Choosing Fenders
With today's cold rain at VO world headquarters it's time to recycle some posts about fenders. This one is about
choosing fenders. The next one will be about installing them. Yes, I've written about this before, but we still get more
e-mails about choosing and installing fenders than any other topic.
Measuring for Fenders
The basic rule in fender fitting is that the fender should be at least 8mm wider than the tire; 10-12 mm is better. So a
35mm fender will fit up to a 25-26mm tire; a 43mm will cover a 32-35mm; 45 covers 38mm, etc. The reason for this
clearance is that otherwise little pebbles, sticks, and other debris that are thrown up by your tire will get lodged between
the fender and tire. Of course many tires are smaller than their advertised size, so it's wise to actually measure the
inflated tire.
A fender's width is measured on the outside, not inside. So to determine if a fender will fit you'll check clearance at the
brakes, in the fork crown, and in between the seat stays.
To check the brakes apply them, so the pads touch the rims. Now measure the width between the arms. Also check
that you have at least 9-10mm vertically from the tire to the brake. Short reach caliper brakes typically can
accommodate 35-37mm fenders. Long reach brakes can usually fit 43-45mm fenders. XL reach brakes like Tektro
R556 can fit 50-52mm fenders.
Next check the width and height of the fork crown. Finally check that the seat stays are far enough apart and that the
brake bridge is at least 10mm above the tire. You may have noticed that I've not mentioned the chain stays. Those are
easy because you can always trim the bottom of the fender to clear.
Of course metal fenders are flexible and can be bent, so if the fit is close you can always squeeze the fender in a few
millimeters at the offending spot.
It's important to also get fenders of the proper radius. 27" and 700c wheels are close enough to use the same fenders.
650b and 26" fenders are close and some folks do use one size on the other, but fender line is not going to be perfect.
Fender line refers to the fender following the radius of the tire. In other words, the gap between the fender and the tire
should be constant along the whole length of the fender. It's one of those things that may not matter much in practice,
but it effects the bikes appearance a lot.
As for fender length, that's easy: get the longest fenders possible. Long fenders keep you a lot drier. And if you live in
the Northwest, get a mudflap for the front fender too. If you ride brevets or in pacelines, your fellow riders will appreciate
a rear flap as well.
With today's cold rain at VO world headquarters it's time to recycle some posts about fenders. This one is about
choosing fenders. The next one will be about installing them. Yes, I've written about this before, but we still get more
e-mails about choosing and installing fenders than any other topic.
Measuring for Fenders
The basic rule in fender fitting is that the fender should be at least 8mm wider than the tire; 10-12 mm is better. So a
35mm fender will fit up to a 25-26mm tire; a 43mm will cover a 32-35mm; 45 covers 38mm, etc. The reason for this
clearance is that otherwise little pebbles, sticks, and other debris that are thrown up by your tire will get lodged between
the fender and tire. Of course many tires are smaller than their advertised size, so it's wise to actually measure the
inflated tire.
A fender's width is measured on the outside, not inside. So to determine if a fender will fit you'll check clearance at the
brakes, in the fork crown, and in between the seat stays.
To check the brakes apply them, so the pads touch the rims. Now measure the width between the arms. Also check
that you have at least 9-10mm vertically from the tire to the brake. Short reach caliper brakes typically can
accommodate 35-37mm fenders. Long reach brakes can usually fit 43-45mm fenders. XL reach brakes like Tektro
R556 can fit 50-52mm fenders.
Next check the width and height of the fork crown. Finally check that the seat stays are far enough apart and that the
brake bridge is at least 10mm above the tire. You may have noticed that I've not mentioned the chain stays. Those are
easy because you can always trim the bottom of the fender to clear.
Of course metal fenders are flexible and can be bent, so if the fit is close you can always squeeze the fender in a few
millimeters at the offending spot.
It's important to also get fenders of the proper radius. 27" and 700c wheels are close enough to use the same fenders.
650b and 26" fenders are close and some folks do use one size on the other, but fender line is not going to be perfect.
Fender line refers to the fender following the radius of the tire. In other words, the gap between the fender and the tire
should be constant along the whole length of the fender. It's one of those things that may not matter much in practice,
but it effects the bikes appearance a lot.
As for fender length, that's easy: get the longest fenders possible. Long fenders keep you a lot drier. And if you live in
the Northwest, get a mudflap for the front fender too. If you ride brevets or in pacelines, your fellow riders will appreciate
a rear flap as well.
| Tech & Info |
Fender Basics
Riding with fenders can be transformational. You'll find your bike far
more useful. You won't get a wet streak up your back every time you
ride through a puddle. You're feet will no longer be soaking wet just
because the road is damp. And you'll stay dryer in anything but heavy
rain. Your clothes will be cleaner. It's not surprising that most
non-racing bikes in Europe and Asia have fenders.
We stock two brands of fenders, Honjo and Velo Orange, in 15
models. All our fender models are metal, 14 are aluminum and one is
1 stainless steel. They come in sizes for 26", 650b, and 700c/27"
wheels.
Most experienced cyclists prefer metal fenders because they provide
better weather protection than plastic and are very durable.
Riding with fenders can be transformational. You'll find your bike far
more useful. You won't get a wet streak up your back every time you
ride through a puddle. You're feet will no longer be soaking wet just
because the road is damp. And you'll stay dryer in anything but heavy
rain. Your clothes will be cleaner. It's not surprising that most
non-racing bikes in Europe and Asia have fenders.
We stock two brands of fenders, Honjo and Velo Orange, in 15
models. All our fender models are metal, 14 are aluminum and one is
1 stainless steel. They come in sizes for 26", 650b, and 700c/27"
wheels.
Most experienced cyclists prefer metal fenders because they provide
better weather protection than plastic and are very durable.
rather elegant.
One of the reasons that plastic fenders don't work well is that they are too short. The front fender, must
come down close to the ground to keep spray off. All the fenders we sell are made to our specifications,
even the Honjos, to ensure that they offer adequate coverage.
One of the reasons that plastic fenders don't work well is that they are too short. The front fender, must
come down close to the ground to keep spray off. All the fenders we sell are made to our specifications,
even the Honjos, to ensure that they offer adequate coverage.
