UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023
Every bike and setup is different, so please keep that in mind when thinking about fenders. But most fenders are NOT a problem at all!
The tire spool–at the end of the arm that grabs the tire–must hug the tires above the horizontal mid-line of the wheel. While the spool is adjustable, placing it at 45 degrees is the optimal position, giving equal forward and downward force to secure the bike. Keep this in mind as you read on about fender solutions.
If your fender is short and does not come down as far as the tire spool, then there is no issue and you need not do anything differently than you would with a bike that doesn’t have a fender. Also, plastic fenders are flexible and can generally take the shape of the tire beneath the spool. Some fenders flair out and up at the end and it is possible to tuck the spool that grabs the tire right up under the fender.
If, however, the fender extends beyond the 45 degree tire spool position and/or is made of steel, there are a few different solutions to try.
First, when pressing the tire spool against your fender, it is not necessary to use as much pressure as one would use when compressing directly onto the tire. In other words, you will not compromise your fender because you will not use as much force. You can also place some pipe insulation tubing (from your local hardware store) around the tire spool itself to minimize scratching of the fender. The pipe insulation would be 2 inch diameter with 1 inch diameter hole.
We have also seen customers place additional pipe insulation or a cut section of a pool noodle between the tire and the fender. This will help maintain the shape of the fender and prevent it from rubbing against the tire.
It is possible (and easy) to lower the tire spool along the arm. Doing so changes the contact point on the tire and often results in it sitting lower than or tucked under the fender. Lowering the tire spool will change the angle of the arm, so be sure to check that it is still around the optimal 45 degrees.
Additionally, we recommend using the Wheel Strap accessory as another contact point. These are helpful for bikes with fenders that hang below the optimal 45 degrees
All of these recommendations hold true for fat tire bikes as well.
You may reach out to us for further support when you receive the rack and we can help you troubleshoot if it is not working for you.
NOTE: Sorry, but we are not responsible for any damage to fenders due to these suggestions and your usage of them.
Category:
Specs and Fitment