If you ride in the rain, snow or mud then you already know how messy your clothing is when you get home. One way to minimize (but not entirely eliminate) the mess is the put both front and rear fenders on your bike. I have several sets of bicycle fenders hanging on the walls of my garage, but the two I use the most are the Topeak DeFender RX and Topeak DeFender FX fenders (the RX is the rear fender and the FX is the front fender). These fenders are designed for 26″ mountain bikes.
Topeak DeFender RX Bicycle Fenders
The Topeak DeFender RX rear fender is made from impact resistant plastic and attaches to your seat tube with a quick release locking mechanism (one size fits all). The RX weighs about seven ounces and measures 22” x 4” x 6”. The underside of the fender is highly polished to help shed mud. However, if you want any fender to shed mud and snow better just spay the underside with PAM non-stick cooking spray (you probably have a can of it in your kitchen already). Since this fender is almost always used when it is raining I added a few strips of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Tape on the sides to make it easier for cars to see me in low-light situations (I wish Topeak would add this tape to their fenders at the factory). The angle of this fender is adjustable so you should be able to use it on almost any 26″ mountain bike.
The only problem I’ve had with the DeFender RX is the tightening mechanism (a nylon webbed strap). The problem is that if there is not enough friction on the seat tube to keep the nylon strap from moving the fender a bit from side to side. The solution is real easy: just cut a strip of rubber from an old bicycle inner tube and put it under the strap (old inner tubes have a lot of uses).
Topeak DeFender FX Bicycle Fenders
The Topeak DeFender FX fender attaches to the front fork (fits 19.6–26 mm steerer tubes). This fender weighs a little over six ounces and measures 23” x 3.5” x 6.3”. Like the RX rear fender, the FX has a highly polished underside. The quick release mechanism for this fender allows you to add or remove the fender in a matter of seconds. However, the first time you put it on it will take about five minutes to adjust (I keep the attaching mechanism on my mountain bike all the time).
The Topeak DeFender RX rear fender retails for $15, and the Topeak DeFender FX front fender retails for $13. Your local bike shop probably has both fenders in stock. However, if you have trouble finding them they are also available on Amazon.com.
Jeff Katzer
November 7, 2012 at 9:19 AM
I like the “spray Pam on the inside of the fender” tip. Thanks.
All Seasons Cyclist
November 7, 2012 at 12:05 PM
PAM works great in mud or snow. My wife made me buy my own can for the garage — for some strange reason she didn’t want me taking the can from the pantry.
tinman2ironman
November 7, 2012 at 9:31 AM
can you recommend one for my tri bike?
All Seasons Cyclist
November 7, 2012 at 12:03 PM
I have the SKS Raceblade XL Road Fenders on one road bike and it works well, and a set of the Topeak DeFender R1 and R2 fenders on another road bike. They both install in just a few seconds. Both products are designed to fit fairly close to the tire itself, so they are only for use in the rain, not snow or mud. The only downside is that you will notice a bit of drag at higher speeds — but that is still better than having a streak of mud and road grime up your back.
tinman2ironman
November 7, 2012 at 1:14 PM
thanks, If I am riding in the rain, speed and drag are not generally at the top of my concerns. 🙂
Andy
June 30, 2013 at 3:09 PM
which is the best overall out of the 2 if you had to choose one.
All Seasons Cyclist
June 30, 2013 at 10:54 PM
SKS Raceblade XL Road Fenders
Joboo
November 7, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Nice!! keeping road/trail grime off can be an issue at times!!
Also………. for anyone with a fat bike, as i know the author is a proud owner of one!! 😉
Check these out……. http://fat-bike.com/2012/10/fender-review-pdw-daves-mud-shovels/
Way way overkill for the skinny tired crowd 😉 but thought some would like to see how the half does it!! Lol
Peace
All Seasons Cyclist
November 7, 2012 at 11:53 AM
I have the new PDW Mud Shovels in my garage, but can’t write the review until we get some snow so I can try them out. However, they look great at the moment!
meganjanicke
November 7, 2012 at 4:43 PM
I just wanted you to know that I am finally upgrading to brighter bike lights and reflectors and I went first to your blog for direction. Thanks again for your product reviews!
All Seasons Cyclist
November 7, 2012 at 4:56 PM
Thank you so much for the note! Have fun!
Irish Katie
November 11, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Oh … I like those …
All Seasons Cyclist
November 11, 2012 at 8:40 PM
Anything that keeps the mud off your clothing is a good deal…
kathrinjapan
November 12, 2012 at 4:12 AM
Can you spray Pam on the top of the fender to keep your long jackets and skirts from getting caught? I ‘ve been so wanting to get a rear fender! My dry cleaners are making a fortune.
All Seasons Cyclist
November 12, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Spraying PAM on top of the fender would probably work, but you would still have a dry cleaning bill to get the PAM off your skirt! 🙂 Since I have never tried to ride a bike while in a skirt I am afraid I can’t offer a suggestion to help you (and let’s face it, I wouldn’t look very good in a skirt anyway).