Full front fenders make for clean riding. The back doesn't need to be so full. Also, FWIW: On my old MTB-based commuter I added a flap cut from a flexible rubber yoga mat and attatched with nylon nuts and bolts. The original fender comes to within 4 or 5 inches of the ground, but still allowed water to spray my shoes and chain. The front flap I added comes to within an inch of the ground and keeps everything dry and clean. My new touring-style commuter has fenders that curve under the wheel to within an inch or two of the ground, but are more rigid. Although the rigid fenders look nicer, they sometimes get caught on a curb or rock or lump of dirt. None of this bother the flap, and now that I'm using it as a snow and ice bike (with studded snow tires) I don't see how full rigid fenders would work in the snow.