I never did like these "shorty" fenders. One good thing is that they keep the grit from getting into the lower headset. Although there are better solutions for that too. A little piece of aluminum will do the same or an old inner tube around the lower headset.
Almost all my bikes have full fenders, but didn't come that way ordinally.
steelbikeguy thanks for the pictures. Much appreciated and adds to
iab 's comments.
American tend not to like fenders. They prefer the sporty look without fenders, and perhaps they have a point since most of these people are recreational riders and may not ride in the rain. Bike manufacturers are happy to not have to include fenders as well and the dearler can get make some extra money on selling fenders to a customer. The markup on bikes is slim (to none). The markup on accessories is better. Just my 2 cents.