Comments on: SKS RaceBlade Clip-on Fenders

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:07 +0000

for extra coverage on the front and read fenders I have cut strips of plastic bottles and attached them to the end of the fenders. You can use zipties or poprivets, like extended mudflaps to keep the guy behind you from eating spray, and your shoes dryer from spray coming off the front wheel. As far as the inside triangle on the rear, ride faster.

By: Darell

Darell — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:25:55 +0000

A question for you folks who are using these on 23c tires: Does it make more sense to go with the XL for more width and less fine-tuning, or are the skinny ones good enough?

Oh.. and who runs 18c tires, btw? Show of hands?

By: Elliott @ Austin On Two Wheels

Elliott @ Austin On Two Wheels — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 06:57:11 +0000

I reviewed the SKS Race Blade fenders a few months ago, and this summary is pretty accurate. They protect your upper body from the worst of the spray but are no where near as good as conventional, full fenders. They'd definitely be a godsend in group rides on a rainy day, but I'm not sure they'd get you on your daily commute totally dry. Still, for bikes that can't handle conventional fenders, they are your best choice.

By: Kevin Saunders - KGS Bikes

Kevin Saunders - KGS Bikes — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:27:38 +0000

I use these fenders and think that they are great. I do wish they were a little longer in both front and back but don’t mind the fact that they don’t go in front of the rear brake bridge. Having relief from the sandy wet ass on long wet rides is fantastic.

I do use zip ties and once adjusted, the fenders go on in a couple of minutes.

There is still no solution for the fact that everyone wants to draft me and I get nasty from the person in front with no fenders!

By: SJ

SJ — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:13:25 +0000

I’ve used zip ties instead of the rubber straps. I don’t have any issue with the fenders moving position. Of course you lose the quick removal, but I don’t mind, just leave them on all the time.

By: RocBike.com | The RocBike Review » Links of the Day: March 18, 2009

RocBike.com | The RocBike Review » Links of the Day: March 18, 2009 — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:45:09 +0000

[...] SKS RaceBlade Clip-on Fenders – protection from puddles for road bikes with tight wheel clearances or lacking fender mounts. [...]

By: Francois

Francois — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:33:13 +0000

I fully agree with Critninja, no matter you do, the straps are constantly sliding down the fork and seatstays, especially on bumpy downhills. It’s OK if you need them from time to time, but not for everyday commuting during spring or autumn…

By: Bryan @ Renaissance Bicycles

Bryan @ Renaissance Bicycles — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:28:15 +0000

I was a little reluctant to try these on my skinny-tired commuter bike. I had low-cost “plasticy” fenders on a mountain bike a while ago and was disappointed the fender rattle, tire slap, and constant need for adjustment. Bottom line … they were just cheap and not suited to the constant “shock” of off-road riding.

However, I still needed some fenders for my commuter bike which has zero clearance and lacks mounts. And after riding these fenders over the winter, they are exactly what I hoped. These fenders are lightweight, attractive, good quality, and resilient.

I found the installation really simple. After installing many traditional fenders for customers (which usually takes at least an hour), I had these in place in about 20 minutes. Apparently, your mileage may vary.

From my experience, if you don’t have the ideal option of traditional quality fenders (either because of clearance and / or lack of mounts), then I highly recommend the SKS Raceblade.

By: critninja

critninja — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:08:13 +0000

i have a couple observations having used these for a few years now:

- the rear fender stays may contact the canti studs on a cross frame, making it difficult to get the proper positioning to prevent rubbing
- curved seat stays can pose an issue as well
- bladed forks pose a problem in keeping the fender centred (sounds like the newer versions you tested have addresses this)
- you can secure the fenders in position by installing a small sheet metal screw through the underside of the fender into the black “knuckle” preventing the fender from shifting around
- i have found the rubber straps still move no matter how tight you make them

on a ride last week i finally had enough of the constant rubbing and adjustment issues and removed them mid-ride – tossing them in the garbage. i have settled on a seatpost mounted SKS fender for the time being.

if SKS could make the frame “clamps” more sturdy i think they would have a winning combo – maybe a hose-clamp type fitting found on many light brackets could offer a more secure attachment.

having said all that, damn! – those white fenders are pimpin’!

By: brad

brad — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:49:43 +0000

You may be able to, but even if you could why not just purchase conventional fenders. SKS makes those too. The smallest size fits a 20mm tire.

http://www.sks-germany.com/sks.php?l=en&a=product&i=6409800121