Do you need fenders full time?

This video is about Honjo metal fenders as a full time fixture and discussing some of the benefits.

[@johnbouttell5827]

Hi Henry, your point number 5, that fenders protect other riders from spray, is very important. I used to ride with the Toronto Randonneurs and would often find myself in a small group. If someone is riding in front of you in the rain without fenders, it's impossible to follow them. On our official Brevets, fenders were mandatory. Best wishes, John in the Peak District.

[@christianscott6963]

I really appreciate your discussion on uses of fenders, especially in dry climates. I believe night riding might add an advantage for visibility. Chrome fenders reflect and adds space to mount a red rear light or reflector.

[@normsk9bitehard]

OMG! I have a 1984 Specialized Expedition that is set up almost like yours. Front and rear racks with hammered aluminum fenders. I have the same water bottles as well. Sweet ride!

[@RideAlongside]

The point about the full fenders adding to the lifespan of your drivetrain is tremendous. Great video Jeremy. I like the narration, but your latest style with the vlogging is even better. Cheers.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Ride Alongside thank you! I appreciate your feedback and I agree the voiceover is not the style I plan to use all the time. It has advantages, but it’s not as interesting or personal as standing in front of the camera and speaking on location.

[@paths2go]

Interesting points. I've been using fenders full time on my bicycle for about a year now, pedalling on the light rain is a lot different. Normally people get concerned about fenders on aerodynamics and added weight

[@hlim3487]

I love how the dog is keeping up!

[@MarvinMcKenziePreacher]

Enjoyed your video AND your music. :-)

[@Henrywildeberry]

Marvin McKenzie thank you! It’s the benefit of letting the music industry get the monetization;)

[@davidcummings5826]

Well said about dust! Most of our FS roads are very dusty and my (properly and adequately) fendered bikes stay MUCH cleaner. Oh, and fenders are actually more aerodynamic! ;)

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks David! The aero advantage is another good reason to have full fenders, and for anyone else out there reading this, we're talking about full fenders, not those plastic clip-on afterthoughts. Of course they add a few extra grams, but it's worth it for 99% of all riding. I prefer the Honjo aluminum fenders, but Gilles Berthoud and Velo Orange also make nice metal fenders too.

[@desert.mantis]

In case I missed it, the best reason for fenders is how cool they look. I never considered the benefits of fenders in dry conditions. It makes sense.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Desert Mantis thanks, I think they look pretty cool too!

[@BikeTall]

You make a good case for fenders. 👍🏼 Curious, what brand/size are your insulated water bottles? Thanks!

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thank you! The stainless steel water bottles are by Klean Kanteen I picked up at my local REI.

[@NinthwaveThe]

Hello Henry What front rack was that? Anything special to fix it on brake posts?

[@inthelawnwithzach3235]

Amen.

[@jeanyluisa8483]

One more argument for fenders can be the look. I really like you bike and I think it would be a pity to remove those fenders. One general thing I noticed is, that many bikes on photos look cool without fenders. But seing them in real, especially from behind those bikes would look better with fenders. One more argument against fenders is, that they often chatter and make noises on bad bumpy roads or gravel.

[@Henrywildeberry]

I've had pretty luck removing the chatter on bumpy roads by making sure the fenders do not rub against anything (brakes or chain stays in particular). At the chain stays I dimple the fends to fit around the stays and use a short strip of single sided foam tape to keep them from rubbing. All of that has helped to keep them quiet even on gravel roads. All the best!

[@jeanyluisa8483]

@@Henrywildeberry Thank you for your tipps. I solved it by having 2 bikes. On my normal bike I have fenders, because I dont want to walk around with dirty pants and a muddy back all day, just because there was a puddle or a wet road on the way. At my other cheap, old bike from Ebay, I removed the fenders. I use it for driving aorund for fun only. Thats usually only when its dry outside and when driving around for fun it doesnt matter if I get a bit dirty. Removing everything you do not really need and that can chatter, e.g. fenders and so, really improves the "I dont care" feeling at such an old bike ;-)

[@edcatt9196]

Question: Don't fenders increase the effect of wind, by adding a scooping surface, like a sail? Maybe not, but it seems as if it would. Thanks.

