Fenders - Do you use them on your gravel/adventure bike?
03-29-18, 02:58 AM
#76
Senior Member
I used a Dremel rotary tool with a cut off wheel attached. The stays are too thick and hard for wire cutters, IMO.
As an aside remark on the quick releases, I didn't have room for them next to my disc mounting and hardware. I just loosened the stay/fender retainers to the point a branch or other damaging object would push the retainers and fender off the stays. Now, you'll lose the retainers if it does pop off, so I just threw a wrap of tape around each to prevent losing them.
I have nylon machine screws and nuts ordered. I plan to drill through each screw so the fender stay will slide through next to the screw head and retain the fender stays. That way, should they pop off, they won't be lost. The nylon screw should let the stay release better than the original mounting screws/nuts.
As an aside remark on the quick releases, I didn't have room for them next to my disc mounting and hardware. I just loosened the stay/fender retainers to the point a branch or other damaging object would push the retainers and fender off the stays. Now, you'll lose the retainers if it does pop off, so I just threw a wrap of tape around each to prevent losing them.
I have nylon machine screws and nuts ordered. I plan to drill through each screw so the fender stay will slide through next to the screw head and retain the fender stays. That way, should they pop off, they won't be lost. The nylon screw should let the stay release better than the original mounting screws/nuts.
Last edited by North Coast Joe; 03-29-18 at 03:13 AM.
03-29-18, 04:14 AM
#77
Senior Member
I used a Dremel rotary tool with a cut off wheel attached. The stays are too thick and hard for wire cutters, IMO.
As an aside remark on the quick releases, I didn't have room for them next to my disc mounting and hardware. I just loosened the stay/fender retainers to the point a branch or other damaging object would push the retainers and fender off the stays. Now, you'll lose the retainers if it does pop off, so I just threw a wrap of tape around each to prevent losing them.
I have nylon machine screws and nuts ordered. I plan to drill through each screw so the fender stay will slide through next to the screw head and retain the fender stays. That way, should they pop off, they won't be lost. The nylon screw should let the stay release better than the original mounting screws/nuts.
As an aside remark on the quick releases, I didn't have room for them next to my disc mounting and hardware. I just loosened the stay/fender retainers to the point a branch or other damaging object would push the retainers and fender off the stays. Now, you'll lose the retainers if it does pop off, so I just threw a wrap of tape around each to prevent losing them.
I have nylon machine screws and nuts ordered. I plan to drill through each screw so the fender stay will slide through next to the screw head and retain the fender stays. That way, should they pop off, they won't be lost. The nylon screw should let the stay release better than the original mounting screws/nuts.
03-29-18, 07:20 AM
#78
Jedi Master
If you don't have a rotary tool, you could mark the length, remove the stays from the bike and cut them down with a hacksaw. I have a rotary tool and still remove them from the bike so I don't risk damaging the fender if I get sloppy with the rotary tool.
03-29-18, 07:58 AM
#79
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I too use the rotary tool with a cut off wheel and it works very well. I tape the exposed fender area around the cut to prevent any spark damage or lapses of attention with the spinning wheel. I leave a small amount for the rubber cap and minor adjustments.
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03-29-18, 08:25 AM
#80
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BTDT with wire cutters. Use a rotary tool. Or a 2' lock cutter, as the bike shop in Belgium kept around for such purposes.
03-29-18, 08:29 AM
#81
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if you use a hand tool like a bolt or cable cutter, watch your eyes cuz those babies can fly when you cut them
if you use a rotary tool, use a corded one. my small rechargeable doesn't seem to have much torque
if you use a rotary tool, use a corded one. my small rechargeable doesn't seem to have much torque
Last edited by rumrunn6; 03-29-18 at 08:33 AM.
03-29-18, 05:28 PM
#82
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03-29-18, 06:04 PM
#83
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or move the fenders out & leave the stays as-is?
03-30-18, 07:23 AM
#85
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What was the question again? Because the photos in this thread are freakin' awesome. Love all the bikes.
Mine's below. Flat fenders. They sorta disappear when viewed sideways. I like the look, and they aren't us bulky as the normal style when fitted over wide tires. The front tip of the front fender does flap in the wind though, which is kind of an annoying.
20171011_173622 (Medium).jpg
Mine's below. Flat fenders. They sorta disappear when viewed sideways. I like the look, and they aren't us bulky as the normal style when fitted over wide tires. The front tip of the front fender does flap in the wind though, which is kind of an annoying.
20171011_173622 (Medium).jpg
03-30-18, 04:45 PM
#86
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Nike just came out with self lacing shoes so it´s just a matter of time before we get self drying cycling jackets worn by the like of Marty McFly which make fenders obsolete.
03-30-18, 05:42 PM
#87
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Fenders are not to keep me or my clothing clean, they keep the BIKE clean!
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03-30-18, 06:13 PM
#88
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Your pictures show most of the reasons that I don't regularly use fenders, especially for off-road riding. This one, for example, shows how the water from the wheel doesn't go up where the fenders are but out when it just sprays on the rider and frame.
That doesn't look "dusty". It also shows quite clearly how the water off the wheel goes out instead of up.
