I've been riding fenderless, which I enjoy. But as the snow falls I'm wondering about fenders. I've got to go pick up my Nokian studs Friday. Do I really need fenders, too? I don't know since this is my first winter riding. Of course, I could wait and see....

Nobody?
I'm heading to Maine for a week of biking shortly and really do need to figure out if I'll be hampered by having no fenders. Still, I don't want gear for gear's sake....
Thoughts? Advice? People put off by the headline? I'm not in Gaza. Obviously. Just a phrase.
whoops. here I am responding to myself!

What have you been riding fenderless in? There have been a few rain storms where I wouldn't have even tried going out without my fenders. Depending on conditions, you could end up covered in snow without them. My nokians tend to pick up more stuff than my old tires, it's nicer hearing it rattle through the fenders than hit me

If you read this, they talk about when you should and shouldn't need fenders

https://www.icebike.org/Equipment/fenders.htm

You will want fenders here; there is still lots of snow on the roads that will be slushy once the temps increase.

I have a Trek 820 mountain bike that I'm setting up as a "Winter/Bad Weather" bike, and I put a set of Freddy Fenders on it. With the big knobby tires on it, there's not a lot of clearance, though. Not really planning on riding in snow - just wet, like after a rain.

Thanks. I'm going to have a rack on the back and I'll get one with a solid base so that should work for the rear and I guess I'll think about flipping for a front fender though I don't much like the idea.

where in Maine will you be biking?

Vinalhaven. Back roads. Don't have a clue how much snow. Or how well they plow.
Can't wait. Love you guys in Lobsterland and love the lobsters, too. where are you?