408mopar

I ride a Motobecane Super Mirage (bought it new in March '77) to work. I don't ride when the roads are wet because of the rooster tail, etc.
It has 27 X 1 1/4 tires.
Anyone have experience with what fenders will work? I have no experience with whats out there these days, other than they're made of plastic? Do I need to take it to a LBS to match them up? I'm thinking the selection will be better online, but I wouldn't know what'll work.
I do know I want them to be full length. The "mini" ones I've seen wouldn't help much. Besides keeping me dry, I want to preserve the bike's pretty good condition, also.

Random Tandem

If you can buy used fenders at a local bike co-op (and perhaps on craigslist, too) it is easier to be sure they will work for you than buying online. I am not sure of the details of the bike you have and the clearance and connection points available, so posting a photo may help you get good advice.

-Will

fietsbob

SKS.. I have a set that is 30 years old & bought several since ...best Width is that of the tire + 2 cm.

If bought @ a bike shop they will put them on for you (or that is what the LBS, here, does )









...

nfmisso

For 27 x 1¼; look for 700c x 45mm fenders. I like SKS, Planet Bike and Sunlite fenders.

408mopar

Thanks for the replies.
I guess my biggest concern was what size would work.
I just ordered Planet Bike 700 x 45's.

rumrunn6

well, they're wide enough for your ~32mm tires. cuz your fender should be 10mm wider than your tire, right? installing them will be interesting, as fender installs always are!

408mopar

I ordered them on the 18th. (Amazon) They were shipped the 21st. "At carrier facility" the 21st. The "carrier facility" is the USPS's. Supposed to arrive the 31st. TEN days from WI to NJ. Still not here. Amazon says they're looking into the problem. They know the problem; it's the USPS!

408mopar

The fenders showed up last Thursday. They went from Wisconsin to Chicago, to Pittsburgh, to Philadelphia, to Bellmawr NJ, then to my local office, and finally to me. I mentioned to the carrier that I'd ordered the package 4 weeks ago. He was amazed and openly wondered how it could take that long to arrive. I was tempted to say I was going to ask you that! I'm sure he believed that it must've been an issue with the shipper, there's no way the USPS screwed up!

Anyhow, to finish this and provide info for any future searchers, I put them on yesterday. The front went on with zero problem, the rear just took a little finessing because it's longer that the front.

Thanks for the help!

rumrunn6

got pix?

408mopar

I bought this bike new in March of '77.



Odd looking black plastic gizmos have a hole in them for the bolt.


Black plastic bracket snaps onto fender, slides where needed.



I had to remove the kickstand; the fender just clips on, the replace the kickstand.

rumrunn6

nice job! this photo is interesting! why does that bolt seem to have no head?

2manybikes

The head is on the inside. If the clearance Is tight between the frame and the freewheel the head being closer to the frame gives more clearance. Of course this depends on the type of bolt.

rumrunn6

clever! over time, I tend to continue fender installations. good to get them on but sometimes mine require some tweaks. since this bolt might loosens while riding & be a PIA to tighten easily, I'd be tempted to cut a bolt the exact length & add a lock washer, then screw it in from the outside

408mopar

One more, shows the stays adjustability.

408mopar

They are fragile. This bike never sees a bike rack.

2manybikes

I put Loctite on the threads.

hokiefyd 

That's a fantastic looking bike. Great work to keep a bike you love on the road for so long!

Wilfred Laurier

I can't tell for sure, but the fender mounted behind the rear brake might be missing a washer... plastic doesn't like to have steel nuts tightened right against it.

Looks very cool, though.

408mopar

Thanks. I've really ramped up its usage the last 3 years or so. That's when I began using it to commute- 82 miles per week when weather allows.
This weekend, I disassembled, cleaned and lubed the rear derailler and the chain. :-)

408mopar

I think you're right. (No washer.) I'll keep an eye on it. The fender is so light, I'm figuring that it won't be too stressed.

Wilfred Laurier

The fender will not add much force to the fasteners, but the other side of the bolt is holding the brake, which does create a lot of force, and will work much better if it is rigidly attached to the bike.

Dschmale

Beautiful bike. The fenders compliments it nicely.

Random Tandem

+1 I Since there is a lot of thread showing on the bolt attaching the rear brake, I suggest a second nut before the fender to hold the brake (and reflecter) on tight, then use this nut to only hold the fender. Bike looks great!

-Will

408mopar

True. I'll add a washer.

408mopar

Thanks. The pictures do make it look a little "newer" than it is.