Back in the day, in my early years as a racer, I would have scoffed at the idea of putting fenders on my race bike even if was just for training rides. There was no way I would risk my image by doing anything that might remotely spell “Fred.” The stripe on the back of my shorts from the wet road grime was a badge of merit you proudly wore as if to say “yep, look at me. That’s right, I rode in the rain – I’m hardcore.” Today, it’s function over fashion. I don’t have the same silly insecurities of younger years, and quite simply, I don’t care to have a wet and dirty bum, back, and pair of legs! The fact that my team’s kit has a white and light blue back panel of our shorts is another reason. (not that I don’t wash my shorts!) With fenders you stay not only cleaner, but dryer and that means staying warmer. Having them is an extended courtesy to your riding partners as well. They don’t get the spray in their face sitting in your slipstream. (C’mon, your partner deserves better after taking a pull!) I got a pair of SKS Race Blades a couple years ago and they work beautifully. Light, low profile, and not bad looking. With quick release fasteners, you can easily put them on or take them off depending on the weather. They fit most bikes but it might require some bending of the metal rods for a perfect fit, especially the front fender on a straight blade fork to prevent tire rub, as the case with my Bianchi…
I just put them on this weekend. While it rained heavily and came back from my ride a wet dog, at least I wasn’t a dirty dog! And the same can be said for my bike.
SKS Race Blades retail for $59 and can be found at your LBS and any number of places online including Amazon.com
FYI, I’ve tightened up the rear fender to fit closer to the tire since taking these pics.