Originally Posted by
Machka
I may be mistaken, but I think that certain PNW clubs required fenders and so did certain Audax UK clubs ..... places that experience a lot of rain.
Not exactly in the PNW. For spring brevets, SIR says:
Fenders are a must or you'll face the scorn and abuse of your fellow Randonneurs!
or
As a courtesy to other riders, fenders (with 1/4 coverage front wheel and 1/2 coverage rear wheel) are recommended. Additional rear splashguards are recommended for group riding.
One doesn't see fenderless bikes at the start of these events, and for good reason. Also mudflaps down to 2" above the ground. They also sometimes say, "not required but strongly recommended."
One doesn't need specific fender attachments. P-clips work fine. Most carbon forks won't allow a fender to pass through above any tire larger than a small 23c. Such forks are accommodated by ending the fender at the aft side of the fork, working its brake bolt attachment into the aft face of the crown, and/or zip-tying the end of the fender to the fork legs. Rear brake bridges are seldom so tight, but that is something to look at when choosing a rando-specific bike for a rainy area. I've seen people run their fender over the rear caliper, but that's not usually necessary on an ordinary road frame using 25c tires.