Fitting fenders on a Surly Pacer
04-08-19, 11:55 AM
#1
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Fitting fenders on a Surly Pacer
Good afternoon, I've got a Surly Pacer I want to start using for commuting and was wondering if standard fenders would fit it? I'm worried about the lack of clearance between the rear tire and seat tube, as well as between the brakes and tires.
For tire size currently running 28s, but may want to add 32s in the future. Thanks in advance!
For tire size currently running 28s, but may want to add 32s in the future. Thanks in advance!
04-08-19, 03:10 PM
#2
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Website says 700x28 with fenders, 700x32 without fenders.
Also, I didn't realize they'd discontinued the Pacer until just now.
Also, I didn't realize they'd discontinued the Pacer until just now.
04-08-19, 07:10 PM
#3
Junior Member
I mounted 35mm Velo Orange fenders on my 2015 Pacer. They will fit with 28mm tires, but it's tight. I was never able to make those fenders completely quiet so I removed them. I'm now running Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 35's on that frame (in spite of Surly's claimed 32mm max tire size these 35's fit fine.) YMMV.
04-10-19, 07:16 PM
#4
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I mounted 35mm Velo Orange fenders on my 2015 Pacer. They will fit with 28mm tires, but it's tight. I was never able to make those fenders completely quiet so I removed them. I'm now running Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 35's on that frame (in spite of Surly's claimed 32mm max tire size these 35's fit fine.) YMMV.
04-10-19, 11:28 PM
#5
Full Member
28s should still fit that, in my experience with planet bike fenders their max tire recommendation leaves rather generous room.
04-11-19, 07:12 AM
#6
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Picking them up later today -- so I guess we'll find out!
04-12-19, 02:19 PM
#8
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Oh boy it was a tight fit, but I think they look great! Although I'm worried that if I sneeze they'll fall out of place and rub against the wheels haha! I deflated the tires to fit them through past the brakes and frame parts, and once all the fastening was done there's sufficient space. Oh, and I also had to remove the front brake calipers to mount the fender bracket in the front of the fork. There was no way to bolt them to the back, and it made the fender short in the front anyways.
04-12-19, 02:44 PM
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04-12-19, 03:44 PM
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04-14-19, 10:12 AM
#11
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Good job! You might eventually make yourself some longer flaps. I hear the longer, the better.
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04-18-19, 01:20 AM
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I agree! Especially if you’re riding with friends you’ll want a longer “buddy flap” on the rear. I usually just cut up an old water bottle (similar contour) and zip tie it to the end. Works perfectly and cheap!
04-18-19, 10:30 AM
#13
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+1. Your shoes and crank WILL get sprayed despite that front fender. It looks almost like it was installed wrong. Tab should go behind the fork crown, not in front.
04-18-19, 04:07 PM
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Nice!
04-25-19, 02:45 PM
#15
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Just to follow up, you guys were right, I did need more coverage. My shoes and crank were still getting sprayed while going over damp areas of the road. So I exchanged the Planet Bike fenders for a set of SKS Longboards. They were a little pricier and more challenging to install, but I'm very satisfied with the extra coverage.
However, the metal stay rods are too long and need to each be cut by about an inch or so. Since I have only basic tools at my house, is there any place I could go to use a "loaner" set of bolt cutters? I've never had a need to own a pair, and just need to use them for a few quick snips. Advice appreciated!
However, the metal stay rods are too long and need to each be cut by about an inch or so. Since I have only basic tools at my house, is there any place I could go to use a "loaner" set of bolt cutters? I've never had a need to own a pair, and just need to use them for a few quick snips. Advice appreciated!
04-25-19, 06:28 PM
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Now you're cookin' with gas! I like using a Dremel for trimming fender stay ends as well. Good idea to round over any sharp edges with a file when done. 
04-26-19, 05:01 PM
#18
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Thanks guys! I don't have a dremel, but I should think about getting one.
Another thing, I bolted the rear fender to the chainstay bridge without any washers or anything (there isn't too much clearance with this tight frame geometry). Will this be OK, or should there be washers on the inside and/or outside of the fender to brace any concentrated impact or pressure?
Another thing, I bolted the rear fender to the chainstay bridge without any washers or anything (there isn't too much clearance with this tight frame geometry). Will this be OK, or should there be washers on the inside and/or outside of the fender to brace any concentrated impact or pressure?
04-29-19, 01:07 PM
#19
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I've cut the stays with diagonal cutters. I have big hands and need to squeeze very hard, but it works for me.
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Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
