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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

494.0. "Fenders on a *Real* Mountain Bike?" by MIST::IVERSON (a Brubeck beat in a Sousa world) Mon Nov 02 1987 15:32

     
           Has anyone considered/used fenders on a mountain bike,
           other than for commute purposes.  Is there a practical
           objection to fenders for use on logging road/ dirt
           road/ trail riding( other than than ruining the macho
           image:-). e.g. too rattley, getting in the way,
           bouncing into the tire, rocks etc wedging, etc.? 

           I don't mind getting soaked and muddy in the warm
           summer months (Although it would be nice to see
           through my glasses|-), but "snow probing" up to
           the 1k-2k ft  winter snow level here in the Northwest
           results in riding soggy "roads" in near freezing
           conditions.  That wet stripe takes on a whole new
           meaning under those conditions.
           
           Any insights on the subject? (besides the accusations
           of "wimping out":-) Are Polypro and hiking my only
           real options?
           
           Thanks in advance.
           Thom
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
494.1Are you a 'Blue Rondo ala Turk'?TOMCAT::KLASMANTue Nov 03 1987 12:0420
< Note 494.0 by MIST::IVERSON "a Brubeck beat in a Sousa world" >
                    -< Fenders on a *Real* Mountain Bike? >-

     
Thom,

   I use a Blackburn Mountain rack, which as a splash guard, on the back and 
it works quite well, while maintaining the macho image.  I've also used a 
snap-on splash guard on the down tube (for the front wheel) which worked well, 
except at high speeds.  My only objection to fenders (except for the looks) is 
the possibility of something jamming between the fender and the tire.

   I think the best solution is to wear something with a waterproof back flap 
to protect you...a good rain jacket is the only thing that has made riding 
here in rainy New England bearable.

Kevin

ps. music trivia question: what time signature was 'Take Five' written in?
494.2re .-1CCYLON::SCHULDTLarry Schuldt - WA9TAHTue Nov 03 1987 12:531
    ANSWER:  5/4
494.3STAR::TEAGUEI&#039;m not a doctor,but I play one on TV...Wed Nov 04 1987 12:1713
Re: fenders

Depends on what kind of usage your bike will get.  If it's a commuter bike
to be used in the rain, fenders are probably a good idea.  If the bike will
be ridden in a dry climate, they're not necessary.

But, if the bike will be ridden in mud or clay, the fender serves to restrict
the clearance between tire and frame, and this could really jam things up.  
Ever wonder why off-road motorcycles have such high fender clearances?

.jim
494.4Macho or practical?TSG::FUJack Fu, dtn 296-6787Thu Nov 05 1987 05:4921
    You can't have it both ways.  If you use your bike for real dirt
    riding (thrashing around in dirt and mud, jumping, racing down fire
    roads, etc), then you have to strip your bike of fenders, racks,
    downtube splash guard, and other such stuff.  If you use your bike
    for commuting, shopping, mild trail riding, then you almost can't
    do without fenders.  Even a Blackburn Mtn rack with the covered
    top will not keep you from getting filthy in the rain or keep dirt
    and grit from your drive train.
    
    I have a Novarra Aspen ATB with Esge mountain bike fenders (plenty
    of clearance) and a Blackburn Mtn rack.  The setup works very well.
    This time of year, while riding on trails I often get fallen leaves
    rolling up with the tire and scraping against the fenders, but that
    doesn't hurt anything.
    
    By the way, if you have fenders, then I DON'T recommend the Blackburn
    Mtn rack.  Better to get a rack with an open (not covered) top.
    Such a rack allows you many more ways to hook bungie cords, and
    since you already have fenders you don't need a covered top to stop
    upward-flying mud.