I like a motorbike with a set of full fenders that boasts a good fender line. And though I dwell in Southern California, the place we don’t get quite a lot of rain (although it’s raining proper now), I run my present Randonneuring bike with full protection fenders. So, when Portland Design Works (PDW) despatched us its Full Steel Fenders for evaluation, I used to be excited to strive them out.
However, you’re most likely asking, why me … why the editor who lives the place the annual rainfall is lower than 11 inches yearly?
Sure, the very fact is, I don’t actually need my bikes to have fenders, however I like the look of my Rando bike with full-coverage fenders … and take a gander at that fender line. Ooh, la, la!
Again in November, I obtained a pair of Portland Design Works Full Steel Fenders. I obtained the 700×55 dimension in anodized black aluminum. I unboxed them, tossed the packaging, and put them apart for a bit. I didn’t get to put in them till later within the month.
After I lastly obtained round to getting them put in on my bike, I’d forgotten that I obtained the 700c model and proceeded to put in them on my Rando, 650b bike. It was my mistake, however they really put in… high-quality. The one situation I had was that I obtained the model of the fenders with out the “disc brake adaptor.”
Seems there’s solely a disc brake adaptor possibility on the 650 Beast 55mm when ordering the fender kits. Which is a bit ironic as that’s the dimension I ought to’ve obtained. On the opposite fender package sizes, it appears to be like like it’s a must to add the Disc Brake Spacer Set individually. I really assumed that every one fender kits would have some kind of disc brake adaptor included with them these days. And, I nonetheless assume that every one fenders ought to.
Moreover having to make some snips to the stays, and a slight mod to the way in which the entrance fender attaches to the bike (utilizing the mid-blade fork mount as an alternative), the Full Steel Fenders have been put in with none points. Even with the wheel dimension distinction.
The directions have been effectively listed out and defined the steps effectively. It got here with all the chrome steel {hardware} I wanted (sans the disc brake adaptor).
Shortly after I put in the fenders, our wet season was upon us. I obtained to make use of the fenders for what they have been meant for this final month or so, as we’ve been getting an honest quantity of rain (for my space) so it labored out completely.
I managed to get in just a few rides proper after 2-3 consecutive days of rain, plus obtained caught in a small storm on the tail finish of one other trip. As anticipated, the full-wrap Full Steel Fenders did their job rather well, maintaining the mud and water from flying up into my face, throughout my sneakers, or up my again finish. The included extended-length mud flaps added to the fenders’ capacity.
As a bonus, the fenders stored the water away from the uncooked (though handled) underside of the leather-based saddle.
I did discover that the PDW Full Steel Fenders, within the 55mm dimension measured true to dimension at 54.9. Which they are saying will match a 47mm tire max. By comparability, my polished Velo Orange fenders measured out to 59.4, which match a easy tread 50mm tire with out situation. In that case, you’ll need the PDW 650 Beast fenders which measure 65mm.
I actually appreciated the way in which that the black fenders seemed on the black bike and thought they seemed fairly boss. However, I’ve to say, I do want the added 5mm width and rounded look of the polished fenders, no less than for this bike — it retains the basic Rando bike aesthetic.
I take my absolutely fendered Rando bike on quite a lot of mixed-surface rides from lengthy, quick, fireplace roads to the very occasional steep, technical descents to quick buffed singletrack. And the Full Steel Fenders carried out utterly noise- and rattle-free (one thing my different fenders don’t do).
The fenders connect to the bike with security tabs making certain that if a rock or particles will get sucked into the fender line to get caught between the tire and fender, the fender will break away.
The double rear stays that come on these fenders are like evening and day on the subject of how a lot rattling and noise they made when using off the overwhelmed path. They have been quiet, with the rear fender barely having the ability to be manipulated or moved by hand whereas the bike is standing nonetheless.
Conclusion
The Portland Design Works Full Steel Fenders are a terrific addition for the rider who has to take care of the climate whereas using, a commuter who desires to remain clear on the way in which to the workplace, or a bicycle owner who simply thinks fenders look sick on bicycles.
The fender package weighs in at 694 g for the mannequin I obtained (700×55). These are a well-thought-out set of fenders that got here with the whole lot I wanted to have a profitable set up (simply choose the proper brake configuration). When you have been having points getting the right match, PDW affords a Particular {Hardware} Equipment to assist with that.
Portland Design Works Full Steel Fenders are available in a dimension to suit nearly each body’s clearance. I extremely advocate them.
At $139, the fenders include a lifetime PDW guarantee.
Try all of PDW’s merchandise by clicking the hyperlink beneath.
