Bike fenders from recycled bike tires

Step 5 Rear tire: Step 1

The fender for the rear tire can be very straightforward if you have a cargo rack. In my case I had a cargo rack that I built out of old steel brake line. If you have a steel rack, welding on additional hardware for the fender is simple. If you have an aluminum rack it can still be done but requires more specialized equipment (TIG). If you don't have a rack at all, you can make a U loop similar to the one used on the front tire and complete the rear fender without much trouble. Here I present my method which involved adding a rear arch to the back of my steel cargo rack, and using zip ties to attach the topof the fender-tire.

For the top of the rear fender, use a knife to cut a small slit in the fender-tire near the bead and at the point where the fender-tire crosses the rear seat-stay tubes. See the attached pics. Then the fender is held in place by threading zipties through the slits and tightening them around the seat stays. Easy as that.

Comments

[starplayer]

The zip tie itself is held in place only by friction? Won't it fall down with vibration?

[jmengel]

The zip tie is held in place by friction. Pulled tight, the zip ties presses the bead of the tire against the seat stay. If the zip tie is not tight enough, it can slide down over time and the tire fender will start to rub on the tire. If in doubt, pull tighter.

[criggie]

I did that a couple weeks ago.. the lightweight cable tie broke and I punched myself in the face.

Not the best outcome.