racks and fenders

[redrhodie]

I was wondering if you all take your racks and fenders off, or if once they're on, they're permanent. I'm thinking fenders would be good sometimes, but not everyday, and usually I travel light, and can't imagine that I'd need the rack more than very occasionally. Are there quick release models? What should I be looking for? My bike is a vintage steel road bike.

[KnottedYet]

If you think you'd only need a rack very occaisionally, maybe don't bother with one at all? Quick release racks usually clamp to the seat post. If you don't think you'll use it often, it might be worth it to spend the money on a nice backpack or messenger bag instead.

I have permanent full fenders and rack on my steel utility bike, but I live where it rains often. You can get as fancy and expensive or as cheap as you'd like with quick release fenders. Around here I've seen everything from $5 recycled plastic snap-on shields to sexy-superlight removable race blades.

[Becky]

I have a dedicated commuter, so the rack has always been permanent. Hubby put the fenders on yesterday and his comment was, "After all that, I'm not taking them off ever!" Evidently, it was a little tedious ;)

I've used those racks that clamp to the seatpost, and I wasn't impressed. It took a tremendous amount of force to clamp that thing tight enough that it didn't slide or wiggle. I'd spend the money on a good bike-friendly bag instead.

[redrhodie]

I don't know how I posted this thread in "new riders". I meant to put it in "gear and accessories". Oh well. That's what I'm like in the morning. Not much good until after 10am!

So, maybe a messenger bag is the way for me to go. I also really like those Acorn bags. Unfortunately, their order time is 6-8 weeks, and I want instant gratification. I guess the most important thing I need a bigger bag for is to carry is a lock of some sort. I just bought a new (1982) road bike yesterday, and the deal is this bike will not be as precious to me (in theory) so I'll be able to put it on the front of the bus, lock it at the gym or store, and ride it in the rain. Knowing me, I'll be too in love to leave it, or risk it getting scratched or rusty, and I'll be in the same boat I'm in now.

It's good to know there are quick release fenders. If anyone has some that they love, please tell me about them, and post a link if you can.

[Zen]

I like the Planetbike Grunge Board (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/7003.html).

I bought this rear fender (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/7000.html) but returned it. It doesn't secure to the seat post and fishtails around.




.

[redrhodie]

Oh, I love "planet bike". Maybe I'll try some of these:

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/7017_2.html

I also ordered an Acorn bag today :D, a small black one, that works either under saddle or on handlebars. 6 weeks though. How can I last? Me want now.

[mimitabby]

my bike has fenders; they are part of it. When we flew to Arizona, my DH left them behind, but we put them back on when we reassembled the bike back in seattle.
And today I became the new owner of a Luna rack. I didn't really want it; but... now my bike is fully outfitted.
and I won't be taking the rack off.

sometimes that backpack on my back gets to be much too heavy.

[Zen]

I think what you really need is more bikes.
One for traveling light, one for riding in the wet, and one for Tuesdays ;)

[redrhodie]

I think what you really need is more bikes.
One for traveling light, one for riding in the wet, and one for Tuesdays ;)

That's what I'm doing :D! I just bought (for a song) a 1982 steel road bike frame this week, and I'm outfitting it to be the bike I can ride in the rain and lock up.

Now i'm thinking I want some fab hammered fenders like these, even though they're not quick release:

http://www.velo-orange.com/ho35fesmha.html

Isn't that a great site, btw? Just found it.

[SouthernBelle]

VO has a blog too. I like to read about the nifty things they make or find.

[redrhodie]

I'm also treating the inside of the frame with this:

http://www.velo-orange.com/wefrsa.html

One of the gentlemen at my LBS did the artwork on the can, too!

[wackyjacky1]

My rack is permanent (that sounds funny... :D ) because a) it was a pain in da butt to install, and b) I use it pretty regularly so there's no sense in doing the on/off thing. I'm personally not a fan of wearing a backpack or messenger bag while I ride, I'd rather let the bike carry the weight for me.

No fenders. Generally speaking we don't get that much rain down here. The rack kinda serves as a fender on the back.

[redrhodie]

So, I got this (the Il postino style) today from dbf!

http://www.vyandelle.com/totes.html

I also ordered a Selle An Atomica in golden brown today for the new bike. The frame is red with white writing, and I'm doing white cork bar tape. the Bob Jackson bike down at the bottom of this page is my inspiration:

http://www.acornbags.com/