I just bought a diamondback trace and need some ideas for fitting a front fender.

The front fork has a large space between the tire and mount point on the fork and the Planet Bike Cascadia fender doesn't fit because the stays are too short. This will probably be a common issue across brands.

Anyone else dealt with this problem, or have any ideas?

Fabricate .. make something to fill that space .

Perhaps, a tube of 1" OD** with a hole in both ends will let you use 2 bolts one thru the existing fork
and the lowre bolt hole to mount your mudguard bracket.

** The 1" is the ID of a typical 1.125" threadless fork , you need to measure what you have on your bike.


I expect another model using that frame has a suspension fork, that's why you have all that space..

yah, I don't really have the time or tools to fab something; I was hoping to find something off the shelf.

the frame is designed to have a suspended fork, I specifically chose the bottom end model because it was hard nose and so that I don't cry as much, if, or when it gets stolen ...

Go to a hardware store or Lowes/Home Depot and get a piece of this:


Cut it to length and paint it to prevent rust.

You could use a piece of plastic or aluminium pipe, split and wedged into the steerer tube like an old fashioned quill stem. Run the vertical bolt though a hole drilled into the fender. Use a flat head bolt or machine screw with a large washer to distribute stress and avoid contacting the tyre.
Some high end custom bikes have an internal threaded boss to bolt the front fender vertically to the steerer base in this manner.