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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Apr 24, 2021 23:04:33 GMT
Despite 57 years of messing around with bikes, I have yet to install a set of fenders; I know we should call them mud guards but this is America. California is pretty dry and riding in the rain and wet is only necessary if you are a commuter. Nevertheless, I decided that a set of these fenders would go great on my New Albion. I bought a set and install seems straight forward but fiddly. I want the gap between the tire and the fender to be a near perfect match. Unfortunately, I need to bend the fender radius a bit tighter. I worry that a bulge will form making the fender wider in some places. I can squeeze the width a bit as they are soft; but then I worry about a wavy result. Before I go bending things, I thought it best to seek advice; so what say yee old fender guys?
Ride Happy Jim
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Post by wheelson on Apr 25, 2021 3:36:05 GMT
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Apr 25, 2021 5:38:27 GMT
I've eyed those Velo Orange fenders/mudguards before Jim, I'm sure they'll look great on your Albion. Good choice.
That is a helpful blog article John , and I wish I'd read that years ago, 'an exercise in frustration and disappointment' has always been my experience fitting them.
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Post by franco on Apr 25, 2021 9:58:40 GMT
I’ve only got experience with the Bluemells plastic type which can be awkward to set up. Getting a matching tyre line all the way around seems to be more luck than judgement and can depend on how they clip on the small horizontal bar that joins each chain stay.
On the metal fenders I’ve seen people put an indentation where the fender sits under the brake caliper so it fits higher to get a better tyre line. Some of the old 3 speed fenders had this done at the factory.
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 25, 2021 12:10:59 GMT
They will look good, Jim. Great article, John. I have not used metal fenders but the information is very helpful and might have me considering them next time. The plastic fenders (Planet Bike Cascadia) sort of self-adjust - if you tighten the radius, they spread out uniformly and vice versa due to the flexible nature of the material. To some extent the metal fenders might do the same. The problem I have is not enough clearance at the fork crown attachment. My fender sits too close to the 700Cx32 tire. I could use smaller tires but this is a bike camping rig and I want 32's AND fenders.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Apr 25, 2021 13:19:00 GMT
Thanks all and great article John; just what I needed! My fender width needed a little adjustment to slide through the fork. If I understand the article, the slight compression at that point must have made the radius increase. I think a day of tinkering, chasing small parts across the floor, drinking coffee and listening to oldies is in order.
Ride Happy
Jim
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Post by wheelson on Apr 25, 2021 15:18:31 GMT
Thanks all and great article John; just what I needed! My fender width needed a little adjustment to slide through the fork. If I understand the article, the slight compression at that point must have made the radius increase. I think a day of tinkering, chasing small parts across the floor, drinking coffee and listening to oldies is in order. Ride Happy Jim Fenders AKA mudguards tend to be one of the time consuming chores with bikes. At the shop it often takes longer to install rear rack and fenders than to build up the new bike out of the box. I have two fender projects outstanding: a set of the flat top black aluminum ones on my rail trail touring/camping bike, and a set of red Bluemels on the blue Viscount. Oh, and perhaps another set on the Cannondale. Never ending projects! But much of my riding is off pavement so the mudguards (dust guards) are really appreciated. Best, John “w” |
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 25, 2021 15:56:31 GMT
I wonder if you could cut out a squeegee that fits over the tire and eliminates water and debris just as the tire comes off the road, similar to the little clips we used to use to knock glass off the tire before it had a chance to puncture it. If you could get most of the water off it might be enough. I notice that somewhat wet tire does not produce spray, presumably because a small amount of water adheres to the tire by surface tension.
Yeah, I think I will go down that rat hole. What if I single-handedly destroy the fender industry?
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Apr 25, 2021 17:50:19 GMT
I wonder if you could cut out a squeegee that fits over the tire and eliminates water and debris just as the tire comes off the road, similar to the little clips we used to use to knock glass off the tire before it had a chance to puncture it. If you could get most of the water off it might be enough. I notice that somewhat wet tire does not produce spray, presumably because a small amount of water adheres to the tire by surface tension. Yeah, I think I will go down that rat hole. What if I single-handedly destroy the fender industry? Brian “Fill the unfulfilled need” as the machinist from my old job used to say. Actually, it might work. As far as the clearance under the fork crown, perhaps a two piece fender with a gap higher on the fork crown? I think Cinelli used to do something like that but not for clearance. Best, John “w” |
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Post by franco on Apr 25, 2021 19:33:45 GMT
Thanks all and great article John; just what I needed! My fender width needed a little adjustment to slide through the fork. If I understand the article, the slight compression at that point must have made the radius increase. I think a day of tinkering, chasing small parts across the floor, drinking coffee and listening to oldies is in order. Ride Happy Jim Fenders AKA mudguards tend to be one of the time consuming chores with bikes. At the shop it often takes longer to install rear rack and fenders than to build up the new bike out of the box. I have two fender projects outstanding: a set of the flat top black aluminum ones on my rail trail touring/camping bike, and a set of red Bluemels on the blue Viscount. Oh, and perhaps another set on the Cannondale. Never ending projects! But much of my riding is off pavement so the mudguards (dust guards) are really appreciated. Best, John “w” I agree John, hours can be spent on installing them and getting them right. An old tip with metal mudguards was to run beeswax along the seams on the underside. These potential water traps are prone to corrosion but the beeswax seals and protects them. |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Apr 25, 2021 21:58:20 GMT
The site John suggested is right on. Using their method, I very quickly had it roughed out, but still have more to do. I put the bike wheel in my truing stand and secured it from rolling with a bungee. I used pipe insulation as spacers and calipers to check width. The down side is the pressure split the ends of my dry thumbs. I suppose they must heal between sessions.  Aligning Fender Gap by Jim_Gude, on Flickr All the Best Jim |
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 26, 2021 1:29:36 GMT
Nice technique, Jim.
Brian
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