Fenders are....
04-30-08, 07:25 AM
#1
YAT-YAS
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 820
Bikes: Old Green
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fenders are....
WORTH EVERY PENNY!
Two weeks ago, I splurged on a set of bontraguer (sp?) fenders at the TREK store. The look kinda dorky, and dont help my speed any.....
Then yesterday I was FORCED to ride (probable cracked Cyl head on my $400 saturn) through the puddles from the previous nights storms.... OMG! I arived at school COMPLETLY DRY!
Definatly a MUST HAVE if it rains where you live!
*For those of you in the desert..... Sorry*
Two weeks ago, I splurged on a set of bontraguer (sp?) fenders at the TREK store. The look kinda dorky, and dont help my speed any.....
Then yesterday I was FORCED to ride (probable cracked Cyl head on my $400 saturn) through the puddles from the previous nights storms.... OMG! I arived at school COMPLETLY DRY!
Definatly a MUST HAVE if it rains where you live!
*For those of you in the desert..... Sorry*
__________________
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
04-30-08, 07:31 AM
#2
Velocommuter Commando
WORTH EVERY PENNY!
Two weeks ago, I splurged on a set of bontraguer (sp?) fenders at the TREK store. The look kinda dorky, and dont help my speed any.....
Then yesterday I was FORCED to ride (probable cracked Cyl head on my $400 saturn) through the puddles from the previous nights storms.... OMG! I arived at school COMPLETLY DRY!
Definatly a MUST HAVE if it rains where you live!
*For those of you in the desert..... Sorry*
Two weeks ago, I splurged on a set of bontraguer (sp?) fenders at the TREK store. The look kinda dorky, and dont help my speed any.....
Then yesterday I was FORCED to ride (probable cracked Cyl head on my $400 saturn) through the puddles from the previous nights storms.... OMG! I arived at school COMPLETLY DRY!
Definatly a MUST HAVE if it rains where you live!
*For those of you in the desert..... Sorry*
04-30-08, 09:29 AM
#4
YAT-YAS
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 820
Bikes: Old Green
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nope... I got it last summer from a local guy.
95' SL2.
I had to replace the front subframe ($100 from Cal-City Auto Wreckers)
I had to replace the P/S Steering knuckle ($100 from EBAY)
I had to replace the struts ($100 from AZ)
I had to replace the Lower Control Arms and tie rod ends ($100 from Ebay)
I Still need to replace the axles and ABS Sensor ($150 from RockAuto.com)
So less than $1K total.... Now to find out if the head is trashed
95' SL2.
I had to replace the front subframe ($100 from Cal-City Auto Wreckers)
I had to replace the P/S Steering knuckle ($100 from EBAY)
I had to replace the struts ($100 from AZ)
I had to replace the Lower Control Arms and tie rod ends ($100 from Ebay)
I Still need to replace the axles and ABS Sensor ($150 from RockAuto.com)
So less than $1K total.... Now to find out if the head is trashed
__________________
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
04-30-08, 09:51 AM
#5
Scott
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,393
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I found a set of fenders on a bike at a thrift store and purchased the entire bike for $1. The bike had 27" tires so I figured they would work fine, and did. They started out as chrome but time and disuse allowed rust to form. I spent a few days prepping and painting them. Here is the result.
04-30-08, 09:57 AM
#6
An Army of Fred
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lost South of Nowhere East of Edan On the Waterfront Far from the Madding Crowd (Biloxi, MS)
Posts: 1,003
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
devildogmech: I'm with you. I have a 1996 SC2 that has a warped valve cover, a sun roof that doesn't work, and a belt that likes to squeak when it gets wet. It would cost more to fix it than what it's worth. My wife wanted to sell it, but now with the price of gas, she's having second thoughts. And, no, going car-free isn't really an option down here since we are just a month away from the start of hurricane season. However, I am thinking of going car-light so we can save our cars for when the $#!] hits the fan and we need to vacate. Even Lance can't pedal THAT fast. Hopefully, the 2008 season will be fairly benign around here. I'm afraid that another major hurricane hitting us would cause more people to leave and not come back.
