Cheap stock fenderable frame

[T.J.]

Is there any cheap aluminum or steel frames you guys know of that have eyelets fenders? I have been wanting one but the last three days of rain has revived my desire. I have ridden everyday but the half fenders are...well...half assed

[eddief]

soma ES

http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/es

almost rediculously inexpensive on sale now:

http://store.somafab.com/somasmoothiees.html

Is there any cheap aluminum or steel frames you guys know of that have eyelets fenders? I have been wanting one but the last three days of rain has revived my desire. I have ridden everyday but the half fenders are...well...half assed

[T.J.]

soma ES

http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/es

almost rediculously inexpensive on sale now:

http://store.somafab.com/somasmoothiees.html


Def some cheap options there, thanks!


Also kicking around the idea of sks raceblades...anybody use them?

[mike p]

Some English co. (ribble?) made an AL frame with eyelets for fenders. Bike was specifically made for winter training and was cheap if I recall 300.-400? Maybe someone can remember and chime in?

Mike

[christian]

Kinesis TK2 and TK3. Sizing sucks though.

[christian]

Btw I think the best option is the Black Mtn Cycles road.

[559Rando]

How cheap? Look at SOMA, Rawland, Black Mountain Cycles, Surly, Salsa. And a lot of older sport touring frames will have 'em, too.

[JAGI410]

Btw I think the best option is the Black Mtn Cycles road.

Yup. I really want one.

[JAGI410]

Also kicking around the idea of sks raceblades...anybody use them?

They aren't real fenders. They might help keep you from getting a skunk stripe up the back, but they are not a replacement for proper full coverage fenders. If you want a fendered bike, do it right. Planet Bike Cascadias or SKS Longboards or Honjo/Velo Orange.

[keevon]

Surly Pacer. Can't recommend it highly enough.

As for fenders, don't bother with the Raceblades. Why would you get a frame with eyelets, and then use crappy clip-on fenders? Mount a pair of long, full-coverage, plastic or aluminum fenders and leave 'em on. Far better coverage, more durability, and quieter.

[T.J.]

Surly Pacer. Can't recommend it highly enough.

As for fenders, don't bother with the Raceblades. Why would you get a frame with eyelets, and then use crappy clip-on fenders? Mount a pair of long, full-coverage, plastic or aluminum fenders and leave 'em on. Far better coverage, more durability, and quieter.

I was thinking race blades for my non eyelet FireFly

[Mr Cabletwitch]

I used to ride a Soma Smoothie ES and ran full fenders. Great bike loved it only reason i got rid of it was to go to a cross check so I could run Cantis for cross season and to be able to use it as a back up MTB.

[93legendti]

I really like my Salsa Casseroll

[PJN]

Kinesis. Had one and it was a killer bike for the cash.

The surly isn't bad but the tubing sucks.

If you get a fender bike buy sks longboards and mount them I your bike using Sheldon fender nuts. Best fender out and the Sheldon nuts make mounting a breeze.

[mike p]

Yes that's the one I was thinking of. Thanks Christian.

Mike

Kinesis TK2 and TK3. Sizing sucks though.

[PJN]

I researched these pretty thoroughly (ie talked **** about them on the internet) before pulling the trigger on one:
http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/anti-salonista-topic-taiwanese-aluminum-frames-23555.html

I had one and rode it for a winter and a summer. It was nice. Really really nice for the price. I sold it and replaced it with a custom Primus Mootry. The Kinesis was a good tool for the job but didn't have the sex that the PM does. Definitely didn't need to sell it and would be happy to still be riding it. That being said the PM is rad as hell and I'm happy with it too.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5WYt8xZ93M/TxSdi__zgdI/AAAAAAAAA0k/aGgh0wSbIoc/s912/P1020292.JPG

I think the Kinesis is the best bang for the buck for a stock fender bike. The Surly would get the job done but it is a turd...

