Keywords: fender for gravel bike

De-fender ready to order

Gerard Vroomen - 01-Oct-2020
Finally the day is here. SKS in Germany is in the midst of producing our custom blades and stays while our friends at Carbon-Ti are producing custom "mini-axles" to attach to fender to the frame. Both will be delivered to us this month, meaning we can ship them out to you early November. 



But first a step back. We know that many people don't use fenders on our frames, but some do. Our idea with the WIDE was to accommodate the latter without adding ugly fender mounts to offend the former. While it's easy to add some invisible mounts to the fork crown and seatstay/chainstay crown, we weren't too sure about how to do it in the center. 

That is, until we took a closer look at our Carbon-Ti thru-axles. Since they are hollow from the hex key hole through, you can actually fit an old-style quick release inside the through axle. And with that, you could clamp a fender stay onto the frame. That was the low-tech garage version, and eventually it turned into a much nicer & lighter version.

If that sounds complicated, just check out this little video that shows how it works:

 

It's important to note a few things:

  • The fender fights for the same space in the frame as the tire. So installing a fender means you cannot fit as big a tire as you can without.For most riders this will not be a problem because when you think about it, when you ride the sort of muddy terrain that requires the maximum tire size, you're bound to get dirty with or without a fender anyway. Adding a full fender is a great way to turn your WI.DE. into a winter bike.
  • If you're looking to keep the maximum tire clearance and still protect yourself from the worst spray, then something like an Ass Saver or Fender Bendor is a better idea (the latter provides more protection and thanks to the shape of our seatstay crown, it won't affect tire clearance at all. Of course an Ass Saver doesn't either).
  • It's important to note that officially, fenders are designed for tires with no or little profile. Keep that in mind when choosing your winter tire.
  • Careful when ordering the De-Fender from our online store. The complete set consists of the Blades, the Stays and the Mini-axles. We also sell the Blades + Stays and the Mini-axles separately, just in case you lose or damage something. So make sure you order the right set.
  • When you order, you will see "In stock". That's how our store software works, but the fenders won't be in stock until early November. When you check in your cart, you will see this listed correctly.
  • All fenders ship from Germany. For shipments outside of Europe, we use a relatively slow shipping service to keep costs reasonable (fenders are light but relatively bulky to ship). So please allow for approximately 2 weeks of shipping time (and in some cases even longer as Covid still messes up logistics in some parts of the world).

