Most American cyclists ride for recreational sport only, so adding accessories such as bike fenders might not come to mind. Some cyclists aren't even clear about the purpose of fenders, says Bike Fenders. You and your bike can benefit from fenders, but you likely don't need them unless you ride often and live in a rainy region, according to the Adventure Cycling Association. Mountain bike fender specifications are determined by a few basic factors.
Fender Determinants
Consider certain variables when determining what sort of fenders to get for your mountain bike -- riding conditions, riding purpose and tire size. If you own a mountain bike, you probably ride for recreational sport. However, some cyclists depend on their mountain bikes to commute to and from work or school. Maintain and protect your mountain bike from trail or road conditions and damage with a few essentials and accessories such as fenders. Before choosing fenders, figure out your bike's tire size, which is usually labeled on the sidewall. Note that different bikes take different kinds of tires, and some riders change out tires to improve stability, smoothness, grip and enhance the ride, says REI. As long as tires suit the rim, mountain bikes can roll on different tires, but mountain bikes typically sport 26-inch to 29-inch diameter tires, according to Two-Wheeler Dealers and REI.
Tire Size
Mountain bike tires are normally marked with a number pairing such as 29 x 3.0. This number tells you the bead-to-bead diameter and the width, according to REI. Most mountain bikes come with a standard 26-inch tire, and widths can vary, running between 1.8 and 3.0 inches, depending on whether you own a cross-country, all-mountain, free-ride or downhill bike. The 29-inch mountain bike tires evolved from 700 cyclocross tires and haven't been around as long, but mountain bikers tend to prefer the larger tires because they offer better traction and roll better over rough terrain, as well as through sand and mud.
Fender Options
Although you can get permanent fenders for your mountain bike, you may have trouble finding full fenders that fit properly, depending on the design of your mountain bike, according to the Adventure Cycling Association. If you do find permanent fenders that fit your bike, they could get in the way during riding, depending on your bike design. However, fenders ultimately help protect gears and other parts from mud, grime and other substances such as petroleum residue, especially if you must ride near or on roads. If you opt for easy-to-remove clip-on fenders for mountain bikes, you can take them off, and they're more likely to fit most mountain bikes. You can find clip-on fenders for the front tire only or purchase pairs that include a rear fender. Clip-on fenders don't provide as much coverage as permanent fenders because they're typically shorter, so expect to experience some splashing, according to the Adventure Cycling Association and Bike Fenders. If you opt for permanent fenders, make sure you can install them on your particular mountain bike model, and that they fit over your tires and not get in the way of riding.
Maintenance
Whether or not you use fenders on your mountain bike, it's important to keep tires, gears and other bike parts clean and lubricated. Pure rain doesn't damage your bike as much as substances that splash up on your bike during or after a storm, such as mud, grime, dirt and petroleum residue, says the Adventure Cycling Association.
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