Fenders or no fenders? Idle thought seeking confirmation or correction.

[Patrick Moore]

I ride in high desert conditions with an about 9” annual rainfall average (5” to 14” between West Mesa and Sandia Foothills), but the bike in question, the  ~2016 Chauncey Matthews “road bike for dirt” is ridden for at least half its miles on silty/sandy irrigation ditchbank and levee roads along the ancient pre-Hispanic acequia irrigation system. 

The custom Kelpie fenders on the Matthews, even truncated as shown, weigh at least 2 lb, and because Chauncey was not used to building for fenders, the rear bridge is about 1/2” too low for proper clearance and fender line. 

I think of removing the fenders, as even during our monsoon season, in which we are now in, the rain is sporadic: at worst, violent downpours that last no more than an hour, usually much less, leaving the rest of the day rain free. The wet dries quickly in our very strong sunlight.

I think of removing the fenders … why? Largely, for a cleaner look. Weight saved would be, not quite negligible but not very significant: the bike weighs about 30 or 30 1/2 lb lb full equipped as shown with Thunderburts except minus the pump and the rear bag with the bulky kit it contains. With the Snoqualmie Pass wheelset I’d guesstimate 28-29 lb.

Shoot me down, please.

Thanks, Patrick, who also thinks that if he removed in addition the rear rack, to rely on a Carradice SQR system and messenger bag, he could get the rideable but unladen bike down to 28 with Thunderburts (stock NORBA upper mid level 26er weight) and close to 26 with the Snoqualmies.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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I endowed thy purposes with words that made them known.

[Steve]

Patrick, knowing that you possess  several bikes to choose from, some of which I believe are also fendered (?)  I say let the Matthews proudly go 'au naturel'.  If you find the bike gets noticeably grittier without the fenders you can always remount them.   

Steve in AVL 

     - Platypus with fenders

     - Ritchey Outback sans fenders

     - Sam Hillborne currently being fendered

[Patrick Moore]

I forgot to include the photo; here it is; Thunderburts as these are the “main” wheels.

[George Schick]

I have four bikes that I ride off and on depending on the season and trail conditions: a Riv Ram, a Surly 1x1, a restored early 70's Fuji Finest, and a Trek Fuel 90. Every one of them are fendered.  The Trek was the most difficult to fender because every would-be mounting point had to be specially developed - the rear struts that were of two different lengths, the seat stay attachment that was equally configured, the attachment at the bottom bracket as well, and the front shock forks that required metal pipe hanger tape, etc.  I'd never have it any other way and I'd never ride any of them without fenders.  I don't see the point not to doing so.