Comments & Questions

OPEN
Is this a wi.de only option? Do they fit an up or upper.
Post #1 of 57. Posted by David Clitherow on 06-Oct-2020 13:25:05 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22647]
OPEN
Curious as well if these will fit the UP?
Post #6 of 57. Posted by Nate Magaret on 06-Oct-2020 15:04:26 GMT in reply to post #1 [22647<--22652]
OPEN
The front fender fits on the U-Turn fork (which is the same on the WIDE and the UP/UPPER). So that you could use. But there is no way to attach the fender to the rear on the UP/UPPER (and also not enough clearance)
Post #8 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 06-Oct-2020 16:39:00 GMT in reply to post #6 [22652<--22654]
OPEN
Not enough clearance even with a tire in the 700x32 to 35 range, with a fender that is narrower that what you are selling for the WIDE? I really really REALLLY would like to get an UP/UPPER. It seems like the absolute ideal bike for me, but fenders are a must.
Post #36 of 57. Posted by Raymond on 31-Dec-2020 17:29:34 GMT in reply to post #8 [22654<--22815]
OPEN
The front fender fits on the U-Turn fork (which is the same on the WIDE and the UP/UPPER). So that you could use. But there is no way to attach the fender to the rear on the UP/UPPER (and also not enough clearance).
Post #7 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 06-Oct-2020 16:38:32 GMT in reply to post #1 [22647<--22653]
OPEN
Could the front perhaps also work on an Exploro flatmount?
Post #16 of 57. Posted by BZE on 07-Oct-2020 02:58:52 GMT in reply to post #7 [22653<--22662]
OPEN
Probably better to wait a few months for that one.
Post #19 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 07-Oct-2020 04:10:53 GMT in reply to post #16 [22662<--22665]
OPEN
Sounds good, thanks
Post #20 of 57. Posted by BZE on 07-Oct-2020 04:13:42 GMT in reply to post #19 [22665<--22666]
OPEN
Thanks for continuing to work on the fenders. Your fenders look clean and elegant at the contact points with the frame. I have modified some SKS fenders for my OpenUp and appreciate the effort it takes to develop these solutions. In my application, I need the rear fender to reduce spray from my rear tire to the rider behind me, so the fender is about 6 inches from the ground for paceline rides (I'm using my OpenUp as my wet bike on the road for 7 months of wet weather in the Pacific North West).
Post #2 of 57. Posted by Greg Carroll on 06-Oct-2020 13:36:27 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22648]
OPEN
Hi Greg, curious about your modification for the rear fender. Are you willing to share your solution?
Post #4 of 57. Posted by Renzo on 06-Oct-2020 13:58:37 GMT in reply to post #2 [22648<--22650]
OPEN
Greg, I also am curious as to how you've done it on the rear of the UP.
Post #14 of 57. Posted by Adrian on 06-Oct-2020 18:02:54 GMT in reply to post #2 [22648<--22660]
OPEN
In reply to Renzo and Adrian. I started with the SKS SpeedRocker fender. I cut off the seat stay supports, extended the fender to its maximum and attached the front of the fender to seat stay with Zip Ties after drilling an extra hole for the Ties and drilled a new attachment location for the wire support. I have pictures, which won't download here, but I will send pictures to anyone requesting @ greglikesbikes1211@gmail.com
Post #24 of 57. Posted by Greg Carroll on 07-Oct-2020 16:54:47 GMT in reply to post #2 [22648<--22670]
OPEN
Really nice, elegant solution to mount fenders. Guess I can use the front fender on my Up as well as it also seems to have a mounting screw in the fork.
Completely unrelated, but very important question; what is the handlebar tape on the WIDE in this video?Perfect color for my Up; subdued neon green
Post #3 of 57. Posted by Renzo on 06-Oct-2020 13:54:21 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22649]
OPEN
Correct, you can use the front fender on the UP U-Turn fork too. Tape is Fizik and a few weeks of sweat.
Post #9 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 06-Oct-2020 16:40:20 GMT in reply to post #3 [22649<--22655]
OPEN
Thanks Gerard; sounds like hard work ??
Post #11 of 57. Posted by Renzo on 06-Oct-2020 17:33:24 GMT in reply to post #9 [22655<--22657]
OPEN
Not a few weeks continuous!
Post #12 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 06-Oct-2020 17:35:55 GMT in reply to post #11 [22657<--22658]
OPEN
Haha, did not even cross my mind; my smiley turned into 2 question marks.
Post #13 of 57. Posted by Renzo on 06-Oct-2020 17:43:52 GMT in reply to post #12 [22658<--22659]
OPEN
and if you can not find the Fizik one there is also the Easton Microfibre tape in green that fits perfect.. Only downside if you ride without gloves like I do then it gets dirty quickly as you can see on those pictures
Post #18 of 57. Posted by Andy Kessler on 07-Oct-2020 03:07:31 GMT in reply to post #3 [22649<--22664]
OPEN
Thank you both for the tape tips!
Any chance you will be selling the front fender seperately? Would be a perfect combination with the speedrocker rear fender for my UP.
Post #26 of 57. Posted by Lucho on 08-Oct-2020 07:17:10 GMT in reply to post #18 [22664<--22672]
OPEN
Hi Lucho, unfortunately we only have it as a set. But we tried to keep the pricing really low so maybe that helps at least a little...
Post #27 of 57. Posted by Andy Kessler on 09-Oct-2020 03:28:49 GMT in reply to post #26 [22672<--22673]
OPEN
Please make these for the UP!
Post #5 of 57. Posted by Michael Swale on 06-Oct-2020 14:04:18 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22651]
OPEN
There are no attachment points nor the clearance on the UP.
Post #10 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 06-Oct-2020 16:40:45 GMT in reply to post #5 [22651<--22656]
OPEN
Hi Gerard! If the clearance on the UP isn't sufficient, won't that be the same problem for the Exploro RaceMax then?
Do you know when the Exploro RM fenderset is coming? :-)
Post #28 of 57. Posted by Joren on 09-Oct-2020 05:39:36 GMT in reply to post #10 [22656<--22674]
OPEN
The seat post is the one with shocks?
Post #15 of 57. Posted by James Rosca on 06-Oct-2020 19:55:13 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22661]
OPEN
Hi James, yes it is. Its from Cane Creek called eeSilk.
Post #17 of 57. Posted by Andy Kessler on 07-Oct-2020 03:04:42 GMT in reply to post #15 [22661<--22663]
OPEN
Awfully short
Post #21 of 57. Posted by Christopher on 07-Oct-2020 07:27:13 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22667]
OPEN
What’s the size difference? I can’t find any description about the sizes - thanks!
Post #22 of 57. Posted by Iain McSpinsalot on 07-Oct-2020 11:49:04 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22668]
OPEN
The size difference refers to your frame size. They are sized to match your frame (the position of the seat stay connection point relative to the chainstay connection point). So you just need to get the size that matches your frame size.
Post #29 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 16-Nov-2020 03:30:40 GMT in reply to post #22 [22668<--22752]
OPEN
