Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
Fenders need to be adjusted and tightened down. They can interfere with rack use - they certainly made putting on low riders more time consuming. They limit tire size options. They can get rub when the tire isn't true or when they creep. They add weight. They decrease space between wheel and dt so that you can't get he wheel over some racks. They can collect snow and mud.
It's reasonable to decide the negatives don't outweigh the positives, but there ARE negatives.
Personally, I'd rather use rain pants and a ti frame. I lie fenders on some bikes, but it's more aesthetics than any actual advantage.
Guess you're entitled to your views!
I have one bike that takes full fenders and have QR mtb fenders for several others. On top of that I wear a rainsuit and ocassionally gaiters is conditions are really wet or slushy. Full fenders have no issues with Nokian 240's in a 700x42c size in the winter or 26x1.75" Marathons in the summer. I need the clip-ons for the 2" and 2.5" tire sizes.
My winter bike is an 18 year old Giant so with proper maintenaince the issues of salt danage are probably a little exaggerated, but all the mud, dog crap and other stuff on the road I'd rather NOT have all over my clothes. Not only is it a mess - it means clothing has to be washed more often which reduces its life expectancy, and materials like GoreTex are far less effective when dirty.
Your tastes may vary.