Hopefully, the 2008 season will be fairly benign around here. I'm afraid that another major hurricane hitting us would cause more people to leave and not come back.
04-30-08, 10:36 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Up here in the PNW, fenders are the norm on commuter bikes. I even see a lot of full carbon racer rigs with SpeedEz or RaceBlade fenders. I used to think they looked goofy, now I can't imagine my bike without full fenders and mudflaps.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
04-30-08, 10:38 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 1,654
Bikes: SS Surly Crosscheck; '91 Cannondale 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Even in the desrt there's precip. Especially in Colorado you get the snow, which isn't that much but does a serious number on your cycle in the winter. Worst part is that when it comes it usually stays a little while before melting.
Second worst is the mid-late summer t-storms. Nothing like FL, but a consistent, predictable rain almost every day for about a month and a half. Not nearly as destructive as the snow, but certainly bad.
My problem with fenders was toe overlap...not the fenders fault but the bikes. I had PB Freddy's, and kept kicking them into the tire and putting them through the fork.
At least until next winter I'm happy being anal about my drivetrain and going fenderless!
Second worst is the mid-late summer t-storms. Nothing like FL, but a consistent, predictable rain almost every day for about a month and a half. Not nearly as destructive as the snow, but certainly bad.
My problem with fenders was toe overlap...not the fenders fault but the bikes. I had PB Freddy's, and kept kicking them into the tire and putting them through the fork.
At least until next winter I'm happy being anal about my drivetrain and going fenderless!
04-30-08, 10:43 AM
#9
Pedaled too far.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: La Petite Roche
Posts: 12,851
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Well, when I lived in the desert, where I saw it go 15 months without rain, I used a newspaper bungeed to my rack as a fender and it worked adequately.
But since I moved to Arkansas all my main road bikes have fenders including my recumbent!
But since I moved to Arkansas all my main road bikes have fenders including my recumbent!
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
04-30-08, 12:54 PM
#10
Metalhead
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Iowa City, IA
Posts: 110
Bikes: Surly Steamroller 2008, 70s fuji fixed conversion, 2007 Giant TCR, 2005 Gary Fisher Tassajara
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fenders ne'er keep my feet dry though...even my lower legs get wet, I still have to wear rain pants when it's raining out.
04-30-08, 12:58 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,508
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fenders? Nope. I've never had 'em and not interested in getting them. When it's raining I'm going to get covered in wet grime no matter what, so I don't see the point.
I have a CrudCatcher on my frame to reduce front wheel spray a tad and that's all I need.
I have a CrudCatcher on my frame to reduce front wheel spray a tad and that's all I need.
04-30-08, 12:59 PM
#12
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I love fenders...
All the guy needs is a little mud flap as even with the rather low fenders my feet still catch a little spray.
All the guy needs is a little mud flap as even with the rather low fenders my feet still catch a little spray.
04-30-08, 01:10 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Montréal, QC, Canada
Posts: 389
Bikes: Surly 1x1 with Nexux 8 "Red line"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've realized people think they look dorky until they have some on their bike. Then they realize how useful they are and would never ride without them anymore. 
Usually, the customers that come in my bike shop to buy a commuting bike and decide not to get them straight away tend to come back a few weeks later.
Usually, the customers that come in my bike shop to buy a commuting bike and decide not to get them straight away tend to come back a few weeks later.
04-30-08, 01:16 PM
#16
YAT-YAS
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 820
Bikes: Old Green
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
devildogmech: I'm with you. I have a 1996 SC2 that has a warped valve cover, a sun roof that doesn't work, and a belt that likes to squeak when it gets wet. It would cost more to fix it than what it's worth. My wife wanted to sell it, but now with the price of gas, she's having second thoughts. And, no, going car-free isn't really an option down here since we are just a month away from the start of hurricane season. However, I am thinking of going car-light so we can save our cars for when the $#!] hits the fan and we need to vacate. Even Lance can't pedal THAT fast. Hopefully, the 2008 season will be fairly benign around here. I'm afraid that another major hurricane hitting us would cause more people to leave and not come back.
Hopefully, the 2008 season will be fairly benign around here. I'm afraid that another major hurricane hitting us would cause more people to leave and not come back.
) and I like working on cars. But since I'm back in school and working at the ER full time (Nursing student) I have 0 time.... I ran a compression test on the car, and they were all equal, so it doesnt look like a bad head.... Just looks like some bad valve seals . More work than I want to do Oh well.... it gets 30+ mpg. With leather interior and ONE electric mirror I think its worth saving.... again.
Billy
__________________
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
04-30-08, 01:26 PM
#18
YAT-YAS
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 820
Bikes: Old Green
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
See, my Trek just looks goofy..... I think they ad wind resistance or something, because it does seem harder to keep my speed up.
__________________
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
04-30-08, 03:13 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central Point, Or.
Posts: 409
Bikes: Route-x bent, GT Hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fenders are....kind of a pain in the ass sometimes, but they are worth it on a commuter or tourer, which are the two kinds of cycling I mostly do.
04-30-08, 03:27 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 435
Bikes: Giant OCR1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh, that was a good one.
Really really good.
Wait, that was a joke, right?
04-30-08, 03:30 PM
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
1 Post
I have had to MacGyver mine numerous times, damn disk brake mounts on my frame...
But every time you hear debris bouncing inside, you know it was worth it
But every time you hear debris bouncing inside, you know it was worth it
04-30-08, 03:41 PM
#22
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Nope... I got it last summer from a local guy.
95' SL2.
I had to replace the front subframe ($100 from Cal-City Auto Wreckers)
I had to replace the P/S Steering knuckle ($100 from EBAY)
I had to replace the struts ($100 from AZ)
I had to replace the Lower Control Arms and tie rod ends ($100 from Ebay)
I Still need to replace the axles and ABS Sensor ($150 from RockAuto.com)
So less than $1K total.... Now to find out if the head is trashed
95' SL2.
I had to replace the front subframe ($100 from Cal-City Auto Wreckers)
I had to replace the P/S Steering knuckle ($100 from EBAY)
I had to replace the struts ($100 from AZ)
I had to replace the Lower Control Arms and tie rod ends ($100 from Ebay)
I Still need to replace the axles and ABS Sensor ($150 from RockAuto.com)
So less than $1K total.... Now to find out if the head is trashed
BTW I don't think I OWN any bikes without fenders.
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
04-30-08, 04:54 PM
#23
.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Posts: 3,981
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Comp, Soma ES
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Considering where I live, if you want to ride for more than once per month, you better get fenders. It rains here. That's pretty much all it's done this year. I'm getting fat.
04-30-08, 05:03 PM
#24
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I spend a lot of time winter riding and without fenders my bikes would be trashed...
This one has seen two winters and looks as good as it did when I got it... a little wipe down with an oiled rag every once in a while has really protected the frame.
It's 21 years old and the only finish issue in on the non drive side stay where a kickstand was attached...I will be fixing that asap since this bike sees use 12 months of the year.
This one has seen two winters and looks as good as it did when I got it... a little wipe down with an oiled rag every once in a while has really protected the frame.
It's 21 years old and the only finish issue in on the non drive side stay where a kickstand was attached...I will be fixing that asap since this bike sees use 12 months of the year.
04-30-08, 05:57 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 435
Bikes: Giant OCR1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
While you still get wet with fenders, the difference is astounding (also quite a difference between the clip on fenders I was using before and the full fenders I'm using now). Where I would do my 15 minute ride to work while it was raining heavily and be pretty much soaked while wearing water resistant clothing, now with fenders I can do that same ride and I'll be a little damp. Even better, my shoes don't need to be stuffed with newspaper and parked atop my monitor all day to dry out.