Spent $80 on a set of fenders for my commuter and wish I'd done it sooner

Rode through 3 months of wet mornings before I caved and bought a set of SKS raceblades. I was stubborn thinking a rain jacket was enough but my back was always soaked with road spray. The fenders cost me $80 at a shop in Portland and after the first ride in drizzle I felt like an idiot for waiting. No more soggy pants or that gross grit on my laptop bag. Has anyone else found a cheaper set that actually holds up to daily use?

2 comments

2 Comments

luna_green2d ago

Oh man, I totally feel this... I read somewhere that fenders actually cut down on tire spray getting kicked up into your drivetrain too, which makes your chain last longer. I've been putting off buying them forever but stories like yours and @charlesowens are making me rethink it. Might check out those Planet Bike ones since I'm on a tighter budget. The soggy laptop bag thing hits close to home, I commute with my tablet and I hate that gross road grime feeling on it after a wet ride.

charlesowens2d ago

$80 is insane for some fenders, I got a pair of Planet Bike Cascadias for like $35 and they've been solid for two years now. But hey, if they keep your laptop bag clean, that's money well spent for sure!