Fenders? To be or not to be?

[bigkev81]

Hi gang,

Kev here interwebbing you from down under.


I've currently got my 2stroke 66cc Beach Cruiser which I have just got up and running again and am really enjoying it.
I wanted to spend a bit on bike security, so I bought an AXA Defender wheel lock plus the optional chain that plugs into it for around $110AUD all up plus shipping.

I planned to put the wheel lock on the rear wheel inside the frames triangle, and using the chain to lock onto the front wheel as well as around whatever structure is around to like my bike to.

Only downside is my bike has front and rear fenders. I have already taken the front fender off.

Should I cut into my rear fender and try and fit the lock? Or am I better off removing the rear fenders completely? Or leaving it on and buying some other type of lock?

I've heard somewhere (i think lol) that fenders can be dangerous on motorized bikes and should be removed.

Your input would be gladly appreciated before I pull the dremel out and start cutting into the rear fender.

Cheers
Kev

 

[CrazyDan]

I had a rear fender get curled into a burrito between the wheel and cargo rack. Guess it rattled too much and got snagged. Locked up my rear wheel while I was between a bus and 18 wheeler. Scared the crap out of me, but I made it out unscathed. Needless to say I no longer use fenders.

 

[bakaneko]

Front fender lock up is diasasterous; think flipping and definitely crashing depending on the speed. Rear wheel lock as Crazydan mention usually just result in some skidding to a stop unless you are going into a high speed turn and it happens. I put two levels of fasteners on my fenders. For use I really think the front one is essential otherwise on a wet road my shirt will be wet and muddy in no time. Not very nice to arrive at ur location on mb looking like you rolled in the mud...

 

[butre]

go ahead and use a rear fender. worst case scenario you wreck a wheel and skid to a stop. if a front fender fails you're going endo

 

[CrazyDan]

I'm planning on getting little stubby aftermarket ones eventually, but I live in socal so its not often I have to splash through a puddle. I don't even want to think what would have happened in my situation if my front locked and I endo'd over my handlebars between that bus and big rig...

 

[bigkev81]

okay guys. Thanks for the advice. I've removed the rear fender.
My wheel lock should fit on with no problems now.

I was thinking of putting the front fender back on, but after reading the post here, I will pass.
Such a shame as I think it looks better with them on, but safety first!

I've a Schwinn Stingray copy bike I plan to motorize, but i definitely wanna keep the fenders on that bike. I hope I don't have those issues with that bike later on.

 

[JunkyardDog]

I would just get rid of the fenders. They really don't serve any purpose unless you are riding in the rain. Most bikes don't have fenders. They are mostly there for looks, and even on a pedal only bike they rattle like crazy.

 

[Frankfort MB's]

I would just get rid of the fenders. They really don't serve any purpose unless you are riding in the rain. Most bikes don't have fenders. They are mostly there for looks, and even on a pedal only bike they rattle like crazy.

Why has every thread I've seen you comment on your saying something negative?
It's their bike, let them do as they please

 

[butre]

I would just get rid of the fenders. They really don't serve any purpose unless you are riding in the rain. Most bikes don't have fenders. They are mostly there for looks, and even on a pedal only bike they rattle like crazy.

if you don't think fenders do anything you must be a fair weather rider

they're also good for riding off road. ever see an MTBer with a strip of mud all the way up his back?

 

[JunkyardDog]

Yes I am a fair weather rider, I live in Phoenix, AZ. As for being negative, I am only negative about dangerous things. I don't want someone to get killed or seriously injured or killed because of problems like fenders, those clamp on chain tensioners (which almost got me killed) rag joint rear sprockets, and riding without front brakes. I have ridden an MTB through mud, and got covered in mud. It's part of the deal. It's a lot easier to take a shower and wash your clothes than it is to clean all the mud off the bike. They can certainly do as they please, but I at least want to let them know of the danger involved. If they still get hurt, it's their problem.

I belong to several scooter and motorcycle forums, and get the same negative stuff from them, because I refuse to wear an Apollo moon suit while riding. I ride in city traffic, and 80 mph on the freeway. The only safety gear I wear is a full face DOT approved helmet. Been doing that for 40 years without a scratch. That lucky streak might end tomorrow. But I refuse to ride all bundled up like the Michelin man. It would no longer be enjoyable. But they feel they have to warn me anyway, which doesn't really bother me, unless they become all self righteous about it.