Bicycle Mechanics - Mounting front fender using recessed caliper nut

Hi all,

As I've installed and tweaked the setup of my SKS Commuter fenders over the last few days, I've run into issues keeping the front fender exactly where I want it. For now, the "solution" has been some creative zip tie usage to keep the fender from rubbing the tire, however, thats not going to fly long term.

The problem is that the fender's mounting bracket is seemingly designed to be attached to the back side of the recessed nut for my caliper brakes - unfortunately, I have had no luck figuring out the proper sized screw for this nut. There is easily enough threading left on the back end to hold the fender.

The brakes are ProMax 451AG - short of my taking out the bolt and walking into Home Depot with it, does anybody know what size I should be shooting for here?

You need a Sheldon fender nut. The standard nut Won't have enough threads left for an additional bolt.
170485

You need a Sheldon fender nut. The standard nut Won't have enough threads left for an additional bolt.


Hi Bezalel,

I had seen those on Sheldon's site when I was researching the proper terms for the parts I was having problems with. I do have about 3/8ths of an inch of threading left on the current nut - this seems like it should be enough, no? The issue does not seem to be so much that there is not enough thread to bite, but rather, I just have not been able to find a properly fitting bolt (in terms of diameter) to put in the hole.

You should mount the fender between the brake caliper and the front part of the fork, not the back at the recessed nut.

You should mount the fender between the brake caliper and the front part of the fork, not the back at the recessed nut.

+1. Remove brake caliper, put fender mount on bolt, remount caliper.

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0105150_sc7?$sku$

Hi Bezalel,

I had seen those on Sheldon's site when I was researching the proper terms for the parts I was having problems with. I do have about 3/8ths of an inch of threading left on the current nut - this seems like it should be enough, no? The issue does not seem to be so much that there is not enough thread to bite, but rather, I just have not been able to find a properly fitting bolt (in terms of diameter) to put in the hole.

Acually I frogot to mention the real problem. The threads are M6x1 but the allen head is 5mm so an M6 screw can't get through the head to reach the threads. On the Sheldon fender nut in addition to lengthening the threaded portion the head was changed to 6mm to allow the screw through.

Mounting the fender between the fork and brakes introduces its own set of problems.

Acually I frogot to mention the real problem. The threads are M6x1 but the allen head is 5mm so an M6 screw can't get through the head to reach the threads. On the Sheldon fender nut in addition to lengthening the threaded portion the head was changed to 6mm to allow the screw through.

Mounting the fender between the fork and brakes introduces its own set of problems.

How so? I've never had issues here aside from occasionally bending the fender tab to keep it clear of the headset cup.

How so? I've never had issues here aside from occasionally bending the fender tab to keep it clear of the headset cup.

caliper slippage/movement

caliper slippage/movement

The caliper shouldn't slip if it's tight enough. The fender mount does make it a little tougher to get the caliper centered, but once it's in place, it should stay where it's put.