Two big thumbs up for SKS Germany!

[erik1245]

I ordered a set of SKS Longboard fenders a few weeks ago for my commuter. They're full-coverage fenders, not the quick-release type.

I looked through the instructions, thought I had it down... And then I went to install the fenders, starting with the front. Right away I ran into issues. I mis-measured the amount that I had to cut the stays, so I ended up cutting them just a few millimeters short. I thought I could install them anyways, so I went ahead and installed just the front fender, as I was running short on time. The following day, I rode the bike to class. It was only a mile or so, but in that time, the stays came loose, and the bolts holding the stays to the fenders fell out.

So I ventured into the vast reaches of the interwebs to see if I could find some replacement parts. I didn't, but I happened to find the fenders on Amazon. I looked through the reviews to see if this was a common problem, and one of the reviewers had also lost a few bolts while riding; the reviewer contacted SKS and replacement hardware was delivered.

I figured I had nothing to lose, so I sent SKS an email, using the "Contact Us" link on their website on a Saturday evening, asking if there was any way for me to locate some replacement hardware. On the following Monday morning, I received an email from Lee, the USA representative for SKS. No questions asked, he told me that replacement stays and hardware were on their way to me. He also included a link to a helpful video on installation, by Rivendell Bicycle Works.

And I received that replacement hardware a few days ago and installed the fenders correctly this time! Installation is fairly simple and straightforward, but it requires patience to get it just right, which I lacked the first time around. Watching the Rivendell video is very helpful, as a few nuts require a specific orientation in order to work; I also oriented those incorrectly the first time I attempted to install them.

The rear fender is so high above the tire because the brake bridge is very far above the wheel; the frame was designed with 27-1/4" wheels in mind, but I'm using 700c wheels with extra-long reach brakes. Ideally the fender should sit a bit lower, but that's no fault of SKS. I could use some extra hardware to drop the fender, but I'm too lazy for that.

Tl;dr: I'm extremely satisfied with SKS customer service, as well as their products. If I find myself needing some other accessories, I will probably go with SKS.

Anyways, here are some photos of the finished product. I know, the lighting is a bit weird. My camera isn't very good.

[Dave1442397]

SKS make great fenders. I still have a set of ESGE (pre-SKS name) fenders that I bought in 1985. You couldn't commute in Ireland without fenders...it rains 300 days a year

I took them off my old bike before I got rid of it, but I doubt they'll fit a modern bike.

[froze]

I'll vouch too for SKS customer service, their fantastic.

I had bought a SKS Puro Black mini pump, which I liked due to the internal shaft had a very cool PSI float gauge built into the shaft and that thing worked, unfortunately the pump was too fragile and wouldn't go above 75psi after about 1200 strokes, then on the second use something happened to the pump and it wouldn't go above 45.

I contacted SKS customer service who apologized for the inconvenience and sent me their top of the line mini pump, the SKS RaceDay Carbon which has worked flawlessly, except I really liked that internal PSI gauge the Puro had. SKS even let me keep my old pump which I use as a paperweight because it is cool looking and a conversation piece.

Later there have been reviews of the Puro and videos of the thing literally exploding apart under higher pressures, mine never exploded just failed to get above 45, I would pump and pump and the psi would stay at 45 like the air was blowing out of the pump somewhere instead of into the tire.

There are a few places that have fantastic customer service, SKS as mentioned, Cateye, Phillips, and probably others I can't think of right now but I'm sure others might mention.