Hi guys, what's the compatibility for 650b wheels? I remember a while back you guys said tire size would be unrestricted, is this still true?
Post #23 of 57. Posted by Julien on 07-Oct-2020 12:41:04 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22669]
OPEN
I wouldn't say unrestricted but certainly you can fit bigger 650b tires in than 700c by a wide margin. Hard to give an exact answer given the effect of tire pressure, rim width, manufacturing tolerances of the rubber, etc.
Post #30 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 16-Nov-2020 03:31:47 GMT in reply to post #23 [22669<--22753]
OPEN
Have you tried in on your complete WIDE bike with 2.25 G One allrounder tires?
Post #32 of 57. Posted by colin jones on 17-Nov-2020 17:39:05 GMT in reply to post #30 [22753<--22758]
OPEN
Is there a rough guideline or recommendations to what tire size / type to start with? 700c
Post #41 of 57. Posted by Sam on 04-Jan-2021 14:12:44 GMT in reply to post #30 [22753<--22822]
OPEN
Will these work with 650b set up and 27.5" x 2.4" tires?
Post #25 of 57. Posted by TH on 07-Oct-2020 19:40:05 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22671]
OPEN
Tires are never the size they are labeled at so generic answers are difficult (never mind the effect of rim width, tire pressure, etc) but it would be unlikely to fit.
Post #31 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 16-Nov-2020 03:32:36 GMT in reply to post #25 [22671<--22754]
OPEN
Does this fit the schwalbe 650b all around. Thanks
Post #33 of 57. Posted by Kevin Risos on 23-Nov-2020 19:20:31 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22764]
OPEN
Hi Kevin, final tire size can vary, but that's a relatively big tire so it's unlikely to fit with the recommended clearance from SKS.
Post #34 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 24-Nov-2020 05:26:17 GMT in reply to post #33 [22764<--22765]
OPEN
Has anyone put these on yet?
Interested to hear others experiences.
Have a L Wi.de for which I ordered L/XL De-fender.
My install has been........(think diplomatic thoughts)......challenging.
From "marginal" installation instructions(another kind/diplomatic word) to "wonky"/noncolinear appearance front AND back when applied to the best of my ability following install instructions.
I'm hoping you guys can help me see the light and save this experience as took over a month to get them and shipping wasn't....affordable
Appreciate any help in advance!
Post #35 of 57. Posted by Joe Stone on 27-Dec-2020 17:30:25 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22813]
OPEN
Hi Joe, sorry to hear about the installation challenges. Send me a mail if there is still something I can help you with (andy@opencycle.com) and yes shipping has been a challenge with Covid and Logistics in our warehouse. So sorry for that it is normally not the way how we work.
Post #40 of 57. Posted by Andy Kessler on 04-Jan-2021 09:27:17 GMT in reply to post #35 [22813<--22821]
OPEN
Are these shipping to the US yet?
Post #37 of 57. Posted by Jamie Boyle on 02-Jan-2021 22:12:36 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22817]
OPEN
Yes. Received my in NC a couple weeks back.
Post #38 of 57. Posted by Joe stone on 03-Jan-2021 17:26:21 GMT in reply to post #37 [22817<--22818]
OPEN
Yes they are shipping to the US. They just ship slowly to keep shipping costs reasonable. They're light but not small!!
Post #39 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 04-Jan-2021 03:03:05 GMT in reply to post #37 [22817<--22819]
OPEN
Just got my D-Fenders today. I have a question installing the front fender. Should there be a mounting screw there for me to use? I tried using one of the screws from the top tube to see if that would work, but it was too long and couldn't get the fender to fit with proper clearance. I am thinking that the bolt from the seatstay would work. What is the length of that, and could you send me one? Thanks!
Post #42 of 57. Posted by Derek Emerson on 01-Feb-2021 00:20:40 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22920]
OPEN
Yes, the bolts are shorter for the fenders (both front and rear). We'll send you an email with details.
Post #43 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 01-Feb-2021 03:24:10 GMT in reply to post #42 [22920<--22921]
OPEN
Thanks!!!!
Post #44 of 57. Posted by Derek Emerson on 01-Feb-2021 15:30:32 GMT in reply to post #43 [22921<--22924]
OPEN
Gerard, I haven't received an email yet regarding the bolts. We got a lot a rain coming up this week here in Portland! :)
Post #45 of 57. Posted by Derek Emerson on 01-Feb-2021 23:53:13 GMT in reply to post #43 [22921<--22925]
OPEN
My kit also doesn't have the bolt for the fork. I used one from a bottle cage together with a washer and some Locktite. Seems fine.
Post #47 of 57. Posted by Slim on 02-Feb-2021 10:38:39 GMT in reply to post #42 [22920<--22927]
OPEN
I just mounted the De.Fender on my front fork. There is going to be huge interference between my shoe and the fender. It stick back quite far. I have the stays pushed all the way into the brackets. It seems like there is more space between the tire and fender at the back than at the top. Has anyone else had this issue?
Post #46 of 57. Posted by Slim on 02-Feb-2021 10:37:37 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22926]
OPEN
I see what the issue is now. I have the front fender bolted directly to the underside of the U-turn fork. This defines the angle of the fender relative to the tire that tilts the front of the fender down too much. This tilt means that the back of the fender is draw away from tire and towards the back of the bike. What is needed is an angled shim between the fender and the fork so that the angle of the fender is correct when bolted. Any advice?
Post #48 of 57. Posted by Slim on 03-Feb-2021 03:41:08 GMT in reply to post #46 [22926<--22930]
OPEN
Hi Slim, the underside surface of the fork is concentric with the tire, so both curve the same. But since it is connected in that one point, you can move the fender away from that concentricity by adjusting the the fender stay length. You can shorten the stays, if that creates any problem then let us know via the contact form on the left and we send you a different stay.
Post #49 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 03-Feb-2021 03:52:54 GMT in reply to post #48 [22930<--22931]
OPEN
May I ask if the defender will work with the Enve fork? I purchased the Open x Enve edition, cannot wait to see it. Also any idea when there will be more stock? Thank you
Post #50 of 57. Posted by David Dressler on 05-Feb-2021 03:40:54 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22936]
OPEN
What is the max tire you can use with 650b and the defender?
Post #51 of 57. Posted by Jock deBoer on 24-Oct-2021 23:39:17 GMT in reply to blog [0<--24327]
OPEN
obviously its always difficult as it depends on the tyre brand and profile but most of the 2.1 should work
Post #52 of 57. Posted by Andy Kessler on 25-Oct-2021 03:01:47 GMT in reply to post #51 [24327<--24332]
OPEN
Hey Gerard/Andy!

