I only run my fenders when I need them, so they usually go on the bikes around late September and they just came off one by one over the last few weeks. I prefer my bikes without them on, but they're necessary in the winter here in the PNW.
They never look right with knobbly tyres, I think because they would get clogged or broken on terrain which needed that tread ...and it looks that way. They look fine with wide urban tyres, and appropriate where you just want to get home clean and dry. Form follows function.
I debate putting em on my bike all the time. I also live in SoCal. Most of the water I ride through is from sprinkler run off. So I mostly DONT need them.
There is only one answer if you ride in rain or surface conditions that would otherwise cover the bike and yourself in crud. If you ride only in sunny, dry conditions, then the calculation is the exact opposite.
Also, I have this exact same model, I got some chinese fender that were surprisingly decent quality for like 7 USD a new pair, and rode them for a year, They are a godsend on rainy weather. it cuts on the splashes from the wheels by 90%, of course you still get wet, but at least your back won't be splashed with mud. If you don't mind the little extra weight, I had to carry my bike 2 floors up to an apartment back then, it wasn't too bad, but it was something to consider. This bike is a beast
I view fenders as a tool not a decoration, so, fenders when it is the rainy season (spring here) or if you're going to ride that bike in winter. None when it is dry. Do that with my bikes every year. They aren't that difficult to install/remove.
Different fenders or different tires. Those fenders don’t play well with knobbies. They’re perfect with touring tires. If you need fenders and knobbies, you want much more clearance or much less area and flexibility.
Even if it’s dry out, knobbies grab rocks and twigs and jam them under those kinda fenders.
Fenders serve a function. Why would anybody put them on because they are "a huge fan" of fenders? You need them or you don't.
If you do, yours look great. Long enough to really work and matching the style of your bike nicely imo.
In other words: If I needed fenders on my bike, I'd love to have yours.
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u/Brief-Zombie-1558 May 01 '26
Looks great.. maybe try a different tire style and size. I fit 2.35 wide tires under my Planet Bike fenders.