LeonWebster

There was a time when I didn't use fenders. But over time, I figured out that fenders work well on my commuting bike. Then I figured out that they are good on touring bikes for those rainy days, even for the bikes that are used on week-long supported tours. Fenders can make a damp day much more pleasant. Now there are only two bikes that don't have fenders. One is a "go fast" bike for the club day rides. The other is my 1981 Centurion Pro Tour, just because it is a re-creation of my original Pro Tour that didn't have fenders.

A friend who lives in the Pacific North West explained the difference between "me" fenders and "we" fenders. "Me" fenders keep the rider clean and <sometimes> dry. "We" fenders keep the spray off the rider behind me as well. I like Planet Bike Cascadia fenders.

pdlamb

Just a note on VO metal fenders:

They are a major pain to install. I bought a pair to replace an 18 year old SKS plastic fender that had cracked. After about 6 hours over two days, the rear fender is on -- the old front fender is slightly cracked, but not falling off. It takes two or three people to do it right: remove wheel, mount fender, mark, reinstall wheel, re-mark, remove wheel, unmount fender, cut fender stays (long), remount fender, install wheel, adjust chain line, check fender mark, remove wheel, unmount fender, drill, install fender, cross fingers, reinstall wheel, remove wheel, cut fender stays to final length, reinstall wheel, done.

I should have bought a new SKS set. Put the fenders on, cut the fender stays to length, file the stay ends, done. And you saved five hours for a nice long bike ride!

Korina

But they look marvelous!

5teve

Buy the pre-drilled version, it's a good bit less trouble to install.

tweekfreekdX

Well the fenders arrived, finally got to see them in person. I was not a huge fan of the set up process. I returned the fenders and found some Portland design works fenders on sale for $15 more. I set them up last night, they will need a small amount of tweaking (lol). I adjusted my rack and for the most part got the fenders installed. Test ride to work today. It is on a cross check so I wonder how bad my toe overlap will be. I appreciate all the support and input! I’ll keep you guys posted hopefully a pic soon!

pdlamb

Fenders work best on bikes that aren't ridden through brush piles.

MikeyMK

I've never had problems with fenders, in use or fitting. Four of my bikes have them. I've done thousands of miles. Currently using 3.5ins wide stainless cruiser fenders on a full suspension bike, i run it down flights of stairs and through the woods.
My only dislike is the racket they make on wet gravel, but it beats having my face pebble-dashed.

SalsaShark

I find fenders can be both functional and quite handsome

tim24k

Fenders are a must as I live in the NW. We get lots and lots of rain here. I do have a sporty bike without them but it is only ridden in nice mid summer days. I really think they look okay as most cyclists here have them.

AlmostTrick

Your floor and rug look immaculate. You must wash and dry your tires before bringing the bikes in!

This sounds quite interesting. Can you post a photo or two please? Thanks!

FiftySix

Hand painted fenders to match the bike? Looks great.

Steely Dan

Many bikes look good without fenders.

Many bikes look good with fenders.

Generally speaking, I lean more towards the stripped-down, lean and mean aesthetic for bicycles. However, in the world of bike commuting, I am a 100% "form follows function" kinda guy.

The practical utility of fenders for me as an all-weather bike commuter in Chicago FAR outweighs any aesthetic misgivings I might have for them.

schiavonec

i have them on my mtn bike converted commuter and think they look fine on top of doing a job. i just put a cf fork on my cross bike and my old fender won't fit.

i think the right fender on a bike can look good, and some such as hammered ss, or wood look classy on steel. ymmv

52telecaster

I like hammered aluminum vo.

commo_soulja

Full fenders aren't just for sloppy rainy days, I recently put on fenders on a 20" mini velo that I keep at work for biking from our main building to a satellite building in the same office park. Right in front of our building is a permanent mucky puddle on the asphalt trail that I use to get to the other building that never dries out so I had to traverse it really slowly sans fender. Then I installed fenders. Now I just plow through the mucky puddle with reckless abandon without getting the bike or myself wet.

A set of full fenders are permanently affixed to my old 26" MTB commuter and I'll eventually install removable fenders when I remember to order them.

jade408

Also, dusty roads are a good reason to have fenders as well. I notice a lot of little rocks on my commute that bounce right off my fenders instead of me and my frame.

Korina

+1 @jade408; just this morning I hit some small gravel that pinged off my front fender rather than my face.

rhm

To my eye a bike isn't complete without fenders, dynamo hub, lights, and a front rack. These things are always nice to have, and sometimes essential. I realize this is a function of the kind of riding I do. As for the aesthetics, once you get into that "bike must have fenders" mindset, you get to like the look.

As mentioned, they can be difficult to set up. More accurately, setting them up is a skill that one needs to acquire like any other. I'm sure that's a big part of why you don't see them much in a country where bikes are regarded as toys that only come out in nice weather.

Illgot

They also don't have bike lights, racks, panniers, or computers. The lack of something doesn't prove how popular an item is when cost is an issue.

Most bikes I see around town have proper dry rusty chains, thinning tires, and covered in dirt. It doesn't mean rusty chains are popular.

alloo

No, just use a rumba weekly. Not much rain here in the summer. I park my bikes outside for use and bring them in when I'm riding other bikes.

nomadmax 

Put me down as fenders on at least one of my bikes. I learned their value when I rode a bike at work.

tweekfreekdX

Exactly as you guys said, definitely beneficial and make the bike look complete. Here in Iowa we had some pretty heavy rains that flooded the creek and trail I commute on. Made it to work and home with a much cleaner bike. Probably my best purchase for the bike next to my saddle. I have also received quite a few compliments on the fenders from those who ride. Thanks again!

Lug

Really appeciate fenders when riding through the homeless area or past the duck/goose ponds. You never know what that puddle contains.

Redman1959

I am an old guy. Raced bikes in the mid to late 80's and just love bicycles. I moved to Beijing in 1995 and bought a bike for commuting 26km to the plant. The bike was beautiful in a very utilitarian way. My daughter went to college and she took my Beijing bike. It went everywhere around town and campus, hauling books, groceries, take out. She loved the fenders. She recently moved to Northern VA and used the bike to explore on weekends and after work, to shop and to exercise. Tonight she called and told me her bike was stolen. She is looking for a replacement and we discussed fenders, bell, rear rack etc. I can't wait to hear what she buys to replace the stolen bike. I recommended police auctions and then getting the bike set up at a LBS. Fenders are definitely the way to go in wet conditions where you want to arrive comfortable and dry.

I also had a bike poncho I bought in China that fastened to your hands and could button up the sides depending on how much rain and where the wind was coming from. I have never see one like it except in China. Pure genius.

Notso_fastLane

I got my recumbent when I was living in the Seattle area. Fenders there are a must, unless you really enjoy the spray in your face, feet, and up your back. It's worse on a recumbent, because the spray from the rear tire gets you in the back of the head instead of just your back.

Now, I have a velomobile for adverse weather, it's the ultimate all around fender.