Originally Posted by
mihlbach
At any rate, a "minimalist" philosophy is not a valid excuse for not using fenders (or brakes) on a commuter bike. Usually it boils down to the rider not liking them because they ruin looks of the bike or some similar nonsense. The OP admits this. Its still stupid.
I ran some on my bike back in the early 90s, but kept breaking them, only getting a season or two use.
My backscratcher's going on 10 years now and is easy to switch from bike to bike. Front derailers are cheep enough and fenders probably make things slightly worse for rear derailers. I do have to repack the BB a lot more than the fendered years, however.
I suppose since I have a shorter commute these days, don't lock up to parking meters a couple times a day, close the bar down then throw the bike in a taxi's trunk anymore full fenders would last me longer, I might get a set this winter.
These are the pants I wear for my 20 minute commutes. I wear 'em with hi-top boots when it's wet.