If you expect you and your bike to remain relatively clean and dry, not to mention anyone behind you, you will need full-length mudguards front and rear, and probably a mudflap on the front mudguard as well. For looks and durability, I like the Velo-Orange hammered fenders. The hammered finish doesn't show scratches like a polished finish, and aluminum doesn't get brittle in the cold like plastic. They can be tricky to install, however.