26" wheels? I prefer top loaded front racks on 26" bikes instead of low riders as they put the panniers really low, although handling is great I find they scrape curbs easily. I'd rather have a front rack and shift the panniers as far back on the forks as practical. That leaves the option of more gear on the top of the rack. SKS or Planet Bike fenders. I don't see any advantage to metal fenders except more noise and less tolerance to bending multiple times.