Fenders

[GLC1968]

Wow...so fenders really do keep one that much dryer? VERY interesting!

Oh, and Carrie Anne...that totally makes sense about protecting the bike as well. I hadn't thought about that!

[Eden]

plus, if you ever intend to ride with someone else and it is raining a nice pair of fenders with a good buddy flap (an extra flap attached to the rear fender, generally homemade, sometimes from half a water bottle) will make the whole experience much nicer and cleaner for them.

[velogirl]

Or, if you're riding on wet roads (post-rain) and you won't get wet from rain, fenders will prevent getting wet from splash.

In groups, fenders are pretty much required during wet weather. Nothing worse than trying to sit on someone's wheel and getting sprayed.

And fenders are great for putting reflective tape on!!!

[light_sabe_r]

I'm not getting a wet butt anymore since I got mine. I'd wait at work for the rain to stop only to get a soaked backside anyway. it's made a huge difference to my comfort level.

I've got one of those quick release detachable ones. My main grief with it is it moves around a LOT.

[MomOnBike]

On a recumbent a front fender prevents you from getting a lap or face full of Gawd Only Knows What The back one keeps the stripe off the backside of your head.

[Geonz]

Fenders are IMO more important for commuting than long rides - street grunge is grungier! And... what everybody else said too :-) and they help add to one's Fred Factor~

[SadieKate]

Fenders are IMO more important for commuting than long rides - street grunge is grungier! And... what everybody else said too :-) and they help add to one's Fred Factor~

Hey,speak for your own roads. You ever raced on rainy rural roads during tomato harvest? Fenders sure would have been nice.