Fenders

Fenders are a good thing. No doubt about it. I have them on all my bikes. HOWEVER, I must add a caveat.

While we were riding the GAP Trail, Cindy and I both picked up sticks between our fenders and tires. In both cases, the sticks got caught enough to pop the quick-release mechanism on the fender spars. (I had added QRs to Cindy's fenders before this trip.) In Cindy's case, the stick stayed wedged, and it actually caused the fender to fold  until it was completely doubled under. Because it's plastic reinforced with metal, it didn't break, and it was bend-backable. However, I didn't remount it. What if it had happened on the 24-mile downhill while we were going 15 mph? I left the fender off the rest of the trip. When I remount it, I'm going to be sure there is at least 1/2" (maybe more) between the fender and the tire.

We have picked up sticks this way both trips. It seems to happen only on the soft surface, perhaps because the tires are stickier.