guys and dolls,
I'm no expert, but I would have thought that fenders increase the "frontal area" of a bicycle, thus making it less aerodynamic, in the same way that fatter tires cut a bigger hole in the air than narrow ones.
Grant McLean Toronto.Ca
Fenders:
- Why I like them: aerodynamic advantage, look nice, 10 minutes of rain can spoil your ride without fenders - Which ones: Honjo. Lighter than plastic, don't rattle, look nicer, more coverage. Second choice: stainless from France (always shiny, indestructible). Third choice, if you live in a dry place with only occasional rain: Berthoud carbon. Not much lighter, but they fit close-coupled racing bikes. - How to mount: Vintage Bicycle Quarterly No. 2 had an article with photos. It's important to do it right, otherwise, they won't last.
A future article in VBQ will compare different fenders...
Jan Heine
Editor/publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly