lmike6453

I just purchased a Niner RLT9 Steel 3 star for a commuter and am now looking for fenders after picking it up today. I'm lost when it comes to shopping for fenders and appreciate any help.

I want to ride this in all weather that it can handle, including rain and hopefully slush. I am leaning toward full fenders because of this but am open to the idea of velcro fenders. I'd like non-plastic fenders (thinking of them not swaying around rubbing the tire), but very lightweight ones that will not rub the stock 35mm tire.

I think that I have proper mount points with the carbon fork, where there's a rubber plug where I can put a boss / bolt:
RLT 9 STEEL 3-STAR RIVAL

BobbyG

SKS Longboards

lmike6453

Thanks Ill check these out. So far good ones to choose between I found are Velo Orange vs Handsome Mud Butlers.

lmike6453

I think I might just go with Portland Design Works after seeing raving reviews about silent, easy install, and safety mechanism if anything gets caught.

lmike6453

I ended up ordering the full metal Portland Design fenders but can cancel my Amazon order if there's something better. Needed something to prevent wet butt and face!

rumrunn6

practically any fender would do that, but what fender will keep your toes & drivetrain drier & clean. that wicked long & low front fender is key. wish mine were that low

acidfast7

solid recommendations here.

if going with steel fenders the front should have a "safety tab" or break-away tab. SKS fenders will have it.

if you don't have mounting points ... i've found CRUD Roadracers excellent for my FGSS.

brantarthur

How did the Portland Design fenders work out? Good fit under the fork? I just got the same bike and am looking at those fenders.

RubeRad

Yup, the line from the bottom point of the front tire, and the lowest point on the front fender, extend that backwards, and it needs to be lower than the bottom of your pedal stroke.

So basically the front fender needs to be almost touching the ground. You can always DIY your own fender extenders/mudflaps. There are a few BF posts about it, people have used all sorts of scrap rubber/plastic, for instance a soda bottle or milk jug. Those thin plastic flexible (near-disposable) cutting boards would work well too.

52telecaster

awesome ride. you will be the commuter king!

rumrunn6

need to try that this winter. sounds like a fun challenge

lmike6453

Thank you! Loving the ride so far, although shopping for a wheel set with road tires for commuting since 35mm is wide.

The fenders worked out excellently. They fit each boss mount, including the one in the rear seat stay by the crank. Be careful with the stock screws though, as I have stripped one without a lot of force and had to use a 9mm socket to remove it.

The only thing I noticed that isn't perfect is cosmetically...the front top fender isn't perfectly aligned with the tire after trying to adjust it around. No biggy for me since I never see it, with a Revelate Harness and handlebar bags on all the time.

Overall, highly recommended!

52telecaster

my front fender is always doing that.

Boye

I don't find 35mm tires to be too wide for commuting. I you have tires with many knobs a slick in 35mm is a good solution. Remember, the wider the tire, the faster it rolls (all other things equal)