Non-stock PM awesomeness:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kiy94KN8_0k/UW7zXvLrxKI/AAAAAAAACQ4/Kijl7KMbOVg/w1209-h680-no/P1020951.JPG

[vqdriver]

I was thinking race blades for my non eyelet FireFly

Get em if you want. given their limitations and intended use, they work fine.
The issue you'll have is if you're riding with others cuz you'll still spray other riders. No option but full coverage in a any group ride IMO.
But for the occasional solo ride race blades are you're best option for a bike without eyelets.
Fwiw, I've done the p clamp thing and tho it works for mounting, it does nothing for clearance issues which are typical for these applications. Creaks and rubs are a killjoy

[PSC]

Anyone tried these fenders. Gets good reviews, although they are kind of expensive.

https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/fenders/full-metal-fenders

[fourflys]

Is there any cheap aluminum or steel frames you guys know of that have eyelets fenders? I have been wanting one but the last three days of rain has revived my desire. I have ridden everyday but the half fenders are...well...half assed

I think it's pretty easy to find the last generation of the Salsa Casseroll right now for pretty cheap...

[soupless]

scattante/nashbar too

[mike p]

PJN, that Kinesis looks badass in the snow and trash! A real workmans tool. I love it.

Mike

[christian]

scattante/nashbar too

Which one fits fenders???

[MRB]

Although a little more expensive, but not much considering the SOMA ES does not include a fork, the Bruce Gordon BLT seems like a good way to go:
http://brucegordoncycles.bigcartel.com/product/the-lite-blt-includes-fork-stem-and-headset

[soupless]

Which one fits fenders???

the CX i guess.

[jds108]

the CX i guess.

This one does: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_511239_-1___202389

I have one, it's fine. Nothing spectacular, but nothing wrong with it either. One reason I bought it is that the 56cm frame has a 135mm headtube. I'm not a fan of tall headtubes.

Both the chainstay and seatstay braces have holes to make fender mounting easy.

[Bob Ross]

Anyone tried these fenders. Gets good reviews, although they are kind of expensive.

https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/fenders/full-metal-fenders

I haven't tried those yet; they're definitely on my short list though. I had SKS RaceBlades, they just sucked.

A dedicated foul-weather bike that can accept full coverage fenders is a must-have imho. Unfortunately, mine is a 30-year-old 24-pounder with a seven-speed freewheel and downtube friction shifters, so it makes go-fast rides in less-than-pristine weather a bit of an ordeal. (Yeah, I'm a spoiled brat. Deal with it.) So if those PDW Full Metal Fenders™ really fit a modern tight-clearance frame, I'll be all over 'em.

[mike p]

Can the Kinesis TK2 be bought anywhere in the USA?

Thanks
Mike

[bluesea]

Are those Longboards on the Primus?

[spartanKid]

Performance bike has a Scattante XRL 'cross frame that has all sorts of brazes ons for $280, Frame/fork/headset.

[nahtnoj]

The Soma, Salsa, etc. are OK after you cut 6cm off the HT. If you want something that fits like your FF the Kinesis or Pacer are your best options.

[T.J.]

I am just having something built this fall.

[RFC]

Here are mine that I have been riding all summer to the exclusion of much more expensive frames.

Black Mountain Cycles Road -- consider it sort of a Bridgestone RB-1. Sturdy and very stable, but lighter, quicker and more responsive than my Surly Cross Check or its progeny. Here it is setup with 32mm Gators (actually measure 30mm). I'm reasonably confident it could take 35mm without fenders.

Surly Cross Check set up as SS bomber, which it does very well.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0484r_zps17a5a362.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0484r_zps17a5a362.jpg.html)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0432r_zpsed6b734a.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0432r_zpsed6b734a.jpg.html)

[RFC]

Here's another low cost option. Build up a drop bar MTB.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/FisherGG3r.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/FisherGG3r.jpg.html)

[veloduffer]

I bought a used Specialized Tricross, which is an aluminum cyclocross bike with carbon fork and eyelets. I put SKS fenders on it and took it on its maiden voyage today. Very stable handling and rides well. I think I paid less than $500 for a complete bike with Tiagra.

