Although fenders are definitely a necessity for all-weather bicycle commuters, it can be difficult to get an exact fit. Even if you do buy fenders for the right wheel size, they can still rub against the tire or just look a little sloppy. That's where Bamboo Bee's Mandy Fender comes in – it can be custom-molded to the specific shape and size of each wheel.
The Mandy is made from a proprietary memory film, a layer of which is laminated between two flexible bamboo veneers.
Users start by trimming the fender to size, attaching its fasteners, then temporarily mounting it directly against the tire using included Velcro straps. They then heat it with a hair dryer for five minutes, causing the memory film to expand and become compliant. When that film cools, both it and the bamboo on either side of it hold the shape of the wheel.
From there, the straps are removed and the fender is mounted above the tire using included stainless steel rods. If users wish to transfer the fender to another bike later on, it can be remolded simply by heating it again.
The Mandy Fender is currently on Kickstarter, where a pledge of US$49 will currently get you a set of two – when and if they reach production. The planned retail price is $99.
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