boy in a kilt
08-25-2007, 09:23 PM
I put a set of GB fenders on my bike last week. SGTiger has had a set on hers for quite some time. Thought I'd get a few thoughts out there for the good of the order.
The first thing is they are expensive. I picked mine up at my LBS (Aaron's Bicycle Repair for those of you in the area) for about $70, $101 including a pair of thick leather mud flaps. No real reason for going with the leather mudflaps other than they look cool.
However, I tend to replace my fenders about every two to three years. If these things last me 6 or 7 years, I've broken even. But since I've also built my bike from the ground up to either last a very long time (e.g. phil wood, brooks) or be completely maintainable (frogs, campy) it's consistent with what I'm trying to do.
They aren't for weight weenies but while heavier than plastic fenders, they aren't as much as you would think.
Set up. The set up takes a little bit of work and a drill. Mine came pre-drilled in front (excluding mudflaps) and mostly predrilled in the back (excluding seat stay bridge and mudflaps). The steel is pretty tough so you might want to tap in a pilot hole.
Once bolted into place, it was time to tackle the supports. They are cut fairly long so some cutting will be required. I'm about average strength for a man and was able to cut them with my old cable cutters. what little adjustment can be done is done with these.
Adjustment is pretty simples because there isn't much you can do. Drill your holes properly and bolt your supports in and they are centered. SGTiger's sit closer to her tires than mine. It may be that my frame is a long frame with gobs of clearance.
Rattles and squeaks drive me nuts. If bolted down properly, there is no rattling or squeaking.
Minor ankle biters: The fenders are attached to your forks via a set-up that requires a bolt hole in your fork crown (where your brakes would bolt in if you have side-pull brakes).
So you'll need a hole there to bolt them in. Also, it uses a rubber insert between two washers that expands as things are tightened down. Don't be shy about buffing that down. The tighter it is, the more secure it'll be.
They seem to last quite well. My wife's are no worse for wear after several months. Gypsie at ABR said they the feedback they get from customers is that they last quite well, better than Honjo's. Considering I went in to get some Honjos and Gypsie downsold me to Berthoud's, I'm inclined to take her advice. Plus she's my friend anyway.
Sorry if this is a little light on technical details or proper use of terminology.
The first thing is they are expensive. I picked mine up at my LBS (Aaron's Bicycle Repair for those of you in the area) for about $70, $101 including a pair of thick leather mud flaps. No real reason for going with the leather mudflaps other than they look cool.
However, I tend to replace my fenders about every two to three years. If these things last me 6 or 7 years, I've broken even. But since I've also built my bike from the ground up to either last a very long time (e.g. phil wood, brooks) or be completely maintainable (frogs, campy) it's consistent with what I'm trying to do.
They aren't for weight weenies but while heavier than plastic fenders, they aren't as much as you would think.
Set up. The set up takes a little bit of work and a drill. Mine came pre-drilled in front (excluding mudflaps) and mostly predrilled in the back (excluding seat stay bridge and mudflaps). The steel is pretty tough so you might want to tap in a pilot hole.
Once bolted into place, it was time to tackle the supports. They are cut fairly long so some cutting will be required. I'm about average strength for a man and was able to cut them with my old cable cutters. what little adjustment can be done is done with these.
Adjustment is pretty simples because there isn't much you can do. Drill your holes properly and bolt your supports in and they are centered. SGTiger's sit closer to her tires than mine. It may be that my frame is a long frame with gobs of clearance.
Rattles and squeaks drive me nuts. If bolted down properly, there is no rattling or squeaking.
Minor ankle biters: The fenders are attached to your forks via a set-up that requires a bolt hole in your fork crown (where your brakes would bolt in if you have side-pull brakes).
So you'll need a hole there to bolt them in. Also, it uses a rubber insert between two washers that expands as things are tightened down. Don't be shy about buffing that down. The tighter it is, the more secure it'll be.
They seem to last quite well. My wife's are no worse for wear after several months. Gypsie at ABR said they the feedback they get from customers is that they last quite well, better than Honjo's. Considering I went in to get some Honjos and Gypsie downsold me to Berthoud's, I'm inclined to take her advice. Plus she's my friend anyway.
Sorry if this is a little light on technical details or proper use of terminology.