Here's an image of what it looks like (this one isn't mine):
http://www.pbase.com/niblue/image/118425993/original.jpg

[RFC]

Another option -- Look for a Cannondale ST. They have all of the brazeons you could want and a very roadish feel.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0421r_zps2bd221ea.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0421r_zps2bd221ea.jpg.html)

[PJN]

Can the Kinesis TK2 be bought anywhere in the USA?

Thanks
Mike

I ordered it from the uk via the nets and it showed up fine. Came with free shipping and no tax too.

Are those Longboards on the Primus?

Yeppers! Nice and long right outta the box.

[bluesea]

Yeppers! Nice and long right outta the box.


Ah choices, choices. :)

I'm down now for a Black Mountain Monstercross, but it was in hard competition with road model. I'd have loved the convenience of caliper brakes, but really wanted the option for 35mm or wider tires with fenders.

[pdmtong]

used specialized tricross....

[pakora]

Also kicking around the idea of sks raceblades...anybody use them?

I have the Planet Bike version, and I definitely do not recommend them for anything but a city bike, and then only if you absolutely have to. Full fenders all the way - blade type ones miss the most important coverage - the lower part of the rear wheel (i.e. your feet) and the length on the rear of the front (i.e. your feet). I only still have them because I have this disease that I can't replace something until it breaks or wears out.

If I still have the same townie (Surly Steamroller) when these die, I will simply use real fenders with P-clamps. Something to think about if you stumble on an older frame with clearance but no braze-ons.

[TheEnglish]

I've been eyeing the All City Mr. Pink for awhile now. I haven't ridden one, but I have heard good things about their other bikes. They are another one of the QBP brands.

[KidWok]

Since big-tire bikes have been suggested, here's mine:

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527017_4232096047295_1240426491_n.jpg

This started out as a Soma Double Cross Disc. I bought the frameset new, had the extra braze-on's for cantilever brakes ground off, then took the whole thing to powder coaters for a coat of process blue topped with a coat of retro-reflective clear. Also had some VO fenders done to match. The frameset cost me under $600 IIRC, the fenders were like $45 on sale and the powder cost me about $200. Lot of style for not too much dough.

I started out running 28's on it, but this bike now runs 35's full time. I usually pull the kids and commute on it, but will take it out for solo rides in the winter and also have done half-centuries on it (pic was taken at Pioneer Century outside of Portland).

Tai

[FlashUNC]

If you're serious about dedicated fenders, tough to beat Honjo's imo.

Look good and do a great job of, well, fendering.

[mktng]

http://allcitycycles.com/bikes/macho_man

All City

Affordable, good quality.

[twin]

I have a Handsome Devil and its capable of having tires that are 35's with fenders and maybe a bit more. It can have racks front and back. You can build it up anyway you like as a city bike, touring and or cycle cross. They are an interesting company following in the tradition of Bridgestone. Affordable steel and a very fun ride.

[Ithadan]

Someone bought a $200 generic frameset (http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1238), built it up from their parts bin and sold it to me via craigslist, and I did this with it:

http://i.imgur.com/n6g7Aqsl.jpg (http://imgur.com/n6g7Aqs)

Disregard the platforms. That's a 61cm frame. ... and two 1" thick 15"x15" plates of 6061.

[mjb266]

I don't know, I ran raceblade longs on a Gaulzetti with 24c Pave's and it rains like hell here in the winter and spring. The raceblade longs are a million times better than the original strap on versions of a few years back. I may have had some wet feet days, but I'd rather ride a bike like your Firefly in the rain than some Nashbar frameset. Besides...a new frameset means all new parts and you're in for at least $1k at that point. Better to ride the snot out of the FF and buy a new parts kit for it a year early.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u013XEaMook/UWsDxemH-gI/AAAAAAAAEYI/dNoOuguvQdA/s800/IMG_0807.jpg

[noahgenda]

Get a Kona Honky Tonk

Or a Kogswell, if you can find one. I love mine

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/9193854553_f9c7c5ff09_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77115717@N03/9193854553/)
full (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77115717@N03/9193854553/) by NoahTensionSpan (http://www.flickr.com/people/77115717@N03/), on Flickr

[Kirk007]

skipped to the end so maybe someone has already mentioned: Singular peregrine.