Andy Johnston has been a mountain biker and a professional for over 20 years. In that time he has logged in more road miles than dirt miles, many in the rain. Some rides would even start in the rain during his peak years as a pro, but the race bike was never suitable for fenders.
Not everyone who owns a racing road bike also owns a rain bike. The downside of a racing bike is that there is no room to mount traditional fenders in the event of a downpour. Fenders of any sort make your ride more enjoyable by keeping the road spray off your body and much of your bike. When it looks like rain, just pop on your SKS Raceblade fenders on the way out and be assured you will stay more comfortable.
The SKS Raceblade Fenders make it possible to quickly mount fenders on a wide variety of road bikes. Thanks to the quick mount system you can install and remove the fenders tool-free. Set-up is so simple you might not even need the directions.
The rubber mounting pads protect the frame from scratches, and is the only part attached to the bike. The fender can be attached via the rubber bungies, or can be more permanently attached with zip ties. The simplicity of the design allows it to fit most frame/fork configurations. A heavy gauge rigid wire suspends the fender securely and attaches with two rubber bungies on each side. Still, the roughest roads cannot rattle these fenders.
Even with the ease of removal the rider is tempted to just leave them on when not needed. The slim shape, light weight and silent running of the SKS fenders make these stealthy enough that they could easily go unnoticed all the time. The Raceblade fenders do not provide the protection that a full-coverage bolt-on fender would. A little spray can be thrown forward and blow back on your hands from the front tire, and from the back tire spray could get by the seat tube and hit your feet. The compromise is that the rider gets to keep his race bike and add the benefit of fenders.
Visually these are very attractive fenders; the short lines and compact shape set them apart from the traditional commuter set-up, finally fenders are cool!
• Quick release design
• Stainless steel hardware
• 235g
• 35 mm width
• silver, black, carbon, or white color available
• will fit 700c wheels equipped with tires ranging in size from 18c-23c
• $55-$60 msrp
Comments