Cd6700

I just added new bike fenders to my Jamis Aurora with tire size 700x32mm. I was going to have the bike shop install velo orange 45mm fenders; however the guy at the bike shop said he usually installs that size for 38-42mm and recommended 35 mm which is different the recommendations online. He installed the 35mm and they look and fit fine. I am just wondering if the coverage is enough or if I should have gone wider. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Wanderer

I do the same thing, makes for cleaner installs. As long as you have enough clearance, you will be fine. Almost everything that comes off the tire, comes off the middle contact area. Do you have long mudflaps? You should!

NormanF

Are you planning to install wider tires?

If not, then you should be ok.

BobbyG

+1 mudflaps (long)

alan s 

Wider fenders will give you better coverage, especially in crosswinds, when the spray gets blown sideways. However, it's not that big a deal. I use fenders the same width as the tires without problem, and 45 fenders with 28 tires, which is a little drier and cleaner. Mudflaps will make the biggest difference. Planet Bike Cascadias are my preference.

BobbyG

Now that I'm thinking of mudflaps...my new 700x32 commuter sports SKS longboards that curve way down under. But on my former 26x1.75 commuter/now winter bike, I added longer mudflaps made from a flexible yoga mat. I thinking about adding those chrome silhouettes of the reclining woman like the truckers have.

canklecat

Probably an aesthetic choice as much as anything. I'm pondering fenders for my compact frame comfy/hybrid, which has thick aluminum tubes. The svelte, close-fitting hammered metal fenders I had in mind would look weird on this bike, with 700x40 all terrain tires.

After looking at dozens of photos of how others have kitted out their bikes, I'm leaning more toward cheap wide, plastic fenders that don't fit too snugly, since I also ride this bike off pavement.

I'll save the classic svelte fenders for whichever bike I eventually graduate toward as my conditioning improves. I'm leaning toward a sorta-rando bike with thin steel tubes, raked fork, dyno hub for lights, etc. Those close fitting hammered metal fenders would look good on that.

tarwheel 

Personally, I would go with the 45mm fenders with 32mm tires. I've tried both 35 and 45 fenders, and the wider ones provide much better coverage. They are also less prone to rub, which might be an even bigger concern with the narrow fenders.