utility on my tourer...friction shifting too,,,,

The aluminum cascadia fenders are really nice. They look great, and are super durable. I wouldn't worry about bending them. They are bonded to plastic, so they don't warp easily. I beat the crap out of mine and I have never had to bend them back into shape.

The aluminum cascadia fenders are really nice. They look great, and are super durable. I wouldn't worry about bending them. They are bonded to plastic, so they don't warp easily. I beat the crap out of mine and I have never had to bend them back into shape.

The aluminum get my vote too:thumb:...sharp looking! And the PB is good stuff.

Aaron:)

Hrm.... you guys know how sexy this bike is gonna look with aluminum fenders right?

I'mma have to take pics for you all when I get it all done. Should be about a month or so.

I wonder if the aluminum fender sets are in fact heavier. Many use an aluminum stay, which should be lighter than a comparable stainless steel stay like those used in PB/SKS. I'm always looking for a weight reduction with no significant negative factors. Here's some nice, affordable Al ones for a 26"x2" tired bike.

http://yhst-84224226242177.stores.yahoo.net/vo60fefor26w.html

I've had several SKS fender sets. Most of the "plastic" ones in fact have an aluminum core - plastic laminated to each side with lip on down side. I know this because I've made some rears into a longer front, which involves cutting off 3-4" of fender.

The Al ones like I linked above are a better choice if you wish to undertake a custom fender fit. Since the stays have to be fit on these fenders, you can end up with a neater installation than modifying plastic fenders with pre-mounted stay attachment points.