For transportation cyclists, fenders aren’t a strict necessity, but they are an incredibly functional accessory for any city rider or commuter. Fenders (or “mudguards” as people outside the U.S. call them) are what will keep you from having a skunk stripe on your backside if you ride in the rain, and a front fender will help protect your feet and ankles from spray if you’re riding in the rain or even through a puddle. If you’re riding in a torrential downpour, they probably won’t do a lot to keep you dry, but even in a light drizzle, you’ll be dryer, warmer, and more comfortable with fenders than without.
Check out those fenders: Ready for all-weather commuting
That said, fenders aren’t a must for every cyclist. While they certainly have their place, and are useful to some, others will be encumbered by their presence. If you’re unsure whether fenders are for you, consider which of the following best describes you and your cycling practices:
You should probably consider adding fenders to your bike if:
No fenders necessary for off-roading
- You ride in the rain.
- You ride in the winter (fenders help keep road sand and salt off your clothing).
- You’re a weatherizing enthusiast.
- You’re not planning on carrying a change of shoes, socks, and pants with you.
- You’re going on a group ride on wet roads (fenders keep the rider behind you from eating dirt…literally).
You can probably skip the fenders if:
- You plan to ride only in dry weather.
- You’re riding primarily off-road (if you’re out for a trail ride, you probably expect to get a little dirty).
- You prize clean lines and simplicity above all.
- You’re racing (fenders add extra weight).
- You’re planning to change clothes at your destination and don’t mind wet feet and ankles en route.
And to answer the question you’ve all been dying to ask: YES! You can put fenders on your Montague bike.
QR Fenders available through Montague.
Fenders already come standard on a couple of the pavement models – the Boston 8 and the Navigator. If you’ve got a Crosstown, Boston, or Fit, you can add fenders as an accessory – the same fenders that come standard on the Boston 8 and Navigator (we don’t spec fenders on all our bikes because – see above – not everybody wants/needs them). And the nice part about these fenders is that they’re quick release – easy to remove if you decide you don’t want them, or if you want to take them off when the bike is folded.
If you’ve got a Montague mountain bike, the fenders we offer for the pavement bikes won’t fit. They mount on the bolt of the caliper brake (our MTBs have V-brakes and disc brakes – no caliper bolt to mount on) and they’re also a little narrow for the MTB tires. There are a number of companies out there that make great mountain bike fenders though, and you can easily find some through your local bike shop or by searching online.
Ride How You Like…
Regardless of where you fall on the fender spectrum, the most important thing about your bike is that you like it. Think fenders look dorky? Leave them off. Worried about getting caught in a downpour? Put some on. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t ride – and as always, Ride Safe!
I want to install Fenders and Beam Rack at my Montague Crosstown. Where I can buy the Montague fenders and beam rack?
We do have the quick release fenders available as an aftermarket item. They are compatible with any of our Pavement bikes and can be purchased directly from us by calling 800-736-5348. The rack shown on the Navigator is not available separately but there are several beam style racks on the market that are similar. Your local bike shop should be able to supply this type of rack.
Are there any removable fenders for Paratrooper?
Which fenders are compatible with the paratrooper?
Hey Alex,
I usually recommend SKS fenders for our mountain bikes since they’re easily removable and durable, but there are several aftermarket option that would work. The SKS Xtra Dry for the rear, and SKS Shockboard or Shockblade for the front is what I go with. If you go with another brand, just be sure the front fender is meant for a suspension fork, and can be removed for folding.
Hi
I’ve used my standard Montague Boston fenders so far, but for the weather conditions I´m used to, they are not efficient enough. I still get wet and muddy on my back/backpack/jacket. Are there any type of non quick release fenders I can mount on my boston which are more “water safe”?
I lost the screw for the front wheel fender on my Navigator. Do you have recommended replacements? Thanks
Is this a 2016 or newer Navigator with RackStand? Or is this an older style Navigator with the removable front fender? Send us an email to info@montaguebikes.com and we can likely provide a replacement screw.
I would prefer standard fenders for my Boston single speed electric hub bicycle. I just could not find them. How can I get them please
Can I use fenders of other Montague pavement bikes?
The stock fenders on our models that include them are integrated with the RackStand in the rear. Unfortunately, RackStand is not compatible with the Boston due to the rear hub width and bolt-on axle. There are certainly a wide variety of aftermarket fenders that could be fitted to the Boston, but you do want the front fender to be easily removed for folding. A standard full-coverage fender that was bolted on would stick out from the side of the folded bike.
SKS Raceblade fenders seem to work well for other customers, and they come off quite easily:
https://www.sks-germany.com/en/products/raceblade-pro-xl/
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1081926729645793315