My rain bike had full fenders- but I had some problems with the front, so I pulled it off, thinking my feet get soaked anyway when it rains.

What are the general thoughts about the usefulness of a FRONT fender? I see plenty of bikes sporting only a rear- which has obviously practical applications- but the front?

Mine gave me a bit of toe overlap, and was fussy about wheel rub, since it was such a tight fit.... thoughts? Ideas? Am I missing something...? The only thing I can think of is riding post-rain- when the road is wet, but it isn't actually raining.

I currently don't have any fenders, and the water from the roadway just gets slung in my face from the wheel spin. I definitely wish I had fenders just for that fact. Granted, feet get soaked anyway, but don't need the water spraying up in my face.

I have Planet Bike Freddy Fenders (I believe they're #7006) and the front fender saved my shoes (and feet) yesterday afternoon on the ride home. My shoes got a little wet from the rain but not a drop of water sprayed up on my shoes or legs. They're keepers!!

Front fenders are great. Though I don't have them on my commuter. Hard to find ones that'll fit 27x1-1/4" wheels and my frame. I do have them on my old MTB/wintercommuter. They also keep most of the crud off your bike.

Front fenders keep the road spray off you face and bike. If you add mudflaps to the fenders they can also keep your feet relatively dry. I currently don't have fenders on my commuter but I will for the winter when the road spray is much more common and contains a very high salt content.
Craig

What the front fender does is keeps water and road grame off your shoes and some other parts of your body. If you are going at higher speeds with out a fender it can it you in the face, and legs. It sucks!

GEEK

First of all, it's nice to finish a winter commute without a mouth full of grit. Second, it protects the drivetrain from a spray of gritty water -- especially helpful for all those people who do not have enclosed chains. I think they do a lot for chain life and reduced maintenance.

Paul