Originally Posted by
TrackSmart
All of these would be through a local bike shop, so that is not an issue. I will say that most bike shops have almost zero useful advice to give for folks like myself. The best they can do is tell me that I need a cyclocross bike, then proceed to show me bikes that have no fender mounts. Or to show me bikes that can barely take 25mm tires, but assure me that raceblade fenders are just as good as full fenders. They never even bothered to show me the "endurance road bikes", which actually have tire clearance. And I had to steer myself towards the other useful bikes in the shop (e.g. a Salsa Casserole that was on the shelves).
QUESTION: You mentioned the Fuji Gran Fondo (which is definitely a hot bike). Do people really run fenders on these endurance road bikes - and what kinds would be in keeping with the bike? The manufacturers certainly advertise the ability and they include the mounts.
The pictured fuji has no eyelets for fenders. And to answer your question, people do whatever they want to with their bikes--- that's what makes the bicycle so fascinating.
Sounds like you're not happy with the sales help you're getting at your LBS. You're a knowledgeable guy, and know yourself better than they know you and your needs. It's about communication-- your tastes are different from what most people have. There's the kids market, the hybrid market, and the "I want a fancy race bike" market. At least that's what I think most bike shops tend to see. Practical commuting riders are less common and shop staff has had less experience helping those customers.
My bike shop is different and knows how to serve the fast-but-with-fenders types and many more.
People will argue about this with me, but a bike shop is kind of like a coffee shop or a bar-- part of what makes it good (or) is the clientele. Educate the guy/gal at the shop. Hang out for a while. Take your old bike in for an overhaul and talk shop...