Homemade Bike Fender

Bicycles don't all come with fenders, but serious or frequent riders will learn quickly that rear fenders are a necessity---not a luxury. Fenders keep water, mud and other debris from splashing up and leaving a stripe down your back or backside. If you cycle through a puddle, water may still get on your feet, but with a well-designed fender, the rest of you will remain dry. Make your own bike fender at home without spending a lot of money or time.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum flashing
  • Tin snips
  • Cable ties/tie wraps
  • Spray paint or other accessories
  • Pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw an outline on your aluminum flashing for the backbone of your fender. Make the strip roughly double the width of your tire. Design two 1/2-inch-wide strips from the sides of the initial strip. Make them long enough to reach your sprocket for anchoring.

    • 2

      Cut the aluminum with the tin slips. Take your time and wear gloves and safety goggles if you have them.

    • 3

      Bend the main strip of aluminum to the shape of your tire with the pliers, or simply bend it with your hands or against the corner of a railing or table. Don't worry about curling down the edges unless you plan on putting the fender directly above your tire. Bend a 3-inch strip at a 90 degree angle to attach it to the seat.

    • 4

      Press the bent section against the seat support and bend it with your pliers so it fits snugly. Secure this main support with two to three cable ties.

    • 5

      Secure the secondary supports by bending the side strips down to the sprocket and bending small right angles into them. Use a single cable tie on each side to secure it to the sprocket bolts or pegs. Trim the extra plastic from the ties.

    • 6

      Paint your fender the same color as your bike, or design it to your own tastes.