Originally Posted by
Koyote
This photo illustrates the problem with many fenders: they don’t protect the parts that actually benefit from staying clean - like the chain, chainrings, bottom bracket, pedals, etc. This one apparently only protected the down tube, which is easy to clean and unharmed by a little mud.
I’m not anti-fender- I just finished a ride on one of my fendered bikes. But to really be worthwhile, the front fender needs to come down close enough so that, with a flap attached, you have coverage to within just two or 3 inches of the pavement. Otherwise, all the junk that sprays off the front wheel ends up right where you don’t want it. Like in this photo.
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I agree, I find those clip on mud guards completely useleds so I use full fenders.