Repair, Refurbish, Rejoice! A Guide To Rebuilding Your PDW Fenders
High-quality products like our full-coverage fenders are built to last for years. Ideally, you’d install them once and never have to think about them again, right? Well—almost! Like your bike, your fenders may need a little maintenance or the occasional replacement part from time to time. They can take a beating at the bike rack or on long, bumpy rides. Bolts can loosen and fall out, safety tabs can break, and stays can get bent.
The good news is, we got you! Making products that are not only high quality but also fully repairable is in our DNA. In our current line of full-coverage fenders—Full Metal, Ponchos, and 20” for E-bikes—nothing is riveted on. Every part is bolted, which means everything can be removed, replaced, and kept rolling for the long haul. This helps keep waste out of the landfill and money in your pocket.
The nuts and bolts
Bolts that attach your fenders to the frame eyelets are easy to find at most hardware stores. Smaller, locally owned shops often have bulk bins full of hardware, making them a great place to start. You’ll need M5-size bolts—the “M” stands for metric. Just choose the right length for your setup, and you’ll likely spend less than a dollar. The same goes for washers and nuts. Your local bike shop (LBS) might also be able to help—they usually have plenty of spare M5 bolts lying around.
The items you won’t find at any hardware store are the specialty hardware we make, such as bottom and top stay brackets (parts F and G) and possibly the very short bolts (parts U and I). Some of these are available on the website (see links below) or email us and let us know exactly what you’re missing and we’ll help you out. Identifying it from the corresponding letter in the “Parts” graphic from your installation manual shown here is very helpful for our small customer service crew.
Another useful thing you can find at your hardware store is threadlocker. Threadlocker is great to use on the bolts that attach the fender to your bike frame. Some of our bolts come with pre-applied blue threadlock, but if you source any additional bolts from the hardware store or your spare parts drawer, it’s not a bad idea to have threadlocker on hand. Use a thin layer of blue medium-strength threadlock on bike bolts.
Another item you may be looking to replace at times is the 3M anti-rattle tape. We don't often have much extra pre-cut 3M tape at the Portland warehouse, so you'll need to find your own or use an alternative. Your hardware store may or may not stock this, but you can easily find it online. This 3M tape has the part number 467MP. A great alternative is something you probably already have at your house: electrical tape. It’s cheap and widely available.
New bike day!
Get a new bike and want to swap your fenders over? You may need longer stays, a different hanger, or maybe something is looking a little worse for wear upon cleaning and inspection. Remember, every single piece on your fender can be replaced. Every. Single. Piece.
What if my fender blade breaks?
This is less common, but it can certainly happen, especially in a crash. Save the hardware and email us to get a quote for replacing the fender blade. Remember, your broken aluminum fender blades are recyclable! Check with your local recycling facilities to find out how to best dispose of aluminum scrap.
Did we fully cover your full-coverage fender questions? If there’s anything else you’d like to know, drop us a line at info@ridepdw.com. And don’t forget to check out our Fender Fit Guide for sizing and fitment tips! Thanks for letting PDW help keep you and your bike clean(er) and dry(ish) through every drizzle, downpour, and atmospheric river.
Replacement parts on our website:
Long Alloy Stay
Muflaps
Rear Stay Tabs
Front Safety Tabs
Front Hanger
Rear Hanger
Rear Hanger for Braze Ons Under Brake Bridge
Fender Stay Hardware
Fender Spacer Set