And this illustrates one of the biggest issues I have with bike fenders and off-road riding. With fenders as close to the tire as many people tend to run them, there isn't much room for rocks, sticks or debris to get out from under the fender.
Look at the pictures above. The fenders don't seem to have done much for keeping the bike clean. I've ridden in a lot of wet and dirty places and my bikes aren't that much dirtier.
That doesn't look "dusty". It also shows quite clearly how the water off the wheel goes out instead of up.
And this illustrates one of the biggest issues I have with bike fenders and off-road riding. With fenders as close to the tire as many people tend to run them, there isn't much room for rocks, sticks or debris to get out from under the fender.
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03-30-18, 09:23 PM
#89
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No offense, just curious.
03-30-18, 10:53 PM
#90
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The clearance on my frame (Foundry Auger) is tight. I use 45 mm fenders over 38 mm tires, but only if the tires are slick (Barlow Pass) or semi-slick (like Challenge GGs).
I just put Compass Steilacooms on it (awesome tires), and I don't feel good about the fender clearance. So, no fenders for now.
I put fenders on 4 out of my 5 bikes. The only one without is my MTB.
I just put Compass Steilacooms on it (awesome tires), and I don't feel good about the fender clearance. So, no fenders for now.
I put fenders on 4 out of my 5 bikes. The only one without is my MTB.
04-04-18, 12:33 AM
#92
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04-04-18, 03:50 AM
#93
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oh OK, goo,d hope that works out for you. I found living w my fenders, that over time, I adjusted their position more than a cpl times before I finally settled on a position. after a few rides you can still remove the stays (after marking them) cut them & re-install. but if the tips don't protrude a lot & don't catch on your clothes, or look out of place, you can just leave them as-is. there are so many pics of so many really nice looking fenders with tight clearances, but my bikes are kinda like "beaters". also after getting something adjusted so it fits & works I don't want to undo it & re do it. I'm too lazy
04-04-18, 04:25 AM
#94
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oh OK, goo,d hope that works out for you. I found living w my fenders, that over time, I adjusted their position more than a cpl times before I finally settled on a position. after a few rides you can still remove the stays (after marking them) cut them & re-install. but if the tips don't protrude a lot & don't catch on your clothes, or look out of place, you can just leave them as-is. there are so many pics of so many really nice looking fenders with tight clearances, but my bikes are kinda like "beaters". also after getting something adjusted so it fits & works I don't want to undo it & re do it. I'm too lazy
Last edited by Patriot1; 04-04-18 at 04:33 AM.
04-04-18, 08:50 AM
#95
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Here are the adjustments I made, I think this will work/look fine. I also added tiny adhesive clear rubber bump stops to keep the fender outer edge from rubbing the inner seat stay frame, and eliminate a possible occasional rattle. The pic is looking down through the top of the rear rack for reference.
so those adhesive clear rubber bump stops are near the seatstay bridge? isn't there an attachment point there? there are all kinds of rear fender seat stay bridge clips available made from plastic or metal. something like this. & for bikes without thru holes to mount such a thing, there are work-arounds like attached to the seat tube. I'm just afraid those bumpers will fall off
this place has some parts
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...eatured&page=2
04-04-18, 12:07 PM
#96
Senior Member
I love how much clearance you have between the tires & fenders!
so those adhesive clear rubber bump stops are near the seatstay bridge? isn't there an attachment point there? there are all kinds of rear fender seat stay bridge clips available made from plastic or metal. something like this. & for bikes without thru holes to mount such a thing, there are work-arounds like attached to the seat tube. I'm just afraid those bumpers will fall off
this place has some parts
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...eatured&page=2
so those adhesive clear rubber bump stops are near the seatstay bridge? isn't there an attachment point there? there are all kinds of rear fender seat stay bridge clips available made from plastic or metal. something like this. & for bikes without thru holes to mount such a thing, there are work-arounds like attached to the seat tube. I'm just afraid those bumpers will fall off
this place has some parts
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...eatured&page=2
Last edited by Patriot1; 04-04-18 at 12:12 PM.
04-05-18, 05:25 AM
#97
Senior Member
I love how much clearance you have between the tires & fenders!
so those adhesive clear rubber bump stops are near the seatstay bridge? isn't there an attachment point there? there are all kinds of rear fender seat stay bridge clips available made from plastic or metal. something like this. & for bikes without thru holes to mount such a thing, there are work-arounds like attached to the seat tube. I'm just afraid those bumpers will fall off
this place has some parts
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...eatured&page=2
so those adhesive clear rubber bump stops are near the seatstay bridge? isn't there an attachment point there? there are all kinds of rear fender seat stay bridge clips available made from plastic or metal. something like this. & for bikes without thru holes to mount such a thing, there are work-arounds like attached to the seat tube. I'm just afraid those bumpers will fall off
this place has some parts
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...eatured&page=2
Last edited by Patriot1; 04-05-18 at 07:01 AM.
04-05-18, 06:46 AM
#98
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oh good to hear! take your time, don't rush it. btw I believe a fender "stay" is the metal rod
04-05-18, 06:56 AM
#99
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I corrected my sentence. And I will take my time, I enjoy the time working on our bicycles.
Last edited by Patriot1; 04-05-18 at 07:02 AM.
04-05-18, 09:41 AM
#100
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