Even in the desrt there's precip. Especially in Colorado you get the snow, which isn't that much but does a serious number on your cycle in the winter. Worst part is that when it comes it usually stays a little while before melting.

Second worst is the mid-late summer t-storms. Nothing like FL, but a consistent, predictable rain almost every day for about a month and a half. Not nearly as destructive as the snow, but certainly bad.

My problem with fenders was toe overlap...not the fenders fault but the bikes. I had PB Freddy's, and kept kicking them into the tire and putting them through the fork.

At least until next winter I'm happy being anal about my drivetrain and going fenderless!