Anyone know of a rack mounted fender?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Anyone know of a rack mounted fender?
I'm sure some people know of fenders that mount to beam racks, but I don't have a beam rack. I have a Topeak Explorer rack (https://www.topeak.com/2007/products/racks/explorer.php) and really want to put a fender on my bike. The back of the rack has a couple of eyelets for a tail light, but I am hopting to find a fender (or half fender) that could attach there. I only have one set of dropouts (I think that is what the eyelets are called) back on the chain stays and would rather not mount both the the rack and the fender there.
I have recently become a much more serious commuter and the rides in the rain get rather dirty. I appreciate any input.
Edit: I spoke with Topeak and they won't admit to knowing of anything. A search at some of the more well known online bike stores has had no success either.
I have recently become a much more serious commuter and the rides in the rain get rather dirty. I appreciate any input.
Edit: I spoke with Topeak and they won't admit to knowing of anything. A search at some of the more well known online bike stores has had no success either.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Montréal, QC, Canada
Bikes: Surly 1x1 with Nexux 8 "Red line"
Use a longer screw and bite the bullet. The fenders that attach to the frame are usually easily stolen. Just make sure you don't attach the rack at the end of the screw, keep it close to the frame.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
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From: England
Rack and fenders on the same bolt is perfectly OK as long as you follow the advice above, rack first then fender outside. The best setup is a stainless steel allen bolt of the correct length (a few threads left protruding ) plus a washer.
You should use the light bracket for a rear light, this is by far the best location, clearly visible but protected from damage and with a bolt-on unit, hard to steal.
You should use the light bracket for a rear light, this is by far the best location, clearly visible but protected from damage and with a bolt-on unit, hard to steal.
#4
A tail light for the Topeak Explorer tubular rack?
I just recently purchased the same thing, a Topeak Explorer tubular rack:

I think it's great they have a mounting bracket for a taillight (top left in picture above), but has anyone found a light with a compatible mount? Topeak's website says:

But I'd prefer to use something more flush like the Cateye LD600:

From what I can find on the web, it seems the mounting holes are a standard found in many European countries. A good link with pictures of rack mounted taillights can be found here:
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/tail...sp#rackmounted
Now I know Topeak's site says the holes are only for mounting with 80 mm lights, but that's using the plastic mounting bracket (included with the rack) that attachs to the holes on the frame itself, which are 50 mm apart. So it seems to me that any light using 50 mm OR 80 mm mounting holes would work.
Cateye has an adaptor available for use with their TL-LD130/150 that infers compatibility with 50 mm holes:
https://www.cateye.com/store/parts.php?cid=3_106
So what has everyone else done? This is a pretty popular rack, and I can't believe I'm the only one who's wanted to attach a taillight to via the rack's mounting holes.
On an aside ... you'd think attaching a tail light wouldn't require trial & error or research. Just another reason I'm frustrated with the trend towards tool free mounts!

I think it's great they have a mounting bracket for a taillight (top left in picture above), but has anyone found a light with a compatible mount? Topeak's website says:
"The Tail Light Mount attaches rear lights with 80 mm (center to center) mounting holes"
I realize I could use the "Red Light Mount" (included with the rack) and thereby attack Topeak's UFO taillight:
But I'd prefer to use something more flush like the Cateye LD600:

From what I can find on the web, it seems the mounting holes are a standard found in many European countries. A good link with pictures of rack mounted taillights can be found here:
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/tail...sp#rackmounted
Now I know Topeak's site says the holes are only for mounting with 80 mm lights, but that's using the plastic mounting bracket (included with the rack) that attachs to the holes on the frame itself, which are 50 mm apart. So it seems to me that any light using 50 mm OR 80 mm mounting holes would work.
Cateye has an adaptor available for use with their TL-LD130/150 that infers compatibility with 50 mm holes:
https://www.cateye.com/store/parts.php?cid=3_106
So what has everyone else done? This is a pretty popular rack, and I can't believe I'm the only one who's wanted to attach a taillight to via the rack's mounting holes.
On an aside ... you'd think attaching a tail light wouldn't require trial & error or research. Just another reason I'm frustrated with the trend towards tool free mounts!
#5
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 36
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From: East Asia
Bikes: 2012 Surly Ogre, 2008 Fisher Wahoo
I used zip ties to attach a cheap x-mart plastic fender to my rack, which is very similar to yours. This is absolutely not the same as the nice close-fitting fenders most commuters probably use. It does, however, prevent me from having a skunk stripe when I get to work, and it keeps my improvised trunk (sitting on the rack) from getting soaked.
KTK
KTK
#7
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Joined: Sep 2007
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jph- I just want to put a reflector on that spot and I use a light on my seat post. I haven't done the reflector yet but I am thinking that I will just get some accessory cord and tie it on. The reflector is nice and light and think cord would work just fine. Also, I know that The Touring Store sells some lights that attach to either a 50mm or 80mm mount. Maybe not the brand you're after, though.
I ordered the PB SpeedEZ fenders and my LBS should be getting them sometime tomorrow. I will let you know how well they go on and stay on once they are on.
I ordered the PB SpeedEZ fenders and my LBS should be getting them sometime tomorrow. I will let you know how well they go on and stay on once they are on.
#9
Mad bike riding scientist




Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Denver, CO
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
I'm sure some people know of fenders that mount to beam racks, but I don't have a beam rack. I have a Topeak Explorer rack (https://www.topeak.com/2007/products/racks/explorer.php) and really want to put a fender on my bike. The back of the rack has a couple of eyelets for a tail light, but I am hopting to find a fender (or half fender) that could attach there. I only have one set of dropouts (I think that is what the eyelets are called) back on the chain stays and would rather not mount both the the rack and the fender there.
I have recently become a much more serious commuter and the rides in the rain get rather dirty. I appreciate any input.
Edit: I spoke with Topeak and they won't admit to knowing of anything. A search at some of the more well known online bike stores has had no success either.
I have recently become a much more serious commuter and the rides in the rain get rather dirty. I appreciate any input.
Edit: I spoke with Topeak and they won't admit to knowing of anything. A search at some of the more well known online bike stores has had no success either.
Front and rear

Rear wheel

O-ring to hold the fender off the tire

Zip ties to hold the lower piece in place

And I added a splash guard to the front for added protection.

I mounted the tire over the v-brakes to get more clearance and I had to carve a little out of the top of the fender to get around the rack mount. It worked really well.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#11
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
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From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
I've got a fender extension attached to a rack, but the rack doesn't have that flange/mount thing like the Explorer's got. The extension is plastic, straight, about 8" long, and reaches far enough back that it goes past the rearmost end of the tire. It blocks anything that the tire would fling towards the rider's back.
#12
Thawing Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Tampa
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Soma ES, Vintage Bob Jackson Audax, Raleigh Frankenbike., Bianchi Eros, Bianchi Alloro.
I use a rear light made by planet bike. It's not very big, but it's an insane strobey discoey thing that really gets attention. It' called the Super Flash, was fifteen bucks, and well worth it. It's got a thing like a belt clip on the back that fits perfectly into one of those screw in back things that came with my Topeak Explorer. Check it out. www.planetbike.com. I've been riding with it for a couple weeks now, and it seems secure enough, but is easily removable to use on my other bike.
#13
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From: Tottori, Japan
Bikes: Rivendell Rambouillet, GT Lightning, Bridgestone RB-2, Johnny Coast Track, Sekine Medialle SHT
#14
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
#15
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From: Denver, CO
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Yup.
__________________
Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#16
Mad bike riding scientist




Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29,209
Likes: 6,285
From: Denver, CO
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
I just recently purchased the same thing, a Topeak Explorer tubular rack:

I think it's great they have a mounting bracket for a taillight (top left in picture above), but has anyone found a light with a compatible mount? Topeak's website says:

I think it's great they have a mounting bracket for a taillight (top left in picture above), but has anyone found a light with a compatible mount? Topeak's website says:
"The Tail Light Mount attaches rear lights with 80 mm (center to center) mounting holes"
I realize I could use the "Red Light Mount" (included with the rack) and thereby attack
__________________
Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#17
Agreed. Put the rack mounts next to the frame with the fender struts on the outside. Alternately,you could use a set of clip-on fenders. I've also seen plastic strips from some Canadian company that are designed to go under a rack to act as a fender. I believe REI carried them.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line

#18
https://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30...ils&sku=LT7309

Lets me use my Superflash when something on my rack is blocking the seatpost mount. Or lets me mount two Superflashes.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line


C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line






