SKS fender advice for Surly LHT

[bikewriter]

I've got a (rockin') 54cm Surly LHT with 26x1.5 tires. I'd like to install SKS Chromoplastic Fenders, but I'm having difficulty finding consensus on the right size. I originally ordered P50s for their 55mm width, but overlooked checking the rest of the specs (dumb! dumb!) only to find out P50s are sized for 700c.

I did more homework and found out SKS makes two models sized for 26" tires: P55 and P65. I read a review of the P55s from a guy who has the exact same Surly set up, and he said that the P55s were still sized incorrectly for a 26" tire. I've seen other forum folks running P65s on their Surlys, but even with loaded touring, I can't see needing an extra 15mm of width--not to mention that some people say the fork pinches the fender a little.

Anyone have thoughts on this? Do I buy the P65s? Try the P55s in spite of the single review I read? Retrofit the P50s I bought by hacking off some of the length of the stays?

Thanks, gang!

[canonsue]

I wish I could help, but I have Planet Bike fenders on my LHT. However, I would post this question on the Surly Owners Group (http://groups.google.com/group/SurlyLHT/). There was a recent thread about fenders for LHT's.

-Sue

[bikewriter]

Thanks, Sue! I appreciate it!

[DebW]

I have those fenders on my Peter Mooney touring/commuting bike with 26" wheels. My tires are 26x1.3". When I run my 26x1.5" tires, I have to remove the fenders. Not sure which model mine are, but they measure 60 mm across. I had to cut notches into the fenders for the fork blades and brake calipers. Turned out the neatest way to cut the notches was with a round file. The chromoplastic is soft enough to file through fairly easily. I could post pictures of mine if it helps.

I wouldn't use the ones made for 700c wheels. The curvature will be wrong even if you force it with the stays.

[fidlfreek]

Custom fenders girl. Thats what you need :) Get them made for the biggest tire you can imagine using and then a smaller tire will work fine too.
http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp190/fidlfreek/DSC00284.jpg

These were custom made (by Sykes) for my 1X1s 26 inch wheel (with a touring tire). Just be sure to tell the maker exactly what tire you're using, what brakes, space between the tire and frame, type of bike etc. Then they will be EXACTLY what you need :) Here is a link to the special fitting section (http://www.sykeswoodfenders.com/sykeswoodfenders/fitting_issues.html) of my fender maker's website. This explores other more complicated issues than you have, but worth a look.