This winter, I decided that I needed to do whatever I could to protect my chain, downtube, and bottom bracket from all the salt and road spray.
So, I rigged up a DIY fender extender and have been riding with it for months now.
After every ride, I do tend to wipe my chain and any parts that got sprayed, but I’m blown away by how clean the bike stays simply by having that front fender extender.
The photo shows the fender extender, held in place using duct tape (didn’t want to drill holes in the fender, although, some fenders are designed so fender extenders can be put on easily). It’s held like this through numerous puddles and all kinds of weather, so “it works”. Make it out of a plastic file folder, which I got from Walmart for a few dollars. I can probably make another 3 out of the single file folder.
The only downside I see, which can probably be tweaked by trimming the extender to mitigate it, is that it causes more drag as it acts like a mini sail that’s always working against you. LOL I’m not racing with this bike, so it’s a small sacrifice for keeping it clean! I’m sure someone more crafty could come up with a design that could be easily removed, although, my setup only requires you to pull the tape off. Easy enough.
It’s the back of the front wheel, which is why it looks weird I think. Thought it was supposed to be the front of the front!
yeah what got me was that it’s actually not on the bike. with the other bike in the frame I thought “oh they are working in/ tuning up all their bikes”, thinking this was just the front wheel of another bike (out of frame).
It’s on the bike, the tire is just turned a bit too the side so that the back of the tire is more prominent since that’s where the fender extension is. The frame and rear tire visible are for this bike
Oh chicken fried christ I see it now.