Velocivixen

While I'm waiting for my 1995 Trek 820 (subject of my first mountain bike drop bar conversion - so excited) to get its new crankset, bb, front derailleur & chain from Shimano, I'm thinking how to make it cool as well as functional in the rain. I like Velo Orange metal fenders in the hammered style, but only come in 650b &700c sizes. My bike has 26" wheels. Looks like the 650b should work, and wondered if any of you creative folks have these on your bikes (especially if it's on a mountain bike conversion). I don't care for the VO 26" fenders, so that's not an option I'd consider. My bike will sport 26 x 1.5" Paselas.

So? Let's see them.

vqstaphbeard

650b should work. Metal fenders are very easy to reshape.

I reshaped these from what once fit 700x32c to now fitting 650x32b:


Yours will probably be less drastic of a reshaping. Go around the entire radius of the fender "pulling out" on the edges. I.e. like you are trying to flatten it. It only takes a small amount. Doing the opposite, squeezing in the edges, will make the radius of the fender greater.

Edit: I see you plan to use 1.5's, so your reshaping will probably be around the same as was done to my example. The 650b VO fenders are probably fit towards the 38b-41b range or 1 1/2" - 1 5/8" range. So, fender wise, you'll essentially be keeping the same tire size but dropping a wheel size, which is what I did.

rhm

^^I agree. It won't be difficult. I'd probably cut a piece of wood a little wider than the inside dimension of the fender, jam it in at one end and run it all the way though to the other end, widening the whole thing as you go. If necessary, repeat with a series of larger pieces of wood. As you make the fender wider, you'll reduce the overall diameter.

Since you ask for photos... well, here's Velo Orange 700c fenders on 650b tires:



And here's my Lambert as I first built it up. This frame was made for 27" / 700c wheels; look at the rear brake bridge. The wheels are MTB size wheels (559 mm, AKA 26 x 1.25). The fenders are from a Sears three speed that came with 650a (590 mm, AKA 26 x 1 3/8)

rowebr

I re-shaped the VO 700x45mm fenders to fit nicely over 650Bx38mm tires, using the same method explained by @vqstaphbeard. I agree the 650B size should work for your 26inch application. Work slowly and frequently check the fit of the fender over your tire. Probably best to drill the mounting hole in the rear fender for attachement to the rear brake bridge after you are done re-shaping.

vqstaphbeard

For reference the fenders I used were VO hammered 700x45mm.

As @rowebr mentioned, it's best to drill bridge holes after reshaping has been done.

To further clarify, it doesn't take much splaying at all. While going around the fender radius, it may feel as if you're not even doing anything. Once you've splayed the entire radius evenly, test fit over wheel/tire and you should see results. Repeat as necessary.

Velocivixen

Hey you guys, excellent explanations & photos. I really like the ideas and how your bikes look with metal fenders. I have VO on my Moto which has 700c wheels, but I did not install them. I had a shop do it. Great. So excited....do I seem crazy for getting excited about fenders? Remember, I live in Oregon....lots of rain.

vqstaphbeard

Nope, I get very excited about fenders.

Velocivixen

Well then there you go.

Seriously though, things like pedals, fenders, saddles & handlebars can drastically change the vibe of a bike, both functionally and aesthetically.

You dig?

vqstaphbeard

Oh, I dig.