[@Henrywildeberry]

I'm not sure what the aero effect is with fenders. I've heard from a few sources they provide a fairing which helps reduce drag, and then I have heard the opposite. It would be very interesting to see published wind tunnel tests, but the bike industry likes to be very secretive with actual experimental data.

[@edcatt9196]

Thanks!

[@larsrodbok1285]

Your kit/setup is almost perfect. You just need a mirror on your shades....

[@bluetoast8584]

I've had bikes last decades without fenders and without doing any maintenance at all.

[@deeppeacenature265]

I've been on the fence about installing full fenders. Is the possibility of having sticks and stones jamming up your wheel while riding offroad a legitimate concern?

[@Henrywildeberry]

There's always a possibility for sticks and leaves to get sucked into the fender. Depending on how much off-road riding you do it's usually not a major problem, only a nuisance on occasion. If you ride only off-road I would look into the higher clearance fenders for mountain bikes. They don't give as much coverage but help keep the mud off of you. For mixed terrain riding full coverage fenders work best, especially if they are installed to give you a good amount of tire clearance. All the best!

[@deeppeacenature265]

@@Henrywildeberry Thank you sir. That is definitely helpful!

[@k1dicarus]

Well if you race in a group in the rain *everybody* better have long fenders or you simply wont be able to ride fast close together.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Yes, full fenders on racing bikes is problematic. There are very few options for fenders on racing bikes, because clearances are too tight. However, as disk brakes and larger tires continue to evolve, we may, but not likely, see fenders on road racing bikes? I'm not sure. What I can say is, for a comfortable training bike, having a little more clearance for fenders will make training in the off-season a little more enjoyable, and when the weather gets better, pull out the racing bike and show your friends what a full winter of training can do. Good luck!

[@tyren818]

Plastic vs metal fenders? are plastic better cuz lighter?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Plastic fenders are generally used for quick and easy install when you don't plan to have them on permanently. Metal fenders are better if you want to keep them on all year.

[@tyren818]

@@Henrywildeberry ok thanks, kinda hard to find fenders for my bike with 650b 47mm tires! 🤔

[@Henrywildeberry]

Check out the metal fenders by either Honjo (aluminum) or Gilles Berthoud (stainless steel). Both of those brands are high quality, require some tools and skill for installation, but they are very sturdy. Good luck!

[@tyren818]

@@Henrywildeberry thanks, will look into them.

[@Coolumbo]

Full time fenders yes indeed. Great bag upfront! Tune selection reminds me of this gem --->>kzbin.info/www/bejne/epbJZn1orLaDb68

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thank you! I really like this front bag too. I was really nervous when I purchased it, because of the price. Now that it's nearly two years old, I look back and think about how much this one purchase has shaped my view of cycling. Now, I think every bike should have one. Even if you have a bike racers focus, you should have at least one bike dedicated with a bag on the front for training and general adventure. In fact, I will argue, training with a handle bar bag will make you a better bike racer. Why? Because it allows you to ride longer without stopping, especially in the winter months when it's all about base miles, the LSD approach. Also, winter is generally colder, so you need to carry extra layers. Where do you put your heavy layers when you warm up, or you're riding up a long climb? The front bag is so you can grab what you need without stopping. And for everyone else not racing, there is no reason not to have a handlebar bag, and fenders. Seriously, it's the best way to enjoy bike riding.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks for the link too! Dave Rawlings is awesome!

[@31.8mm]

are fenders aero?

[@jeffyonkus2149]

I would say weight is just as important as on race day vs a longer tour. Weight, more so then airo.??? Yes, No???

[@Henrywildeberry]

Hi Jeff, thanks for your comment, much appreciated! In my experience, aluminum fenders only add a marginal amount of weight to a bike. Racing and touring are on opposite ends of the spectrum, so it's difficult to compare the two. Tourist's ride to get out and explore. The idea is self-reliance, so weight is secondary to comfort, functionality, and reliability. Whether weight matters equally on a touring ride as in a race is comparing apples to oranges. Weight is always something to consider, but there is a different tool for a different job. Happy cycling!

