I also use the full-coverage P35's, and they keep me dry for the most part. I end up with funny patterns of muck on the seat tube and all over my fork, and my feet still get a bit wet when I go splashing through deep puddles. I stopped using the front one though because I went down trying to traverse a long patch of smooth ice, and the front fender shattered into a billion pieces. Moral: Don't fall down and you won't break things.

Aha! Here are the fenders I was talking about the other day

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2004/e/oconnor1.jpg

bluemels shorties. and from what i hear, they don't do a thing.

Am I the only one who's heard these referred to as clubman fenders?

Anyhow, it stands to reason, if you consider that water comes off tangential to the wheel in the direction of rotation they're not going to perform any useful function. I suppose the rear might protect the back of your thighs.

I never heard the term "Clubman fenders" before, but it has a nice retro sound to it and I'm going to use that from now on. :) I had a couple of bikes that had them on them when I first got them. I never saw any benefit whatsoever from them. Totally useless for spray protection.

What comes to mind is that there are club rules now in the wet, rainy, U.K. about not being allowed on a ride if you don't have fenders. I would also guess at one time there may have been actual laws about bikes on the road and fenders. Maybe the "Club men" came up with them to get around laws or club rules.

Nothing beats full coverage fenders. Well, almost...I put full coverage fenders on my track bike, then I learned that you can't get the rear wheel out of the rear facing drop outs. :o

It was easier to build another bike. :o

Yeah, that's how I heard it. They were favored by club riders so that they could be in compliance, but they were ready to pull off at a moments notice for a quick race.