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.

  • Showroom7561@lemmy.caOP
    6·
    10 months ago

    I have full fenders in the rear, so I never get splashed on my back/but/head.

    But I am considering putting a fender extender on the rear to keep my bike trailer from getting sprayed.

    • czardestructo@lemmy.world
      4·
      10 months ago

      I did that. I popped off the soft flaps at the bottom of my fenders and attached longer flaps from a semi rigid plastic I had so that it almost touched the ground. Looked goofy but kept me dry.

      • Showroom7561@lemmy.caOP
        7·
        10 months ago

        No joke at all! Bike trailers come as child trailers, cargo trailers, and even pet trailers! So many brands make them, and they work with just about any bike😀

      • pearable
        2·
        10 months ago

        I’ve had a burley travoy, like a dolly that attaches to your seat post, and an old burley bee, it attaches to the wheel hub. They make it possible to do large infrequent grocery runs and pick up stuff I would have to rent a car to do otherwise. Much cheaper and more flexible than a cargo bike as well.

        • Showroom7561@lemmy.caOP
          2·
          10 months ago

          I got the travoy about a month and half ago, and use it so often! I love that I can go into a grocery store without having to worry about finding a coin to unlock their dirty shopping carts, get my stuff, and then hook it up to my bike without fiddling around with anything.

          I just wish Burley toned it down with how they price the accessory bags!