I spend a lot of time winter riding and without fenders my bikes would be trashed...

This one has seen two winters and looks as good as it did when I got it... a little wipe down with an oiled rag every once in a while has really protected the frame.

It's 21 years old and the only finish issue in on the non drive side stay where a kickstand was attached...I will be fixing that asap since this bike sees use 12 months of the year.