Originally Posted by
spaceballs
Is it a terrible idea to just run the rear fender and leave the front off?
Yes, it's a terrible idea. The front wheel throws water onto your crankset and frame, onto your person, and in a huge arc up in front of the bike, which you then travel through - that is, onto your face! It isn't any more difficult to remove the front wheel with a front fender, provided you have the proper mounting points on your fork, or can improvise them. (easy to do)