GearAdvent Day 12: Fenders with Benefits

Just like I didn’t think I was a front rack guy, I didn’t think I was a fender guy. But the Kona came with fenders standard, and I am so glad. I run with them on most of the time, and it’s worth it just not to get that skunk stripe up my back if I hit a puddle. And they look boss.

Having said that, though, these particular fenders are obviously an area where Kona economized to keep the cost of the bike down, and they are probably its weakest feature. They work, but they are fiddly and need adjustment often. They are made of plastic, so they are not rigid enough along their length, and I tend to knock especially the back one out of alignment with my feet.

Other fender challenges: if you have a car bike rack, it’s almost certain that the fenders will conflict with it, and have to come off to transport the bike. And with this specific rear fender arrangement the one inaccessible bolt on the bike is at the bottom/front end of the back fender, requiring the rear wheel to be fully removed to access it. Sort of a bummer.

Good fenders: 11 stars. These particular fenders: 6/10.


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