Fender Clearance
 

Hello fellow commuters!

I have been commuting rain or shine without fenders for a while now but I'm looking to get some for the rainy season. I run a late 80s Bianchi with about .25 inch (or 6ish mm) clearance from brakes to tire ( 700 x 23). I would prefer something that can STAY on and not taken off (I have tried some and they just aren't as stable as I'd like). Does anyone know if a) this is possible w/ this clearance and b) what fenders COULD work. I've been to some bike shops but they weren't very helpful. Thank you all!

If you're talking about a racing bike with short reach brakes, conventional fenders are going to be tough. There are alternatives designed for racing bikes that you may want to look into. This is one possibility, RACEBLADE LONG BLACK - Radschützer - us - SKS Germany

Thanks, bikemig! Can you speak of these or know anyone that uses them on a daily basis? If anyone else wants to chime in that would be great, too!

A quarter-inch sounds a little tight.

Something made especially for mounting full fenders full-time in that situation are Reacharound Fender Brackets. I use them on the back of one of my bikes, but they come in a set for front and back.

You cut the fender and trim it to match the brake. Drill it for the brackets, then mount. They're actually more sturdy than the brake bridge fender bracket that came with my SKS Chromoplastics Longboards. And the fender works just great. I've had them on only for a couple of years, so it's too early to tell if there are long-term issues with the brake, although there shouldn't be.

Here's how it looks

http://www.brucew.com/images/kit/reacharound.jpg

http://www.brucew.com/images/portrai...ommute-800.jpg

Thank you very much, tsl. I'll take a look at these as well.

i just got the SKS raceblades and they are easily attached and you can remove them if you really want., no tools needed. however i do find them a bit flimsy. they may lean on a tire and then i will hear the noise of it and feel it somewhat. but they are super lightweight and fit my needs for now. i've only had them for a week.

I just get one of those plastic seat post things for my rear wheel, and that works well.

Generally if the water is deep enough for my to worry about the front tire, I just ride straight through it and let the frame protect me from frint wheel spray.

TSL thanks for the heads up. That looks like the ticket. Our glacial silt up here is REAL nasty.
Cheers,
David in Alaska