Okay now... fenders!?

[Kpi890]

Getting ready to finally start on a new build on a Wally World Nel Lusso 26” cruiser. Like many other inexpensive bikes on here it has the full front and back fenders. They’re made and mounted pretty cheaply and I know it’s an accident waiting to happen. I searched the forums for “fenders” and read through 4 full pages of threads showing a lot of injuries and horror stories, and that’s what I’m trying to avoid. With all that said does anyone have any pics of a very safe way to mount these fenders or links to any decent looking inexpensive fenders that will work and not buckle up under the tire at high speeds/vibrations? I really like the look of the fenders on this bike but do not want to risk anything going wrong leading to an injury.

 

[crassius]

I will sometimes cut small squares of old inner tube & poke a hole in middle to use as rubber washers on both sides of fender mounting bolts - leaving fender just a bit loose on these will often be enough, but keep a good eye on them for a while

when this doesn't seem to be working, I'll cut some heavier steel and replace the thin hangers for the fenders (still left just a bit loose)

 

[Kpi890]

I will sometimes cut small squares of old inner tube & poke a hole in middle to use as rubber washers on both sides of fender mounting bolts - leaving fender just a bit loose on these will often be enough, but keep a good eye on them for a while

when this doesn't seem to be working, I'll cut some heavier steel and replace the thin hangers for the fenders (still left just a bit loose)

By mounting bolts do you mean where they bolt to the frame as in the second photo? From what I’ve read the real death trap is the bolts inside the fenders that secure the two side straps that gets caught during a bump or vibration like in the first photo.

 

[crassius]

2nd photo - that keeps fender from dropping onto tire

 

[Kpi890]

2nd photo - that keeps fender from dropping onto tire

Okay I can reinforce that but I thought most people were having issues with either the front or back fender catching towards the rear of the tires and then burrito-ing up into the frame? And does leaving them a bit loose keep the vibration down or something? Leaving anything on this bike a bit loose makes me nervous ha.

 

[crassius]

that thin tab there will rip right across due to vibration - I use an extra gas tank mounting strap cut in half if I want it tight

 

[curtisfox]

that thin tab there will rip right across due to vibration - I use an extra gas tank mounting strap cut in half if I want it tight

I use 1/8" thick straps, some guys have used them under the fender were that tab goes also, with extra bolts holding it on, above and below were the tab goes on. And for what its worth i went ACE got some #10 stainless button head bolts and nuts, also internal star lock washers. ( look a lot better then the slotted head screws, easier to tighten also..............Curt


Couple aluminum ones i made, friction drive bike.

 

[CrazyDan]

What's with the gap in the rear fender, do you like a small rooster tail out the back ?

 

[curtisfox]

LOL< friction drive, look close and the fender is mounted to the special motor mount of full suspension bike, another shot........Curt

all apart now, paint and motor work, and another build got in the way. Finish this summer.......Curt

 

[CrazyDan]

Oh I see. Not bad at all.