Can I tap a hole here?

[striider]

Trying to install some fenders on Tallstriider (Yes, I named it- why not?) and ran into an issue...no holes for front fender supports on a suspension fork. No worries, as I am in the process of figuring something out. Before I go the ghetto hose clamp/angle bracket fabrication route, maybe one of you can help me.

I haven't taken apart a bicycle front fork before, so I don't know- is there any reason I couldn't tap a threaded hole right where you see me pointing this tap? There isn't any fluid in an old (circa 2005) RockShox is there?

 

[dogman dan]

If you drill there, likely oil will come out. You might get away with it, but I'd say a metal strap that clamps the tube would be best for that fork.

Lots of fenders out there, designed to attach to suspension forks with no stays. But they don't cover the backside as good, so the feet don't stay dry.

 

[striider]

I saw the other types of mountain bike fenders and really wasn't interested in having wet shoes anymore, so I was determined to get the big fenders to fit.

Yeah, tapping would have been silly I think. Here is my solution, maybe it helps someone else putting a front fender on. These are conduit clamps I had laying around, and they adapted perfectly for this. I had to grind the lower part a bit to get them to fit into the retaining recesses that normally hold the skewers from falling out of the forks, but other than that all I did was drill a hole for the bolt. Feels very solid and should hold up well. Only drawback is that I have to take the skewer totally out to remove front wheel. Adds an extra couple of seconds maybe...

I might paint them black too for stealth.

 

[cal3thousand]

Good job and thanks for sharing that solution. I'm sure it will help someone else down the line.