Dahon Getaway New Fenders...Success!
06-29-24, 11:51 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
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Dahon Getaway New Fenders...Success!
Just sharing the latest progress on my 1989 Dahon Getaway V...I added fenders!
As many of you know, after 35 years the original plastic parts on a Dahon get brittle and break, especially the fenders and chain guard.
Since I mostly commute I like to have fenders (except on my two road bikes). And since I only paid $50 for this bike last year, the theme has been low-cost frugality. So I ordered a pair of plastic 16" fenders from Ali Express, just $11.81 delivered!
There were three minor challenges, the rear bridge mount, the front fork mount and would there be clearance at the fork crown, especially since I had added caliper brakes up front.
As you can see from the photos, I was able to use one of the three rear bridge holes, which are threaded, although I don't know what size or pitch...I just rooted around in my bolt collection till I found one that worked.
There are no drop-outs on the front fork so I considered using P-clamps, but the ones I had handy were too small. So I temporarily used zip-ties, which seem to work just fine. There's a little play, but the fender is stiff enough that it seems to work.
There was actually enough clearance under the crown fork, even with the caliper brakes, but the curvature of the fender had the tip of the fender pressing against the tire, and ahead of the fork crown the clearance of the fender sides was pretty tight against the tires.
So with the front wheel off, I used a small heat gun (with gloves on) to gently flatten the fender curvature up front and coax the fender upwards at the front. And it worked for great!
Now I don't have to worry about riding home from work in the rain (with my rain gear), or on wet roads, after it has rained.
Pictures below.
As many of you know, after 35 years the original plastic parts on a Dahon get brittle and break, especially the fenders and chain guard.
Since I mostly commute I like to have fenders (except on my two road bikes). And since I only paid $50 for this bike last year, the theme has been low-cost frugality. So I ordered a pair of plastic 16" fenders from Ali Express, just $11.81 delivered!
There were three minor challenges, the rear bridge mount, the front fork mount and would there be clearance at the fork crown, especially since I had added caliper brakes up front.
As you can see from the photos, I was able to use one of the three rear bridge holes, which are threaded, although I don't know what size or pitch...I just rooted around in my bolt collection till I found one that worked.
There are no drop-outs on the front fork so I considered using P-clamps, but the ones I had handy were too small. So I temporarily used zip-ties, which seem to work just fine. There's a little play, but the fender is stiff enough that it seems to work.
There was actually enough clearance under the crown fork, even with the caliper brakes, but the curvature of the fender had the tip of the fender pressing against the tire, and ahead of the fork crown the clearance of the fender sides was pretty tight against the tires.
So with the front wheel off, I used a small heat gun (with gloves on) to gently flatten the fender curvature up front and coax the fender upwards at the front. And it worked for great!
Now I don't have to worry about riding home from work in the rain (with my rain gear), or on wet roads, after it has rained.
Pictures below.
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