Crud Catcher Road Racer MK2 Fender Set

My comments precisely mirror what WestoverSlacker has already written, right down to the rear section of my rear fender falling off on my second ride. The fenders are very light and unobtrusive, but certainly a chore to install, and they do seem a bit fragile. The plastic fenders and stays need to be more rigid, and the hardware needs improvement. Plastic lock washers would be a massive upgrade in preventing the plastic nuts from jettisoning themselves from the fender during a ride. I have to wonder how much these were tested on rougher roads.

Also, my e-mail to CrudCatcher for support went unanswered, which is always a bummer.

I have a real schizophrenic reaction to these- on the one hand they are the best fenders for riding at speed I've ever used- I can't usually even tell that they are on the bike, little or no drag, no rattling. Water coverage is also good, but for close group ridingpaceline you might want to add a small extension on the back fender.

The down side- construction and materials are very cheap. About the quality of plastic you'd find in a cheap kids toy at a 99 cent store. Fitting them on can also be a rite of passage for some bikes- cutting and deforming of pieces may be needed. I wasnt too bothered by these until I was following close behind another rider with 'em, when a cheap plastic nut shook loose and part of the fender fell off. Fluke? -No, as mine did the same a week later.

If you love'em, you say they areminimalist sub-200 grams but excellent coverage. You forget you're on your rain bike, except you're not getting that wet. If you hate'em, you say they are finicky and fragile. I'm in the love'em camp, but admit that set-up requires care. I fully accept the trade-off of slightly flimsy for light and clean - clean bike and clean looks. The self-centering effect of the tiny, nearly frictionless brushes that ride the rims are unique and functional. Although both front and rear fenders extend quite low, you may want to add a four to six inch buddy flap on the back, if you frequently ride pace-lines.