Fenders. What's your experience?

[GaryF52]

Thinking about buying a pair of fenders this winter so I thought I'd tap into the vast pool of MTB experience here and find out what works and what doesn't.   I've seen prices anywhere from $12 to $50 and brands such as Headlands, T.H.E. and Zefal.  Do those cheap ones hold up?  I don't really care about looks.  Just want something functional and durable (ie. crashworthy).  Any experience you can share would be helpful.

They'd be going on my Disco Monkey.

[keen]

  I think the attachment of fenders will make or break their performance. I had a front fender that mounted w/ an expanding steer tube plug that would have to be checked after every ride (probably loosened during rides) Since I installed a star nut in my lower steer tube and have been running a THe fender. In the rear I have one that attaches to the seat post w/ a large knob that tensions by hand (can't remember the brand) only problem is mounting the bike, sometimes I hook my leg on it and it will require some trail side adjusting. Don't buy a rear fender that requires tools to tension it to the seat post.

[numbnuts]

I have a THE front that fixes to a star nut. Works great, strong, light and easy on and off [I only use when wet]. I don't know what it cost as it came with my used fork. It really works well, stopped a lot of water,mud and cow shit from getting in my eyes and teeth! I don't see any need for the rear!

[Dennis]

I have always been a big fan of fenders. They keep the mud and stuff off of me and the bike.
also, I think they look cool.
anyway, I like the THE fenders. simple, durable (with one exception)and pretty light.
for real light weight dirt protection, the THE downtube shroud works real well, attaches to down tube with velcro and zip ties. light, doesn't move around.
their front fenders are also good. I have the one piece shroud/fender on my Oz. attaches with zip ties and velcro, no metal brackets, real light. the only problem I have encountered is that if you fork turns waaaay to one side, it will hit the fender. I have only had this happen when I loaded the bike into the back of my car and it put a small, unnoticeable crack in the fender.
as for rear fenders, the Woodman and mudmachine (www.mudmachine.com) fenders are good. the mudmachine fender is better, but the metal mounting bracket is quite heavy. I am going to be fabricating one out of carbon this winter, should solve the weight issue. both of these fenders mount to the v-brake bosses, so fenders are low over wheels, no mount - dismount problems. I have tried the THE rear fender that mounts to the seatpost, ok, but it moves and, as stated in above posts, you can hit them while mounting-dismounting which can move them.
thats my 3 cents.
[smiley=groucho.gif]

[tmaybee]

I think it is much better to go without fenders and get all the mud and dirt in your mouth and eyes.  

That way, I can ride around and say:  

No one here is as cool as me,  as far as I can see...    [smiley=laughing.gif]

Trevor

[Mr.Ed]

Trevor,

thats what i do,
all covered in goo,
wind in my hair,
and bugs in my teeth,
you can never tell,
who's hidding beneath....

ok,......Iill go work on my bike now...  Ed

[Thunderchild]

I like O P's rear fender design with an added extension for really sloppy times.  If you ride in the winter like I do and occasionally must hit the salted roads as you seek singletrack, the fenders help keep some of the salt of the bike.  For the front I use a star-nut mounted Apex.  

 

[Scott]

Trevor-LOL!  My SKS has held up very well up front and is light with a sensible attaching system.  

[GaryF52]

Purchased a pair of Headlands fenders from Nashbar and had a chance to try them today.  They worked fine but the front fork attachment design is poor.   It consists of a plastic expander device that is totally inept.  Fortunately I have a spare Conix Binder, which perfectly replaces the inept plastic device that comes with the fender, and holds it very well.

It's definitly a pleasure not having mud thrown up in my face now.   Added a pic to my galley showing the Monkey with it's new foul weather gear on.

Thanks for the input.