Thanks so much for all of the comments and support here -- much appreciated. I'm about to order either Rene Herse Barlow Pass (700x38) or Bon Jon (700x35) tires and curious if there would be any potential issues running the Barlow Pass with the de-fenders? Wheels are Campy Shamal's, so 21mm internal. Expensive tires, so I thought to ask before jumping in.

Thanks!

Jamie
Post #53 of 57. Posted by Jamie Shairrick on 11-Nov-2021 12:29:07 GMT in reply to blog [0<--24344]
OPEN
Are the spacers for the mini-axles (to make sure that there is enough space between the closure and the fork/frame) included with the kit?
Post #54 of 57. Posted by Inthewheel on 23-Jun-2022 10:44:33 GMT in reply to blog [0<--24595]
OPEN
Hi all...are these fenders aluminum or plastic?
Post #55 of 57. Posted by Hans on 22-Aug-2022 23:43:59 GMT in reply to blog [0<--24655]
OPEN
Hi Hans, the fenders are CAB, a thermoform polymer plastic.
Post #56 of 57. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 23-Aug-2022 05:08:27 GMT in reply to post #55 [24655<--24656]
OPEN
Hi Gerard,

i have these for my open wi.de, they are beautifully designed and work really well, no rattles on road and do pretty well off road as well. i'm running them with conti terra trail 700 x 40 and the clearance is fine. One rather annoying point is that the front has had to be modified to pick the nose of the guard up to stop rubbing on the tyre. It was a solution from a very good dealer of yours, but it may be worth considering a fix , unless i have one which is mis-shapen.
Post #57 of 57. Posted by Matt on 24-Feb-2023 07:52:21 GMT in reply to post #56 [24656<--24778]
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