[@jeffyonkus2149]

Henrywildeberry ... so i come into this sport via long distance hiking. All weight for extend duration of life is carried, similar to bike packing. We are not ultra runners but put in just as many miles at a slower pace. Ultralight is all the craze in this activity, and I agree with it becaus it puts less stress on my body and prevents injory. I can only assume that there is some, if not more crossover between the two sports and although I ride a steal frame, would like to reduce as much weight as possible. Also keeping a minimal set-up to reduce pain in my ass repairs. Will fenders really make my drive train last longer? Will they make me push harder when fighting wind? Will they cost me money and time better spent on food and travel? Personal questions. you have some insight for me? Appreciate your vid. And time.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Fenders are a small investment, but payoff in the long term by protecting your drivetrain, saddle, bicycle frame, and any gear or bags you might decide to carry. A good quality set of aluminum fenders only add about a pound of weight to a bike, an increase you would never be able to notice on any ride. It's possible to create an ultralight touring bike even with fenders. There are better ways to save weight, such as an ultra light sleeping bag, for example. I would also say, you could build light wheels, with titanium hubs, and using tubeless tires. There are a plethora of light weight components, crank sets, handle bars, stems, racks, seat posts, saddles, and even cycling clothes. Saving weight has never been easier today if you have the budget to afford it. All the best, and I hope to see you out on the road one day.

[@jeffyonkus2149]

Henrywildeberry. Titanium wheels sounds a lite for my bike and wallet. I'm going to take your advice and spring for some fenders though... If you don't mind, where do you think the biggest weight loss can come from off my bike? Crank arm would be my best guess?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Let me preface this by saying cutting weight is something to do over time. What I would do is start with a reasonably light frame sized appropriately for you. Set it up with mid level components, nothing too light (Shimano 105/Deore level is fine). Get a good set of wheels, and depending on your weight you may want to consider going with a 32 to 36 spoke wheel at first. Eventually you'll upgrade wheels, but it's nice to have a starting point that is easy on the wallet. Get a nice quality tire, and don't cheap out on these. Tires are probably the single most important part of any bicycle. Learn how these tires perform. Some tires are light and fast, but puncture easily, so it will help to learn what they are like on the roads/trails you ride. I've learned some tires can roll through glass on the road and not puncture, while others cannot. As you ride and get more familiar things will begin to evolve, but at least you will have a good foundation to base your future decisions from. I think steel bikes are money well spent. They have good resale value unlike carbon or aluminum. Steel is also repairable fairy easily should you drop it or crack it. Ti is very expensive, so don't waste your money on Ti until you are a seasoned cyclist (sorry if I'm making the wrong assumption about you) and you know exactly what you want in a bike. Ti is a material designed to last for a very long time. Light cranks are cool, but most cranksets are all very similar in weight now when you factor in the bottom bracket. Shimano 105 is nice or you could get a nice Velo Orange if you like the classic look. Also, look into used parts. You can find amazing deals on older triple cranksets because they are out of favor now due to the 1x craze. You're going to thank me later when you're touring and you have that extra low gear. From what I wrote above you could easily have a 20lb bike ready for your touring racks and bags. Best of luck!

[@NotApplicable2874]

Your advice and commentary is really good but the music choice was odd. I mean. I liked the song but it really doesn't fit the video at all. Over all, great work!

[@Henrywildeberry]

Chris Varghese thanks for your feedback! I’m a beginner with editing and have so far chosen music from a small library.

[@NotApplicable2874]

I understand but try looking into non-copyrighted music (I know there are entire KZbin channels that are dedicated to that). Also, might want to lower the volume a bit in the beginning too. Good Luck!

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks Chris, I appreciate your honest feedback. I'll work on the volume and I'll check out the non-copyright music too.

[@NotApplicable2874]

No problem! I just ordered some fenders after watching your video! Waiting for them to arrive!

[@Henrywildeberry]

Let us know how they work out?