Tandem Tom

As I start on my 1984 Miyata 610 I would like to gather some ideas about fenders. We have SKS fenders on other bikes but was wonder if maybe I should consider silver metal one? Are they harder to work with? So you help would be great.
Thanks!

poprad

In general, all metal fenders are harder to fit and will take more time to get the fender line even around the tire. The reward for this extra effort is a fender that is both longer lasting and less likely to make noise or shift during riding. With plastic ones the stays are the only structural support, with metal fenders the fender itself is a structural member.

Number_6

I'm "tourerizing" my Sirrus, and after a lot of study, I ordered the Portland Design Works aluminium fenders for it. They have nice aesthetics, and the release tabs make things easier to service.

cavalier

Aluminum fenders are "louder" than plastic ones. They amplify the sound of the spray hitting inside and any road rattles.

Velognome 

Not my experience, the sound is different, not noticeably louder. Rattles are a result of poor fitment.

dweenk

I have a few bikes with Planet Bike fenders, and 2 with SKS Chromo-Plastics. The only metal fenders I have worked with are the original ones that came with the bikes. I prefer the plastic fenders, and I find that I can get a better fender line with SKS than I can achieve with Planet Bike. I have wanted to try a pair of VO aluminum fenders though. All-in-all I do like plastic for ease of installation (and some look pretty good).

frameteam2003

Velo Orange and Hojo fenders from Jitensha Studio are excellence quality. well worth the price. take the time to fit them right and you will not be disappointed .
If the noise is a problem you can spray pick-up bed liner on the underside. It comes in spray cans at Pep-Boys.

poprad

My experience is quite the opposite. Correctly fitted alum fenders are quite quiet, and the rattling noise from occasional debris seems much less harsh than that when stuff hits the inside of a plastic set. I'd concur with Velognome on that score, normally loud fenders mean more installation adjustment is needed. Also, attention to using rubber or cork grommets on any metal-to-metal contact points (rear brake bridge to fender top for example) will make for a very quiet install.

cavalier

Definitely grommets or insulation would help, both of which are not needed on plastic. The fenders in question are the Velo Orange hammered models, smooth might be quieter. Steel fenders I've used have been quieter than plastic. There is no question that the aluminum is a better soundboard. I was surprised but objective.

noglider 

I have SKS Chromoplastic fenders on my Bianchi, and they have been trouble free. Every so often, they get askew, and I bend the stays to adjust the alignment. No biggie.

I never notice any noise at all.

The Golden Boy 

I'm still in the process of trying to get a set of VO Zeppelin fenders to fit on my Voyageur SP. I've had some problems due to clearance under the fork crown with 1 1/4" tires. I did not have problems with the SKS fenders- however- different bike and different sizes.

Scooper

I fitted my 1972 P15 Paramount with 700c x 40mm Gilles Berthoud stainless steel fenders and think they're among the best for C&V bikes with fender eyelets. It took a little time and effort to get the fenders lined up concentrically with the tires, but now that it's done I think they look great. I've got the clip-on plastic SKS Raceblade Longs on my Waterford and don't notice any difference in noise or rattling between them and the Berthouds; they're both quiet.

modelmartin

I have Axiom rainrunners on one bike and Dia-Comp aluminum on another bike. They are both great. I do not notice any noise from either of them.