Advocacy & Safety - The importance of bicycle fenders.

From the Bike Snob NYC:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/SgmTc1F8lsI/AAAAAAAAHf4/wlVSJZYb3yk/s1600-h/fender+psa1.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/SgmTc1F8lsI/AAAAAAAAHf4/wlVSJZYb3yk/s1600-h/fender+psa1.JPG

Niiiiice.

Hahahahahaha :)

That is fantastic! Best argument I've heard yet. I'll have to use it myself.

That's very good! Ok, I'm old and stupid, I realize that. But what is the deal with that little avatar of that grizzled old dude, and the word "approve" that keeps appearing on bikesnobs postings? I seem to be missing something.

I think that's his official "stamp of approval" but I haven't been reading the blog long enough to be sure.

Hmm. More reason for DonQuixote1954 to run around without fenders.

-Kurt

That's very good! Ok, I'm old and stupid, I realize that. But what is the deal with that little avatar of that grizzled old dude, and the word "approve" that keeps appearing on bikesnobs postings? I seem to be missing something.

The picture is the mugshot of a semi-celebrity Hollywood actor (Rip Torn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_Torn)) after getting caught DUI, which BSNYC either found funny or identified with or whatever so he made it his logo and uses it as a representation of himself since he prefers to stay anonymous.

Ew :eek:

I have a few quick questions about fenders:

1. If a carrying rack is installed on a bicycle, is it hard to install a rear fender without resorting to the clip-on kind? Or would the fender and carrying rack be screwed in using different slots on the frame?

2. Is one fender usually more necessary than the other? Does one wheel tend to kick up more debris than the other?

I have a few quick questions about fenders:

1. If a carrying rack is installed on a bicycle, is it hard to install a rear fender without resorting to the clip-on kind? Or would the fender and carrying rack be screwed in using different slots on the frame?

2. Is one fender usually more necessary than the other? Does one wheel tend to kick up more debris than the other?

1. It depends on the frame and the rack. Often a bike meant to take both will have separate braze-ons for them so they can co-exist peacefully. It's also possible to use a longer bolt and put them both on the same eyelet, but that's not recommended typically.

The front fender protects your drivetrain and your legs; the rear protects your legs, bum, back, and underside of your seat, and also those riding behind you. If you cared only about functional differences, I guess you might have just a front fender. Seems a bit silly though, after all they generally only sell them in pairs!

hmm. More reason for donquixote1954 to run around without fenders.

-kurt

+1

I have a few quick questions about fenders:

1. If a carrying rack is installed on a bicycle, is it hard to install a rear fender without resorting to the clip-on kind? Or would the fender and carrying rack be screwed in using different slots on the frame?

Nothing wrong with J B Bell's reply, but in addition to his comments, if you only had one set of eyelets and wanted to mount a rack and fenders, another option is to use p-clamps to attach the fender stays to the rack struts like this:

http://home.comcast.net/~joejackson951/bike/PF/DSC02696.JPG

This bike was the first to receive this treatment after setting up two other bikes using long bolts with the fender stays mounted inside of the rack. All of my future builds will definitely use p-clamps like this though. There is a little added hassle with attaching the fender stays due the off-center mounting but the end result is much cleaner and should be more durable.

Search McMaster Carr for "cushioned loop clamps." You'll want the 3/8" versions (most rack struts are about 10mm or .394"). I used aluminum ones to save some weight [;)] but stainless steel are also available.

Thanks, J B Bell and joejack951. :)