Originally Posted by
davidhi
I just got a gravel bike with 40mm tires. I plan on riding finer packed gravel trails + roads. I don't plan on riding in any rain. I guess gravel trails may have puddles and be wet even though it is not raining. Do you recommend getting fenders for this type of riding?
No. You'll get tired of the sound of pebbles rattling under your fenders...and the worst-case scenario is a larger rock or twig or something getting jammed between tire and fender and causing a crash.
Also, depending on your frame's tire clearance, fenders might force you to use narrower tires; e.g., if 40mm is your frame's limit, fenders will likely force you to put on 35mm or even 32mm tires. (Wider is better for gravel.)
Just wash your bike if it gets dirty.