FordTrax

I was reading an article on the Adventure Cycling Association website on fenders - they bottom line was they recommend fenders for touring cyclist. I am looking hard at an adventure bike for gravel roads/rail trails - I will probably day ride it but might also take it on short weekend overnights with a light gear load.

Cannot say I really like the look of fenders on this style of bike. However, I see the point. I was wondering how many of you folks use fenders on your gravel/adventure bikes? And what you would recommend.

jefnvk

Yep. I use them on everything but my skinny road bike (which generally isn't out in rain) and my fatty. I like SKS Blumels, they have a wide variety of sizes and generally come in under $30. Haven't had any durability issues, including boxing them up and shipping to Europe.

BobbyG

Yes, on my main commuter, although there is very little gravel and even less adventure riding to and from work...except when it rains.

mcours2006

I like the Blumels as well from SKS.
IMG_0076.jpg

SKS Longboards are the best, IMO, with the super-long front mudflap. You might not need it with light rain, but if wet conditions are a regular thing in your riding, you'll love these. They're a bit pricier than the Blumels.
IMG_0148.jpg

Tim_Iowa

The clearance on my frame (Foundry Auger) is tight. I use 45 mm fenders over 38 mm tires, but only if the tires are slick (Barlow Pass) or semi-slick (like Challenge GGs).



I just put Compass Steilacooms on it (awesome tires), and I don't feel good about the fender clearance. So, no fenders for now.



I put fenders on 4 out of my 5 bikes. The only one without is my MTB.

Tim_Iowa

Ok, sorry for a garbage post but can someone PM me how to upload photos now-adays? I haven't figured it out since photobucket went stupid

indyfabz

If you don't see the manage attachments button at the bottom of the screen when you are composing a post click on go advanced. Use the manage attachments button to upload photos from your device. Despite what the chart may say, I believe 1.9 MB is the size limit for jpegs.


I have never used fenders during my more than 16,000 loaded touring miles. Not even during my nearly four month tour. Don't want to be bothered with the fiddle factor I hear so many people talk about. I also don't want to deal with debris getting stuck in them. Two less things to have to pack, transport, attach and remove for trips far from home. And my tent and ground sheet keep the spray off my back. Years ago a BF member told me I was taking my life in my own hands by not using fenders because I could become hypothermic and die. Left me SMH.

Tim_Iowa

Manage Attachments keeps failing to upload my images. Gives me a "security token" error. Maybe because I'm on a work PC? Didn't give me grief last time I used it (~2 years ago). Hmmm.

My favorite effect of fenders is that it keep my bike cleaner.

kingston 

Depends on whether it's gravel or adventure. I like having fenders on gravel roads, but they don't work if there's too much mud, rocks, roots, sticks, etc. so I don't use them if I'm likely to encounter any of that kind of terrain.

indyfabz

I am posting from my work PC. Might want to start a thread in the User Assistance forum.

jefnvk

I just switched to using Flickr. Then, just post the link as you used to do for Photobucket.

I'm guessing that was the same one who insisted packing jeans while touring was not acceptable for walking around towns after getting off bikes, because hypothermia if they got wet as well?

If it is raining, I'm getting wet with or without fenders. I like them more for when it is not raining, but surfaces are wet, and to keep road grime and dirt off my bike.

Tim_Iowa

Do you shrink the file size first?

EDIT: Never mind, I figured out Flickr links. Thanks for all the help, sorry for the garbage.

Hiro11

I don't think they're necessary for most riding, with some notable exceptions. I do have fenders on my single speed gravel bike, not on my geared one. Fenders are a Godsend when riding in rain in non-muddy conditions. Fenders are a pain in muddy conditions. I don't think they're necessary in dry/dusty conditions, although you do hear a lot of pebbles pinging off of your down tube sometimes. Helicopter tape stops that worry.

indyfabz

Perfectly educated guess, but it was someone else, and they were dead serious.


And that was my point back to him: If it's raining hard enough that I am getting soaked to the point of possibly become hypothermic, fenders aren't going to save my life by, say, maybe keeping my feet a little drier.

fietsbob

I have fitted SKS mudguards on my touring and commuting bikes for 40 years...

some people like shiny aluminum ones and obsess over the perfect 'fender line'..

you know who you are..







...

rumrunn6

yes


they are helpful


but sometimes you get a little dusty anyway


& let's not forget, sh*t happens, right?

fietsbob

picked up a stick in the back wheel .. they're a thermoplastic, so heat will help re form it.


FWIW, I built up my Touring frame, when I had a opportunity to do so from scratch, with a lot (1") of clearance over the tire,
so sticks would fall away rather than jam in the gap.






...

daviddavieboy

I think they look fine, I use them when it is messy for commuting. They are just garbage pop-on pop-off variety but they work, and only $10 if they break. A plus is you don't really notice them, even if it wasn't a crappy picture.

rumrunn6

got lucky & it buffed out, w/o a heat gun or hair dryer. the derailer tho ... that was toast. bought a new one

dim

my new bike (used) (waiting for delivery and will be delivered on Monday)... it's a Whyte Suffolk Gravel bike ...

this will be my new daily commuter and I will use this on some shorter Audax rides here in the UK (first Audax ride is on the 17 of March and fenders are compulsary)



thats as it was advertised .... it will be fitted with a brooks Cambium C17 Carved saddle, Apidura bags and tubeless wheels with a Son 28 dynamo hub and lights .... the saddle will be a bit higher than in the photo

I'm not sure how wide the fenders are, but it's currently fitted with 28mm Conti GP 4000 SII tyres (which should measure well over 30mm wide) ....

I'm also looking foward to commuting with fenders as currently, I get to work splattered with mud on a daily basis (35-40km per day just commuting)

Once I get my tubeless rims, I will fit Hutchinson 28 tubeless tyres

rumrunn6

looks like that front fender is actually two parts, front & rear halves

valleysuper

Sorry you needed a new derailleur. But I went back and looked at the pic above. It was kinda funny.
That derailleur got trashed. Not often you see it above the chain!
How far out were you?

Tim_Iowa

I like the build on that bike. I really like the HY/RD brakes on mine. Keep the rotor true and run the pads close for excellent brake feel.

Are the fenders included in the model you're buying? They look to be SKS P-series chromoplastics, by my eye. If they are SKS, I highly recommend you get a pair of these and add them to the rear fender.
https://www.amazon.com/SKS-Front-Fen.../dp/B001N84RHU

The fenders could be P35 (35 mm), which would make sense with the 28-30 mm tires it comes with. Or they could be P45 (45 mm), which would give you more room to fit a 35 mm tire, maybe 38 mm.

This steers the conversation toward "what's the best tire width for gravel", and the only answer for that is "it depends on the gravel".

I'd feel fine riding those tires on packed lime screening trails, like canal towpaths or rail-to-trail paths.
I prefer a wider tire for the rougher country gravel and dirt roads I ride, so I use 38 mm tires and P45 fenders.

Enjoy the new bike!

rumrunn6

2.3 miles from my car. gulp. got lucky tho. pulled everything back into place ... kinda ... & limped back in 1 gear

FordTrax

There are some really nice rides on this thread ..... appreciate the pictures of the fenders. Guess I need to do a little more research.