What To Look For
Fair weather cyclists should not need fenders, states bicycle mechanic Sheldon Brown. Fender manufacturers offer several designs, materials and colors of bicycle fenders. Rivendell Bicycle Works states that several cyclists enjoy metal fenders, though metal fenders often prove difficult to mount and noisy once mounted. Cyclists should ensure bicycle designs accept the style of fender desired. Many full suspension bikes support few fenders. Several manufacturers offer quick-release fender sets easily mounted to and exchanged between multiple bicycles. Many cyclists create fenders out of readily available recycled materials, such as plastic two liter bottles and milk jugs.
Common Pitfalls
Many cyclists believe fender options extremely limited. Many fender retailers stock only one or two fenders among the plethora of available designs. Full fenders protect riders best from tire spray. Plastic fenders often weigh more than metal fenders. Plastic fenders often modify for particular bicycle designs easier than metal fenders. Quick-release fenders offer easy interchangeability, allowing cyclists to purchase a single fender set for use with many different bicycle designs. Fenders mounting to frame tubes to protect from front tire spray rarely work as well as fork mounted fenders.
Where To Buy
Many local bicycle shops, department stores and online retailers sell bicycle fenders. Often bicycle shops stock far more fender designs than department stores. Bicycle shops also provide knowledgeable sales people able to assist cyclists with choosing appropriate fenders to fit personal bicycles. Quality fenders often mount to frame attachment areas designed specifically for accessory attachments found on quality bicycles. Most department store bicycles require fenders that attach to wheel axles rather than frame attachment points. Many local bicycle shops install fenders for a small labor fee. Many shops waive or reduce labor fees if cyclists purchase accessories in the store.
Cost
Inexpensive fenders often cost less than $20 a set. Quality fenders featuring plastic construction and often including metal mounting hardware sell between $20 and $60. Quality metal fenders often retail from $80 to $120. Quick-release fender attachments often sell for $15 to $30 per fender. Fenders designed to mount to racing bicycles lacking accessory attachment points sell for $40 to $80. Many local bicycle shops install quick-release fenders free of charge. Permanent fender installation often costs $20 to $30 to mount a pair of fenders. Many cyclists use rear racks, priced $25 to $75, in place of rear fenders. Cyclists planning to ride in rain frequently will prefer full fender sets.
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