PDW Origami Fenders

January 28, 2012

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It's never a bad time to talk about fenders, and the latest option I've played around with is the Origami Fender from Portland Design Works (PDW).

This is one of the few bicycle components or accessories of any kind that I've actually enjoyed putting together. When you buy it, the fender is stamped into a flat plastic sheet, which you need to punch out and fold, then snap into the mounting clamp. You will need a Phillips head screw driver to put the seatpost mounting clamp together and a 4mm allen key to cinch the fender to your seat post (so it isn't an origami project from start to finish).

Once installed, the fender does a good job of staying put, so long as you tighten it snugly to your seat post. At its widest, it measures 5" and tapers down to 3.5" wide at the tail, which is nearly enough to provide full coverage on my Surly Pugsley. The fender reaches out a long 17.5" which will help keep the water from tailing too high off your back wheel; people riding behind you will appreciate it.

At $25 it is well priced against the competition and a matching downtube mounted front origami fender is also available for $20.

Photo by Josh Tack.

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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's member services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.