Rack and Fenders for Gravel?

[JimF22003]

I have an underused Specialized Tri-Cross that I have set up with a rack and fenders. I was planning to use it for commuting and light touring, but I don’t really use it for that very often. I want to use it a little more for gravel grinding stuff. I’ve done a few rides on gravel with it this way, and it’s fine, but it’s pretty rattly and heavy with the fenders and rack.

I will probably remove the rack for sure. I don’t really care about getting wet or muddy on these kinds of rides. Is there any other advantage you can think of for keeping the fenders?

Topic

[cyclingfool]

Helping to keep the mud, muck, and grime out of your drivetrain (and you and your clothes)…

[dkel]

They’re cool?

[vvill]

I’d remove them if I rode the bike on gravel rides more. Greater benefit from removing the source of the rattling/excess weight.

I just use a removable rear fender on my CX bike since I ride it recreationally as often as for commuting. I really should split those duties though… hmmmm….

[JimF22003]

I can always put ’em back on I guess. I don’t guess anything will make the bike feel as light as a road bike.

[hozn]

I would be concerned about sticks or road debris (or rough roads) breaking your fenders. I have broken plastic (SKS) fenders when detouring onto the W&OD horsey trail during construction in the past, so I am wary about rampaging with fenders. I also run my fenders very close, so riding over stuff that sticks to the tire (sand, little rocks, etc.) causes lots of scraping sounds. I’d definitely take them off. I have my fender install/removal down to about a 5-10 minute activity now; I keep considering getting something like a Race Blade to take that down even further, but I do love the full coverage on days like today.

[rpiretti]

Hey Jim, not sure if you have had fenders for a while or not but it’s good to have 10mm or so between the tire and fender so a rock can slip thru. If not, your tire might jam. I’ve loved grinding with my fenders and racks…the extra weight might do you some good to keep your line a little easier but I could be totally wrong on that.

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[KelOnWheels]

@JimF22003 74688 wrote:

I don’t really care about getting wet or muddy on these kinds of rides. Is there any other advantage you can think of for keeping the fenders?

It sounds really cool when a rock bounces around the inside of your metal fenders.

[KelOnWheels]

Also you are perhaps less likely to shoot the person behind you in the face with a rock.

Although I should not care about this, because on gravel grinders everyone is in front of me

[JimF22003]

OK, I’m going nekkid.

[Author]

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