As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.
Though it feels like it's been winter forever, spring will eventually arrive. And when it does, it'll be messy.
You're going to need fenders, no matter what kind of bike you're on: road or cyclocross. Or TT bike. But the question is which way to go. Clip-ons? Hard-mounted full-wrap fenders? The simple "fin" type that keeps the rider — and little else — dry?
Unsurprisingly, a hard-mounted, full-wrap fender works best. It provides the most coverage and can't shift positions over the course of a ride. Of course, how many race bikes — other than the Gary Fisher Cronus and Ion models — are able to accept bolt-on fenders? I don't know of any.
If you do have a bike with fender mounts — rain bike, race bike, whatever — it's hard to go wrong with SKS Chromoplastics fenders ($45 or so). The combination of rigid mounting arms and a solid behind-brake mount in the front and back makes for a stiff, durable fender. I have a pair on an older steel Bianchi (with very tight clearance) and they're awesome. They stay on that bike pretty much year-round.
If hard-mounted fenders aren't an option, the Planet Bike Speedez clip-on models ($45) are a good choice. Once they're sized and adjusted properly for your bike, they go on and off in just a minute or two.
Those who use clip-ons know the downside: You'll stay dry, but your bike will be an absolute mess. It's better than being cold, wet and dirty, but it still results in an hour or two of cleanup afterward.
SKS makes a clip-on fender called Raceblade ($60), but it doesn't offer the adjustability of the Speedez fenders. If the fit needs to be tweaked, it's done by bending the support rods. And that's not exactly the most elegant solution. What is elegant — and awesome — is the option of white fenders.
If nothing else, even having a "fin" fender in the back will keep you dry. If that's the case, the SKS X-Blade works pretty well. It clips onto your seatpost and has a number of adjustment points to customize the fit. The downside to a fin is that, like a clip-on, it offers limited protection. You'll be dry, if nothing else.
Another downside to most fin fenders is the clasp mechanism. It's designed for a round seatpost, so if you have anything even remotely aero, it won't work.
There are plenty of other options out there from a number of different companies, but SKS and Planet Bike products are generally readily available through QBP, which is the heart of the supply chain for most dealers. In our store, we've had good luck keeping both in stock and have had little to no warranty issues. When you need stuff to work — and you need it soon — those are two important qualities.
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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.
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