I prepared for the rainy season with gusto, stocking up on all the necessary gear, but I’m writing this from Nagoya, where the moment I opened the box, it looked like we were in for a dry spell.
Fenders, mudguards, splash guards.
There are various ways to say it, but they all refer to the same thing.
Most of the bikes I ride don't have fender eyelets, so I usually just use quick-release fenders. (*Of course, there are ways to attach them even without eyelets, so feel free to ask if you're interested.)
In fact, I used to think of them as “unnecessary,” and preferred my bikes without them.
But somewhere along the way, I started wishing I had those eyelets, and by the time I found myself admiring proper, non-detachable mudguards, the bicycle had already become a vital part of my daily life.
Honjo Koken mudguards. They are crafted in a small factory in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.
Since the company's founding in 1949, they have been fitted to a wide variety of bicycles—randonneurs, tourers, sportifs—and have served their purpose perfectly.
Of course, many other manufacturers make fenders, and there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
Some are easy to install, while others are highly versatile.
Honjo’s fenders arrive as blank, raw stock, meaning they require "custom fitting" to match the specific frame.
In some cases, this limits which bikes they can be fitted to, and the process of hand-fitting them one by one is quite a bit of work.
(That said, many predecessors have been doing this as a matter of course for a long time, and it’s work we are happy to take on.)
Still, to think that there is a place in this country where people are diligently working with their hands, creating things that not only serve the essential function of repelling rainwater but are also beautiful objects to be used for a long time—it makes me happy to imagine more people enjoying that functional beauty.
Whether smooth or hammered, Honjo has long offered a variety of fender shapes.
The fenders born from the ideas of SimWorks and the craftsmanship of Honjo are simple yet fulfill their role perfectly, helping you complete your dream bike.
SimWorks by Honjo “Smooth 35” ¥7,000 (excl. tax)
Wheel size: 700c
Tire size: up to 25c
Made using the standard H35 profile, the “Smooth 35” is a versatile choice ranging from classic tourers to modern handmade bikes.
SimWorks by Honjo “Smooth 41” ¥7,000 (excl. tax)
Wheel size: 26″/650B , 700c
Tire size: up to 1.25″, 28c–35c
Also based on the H35 profile but designed for wider tires, the “Smooth 41” is perfect for everything from touring bikes to commuters, keeping you company from rainy city rides to muddy countryside paths.
SimWorks by Honjo “Flat 42” ¥7,000 (excl. tax)
Wheel size: 700c
Tire size: 28c–35c
True to its name, the “Flat 42” features a flat profile that gives the tire arch a clean look.
It has a minimalist appearance, but it provides solid coverage for wider tires and can be considered a fresh take on the sporty fender.
While each fender comes with standard mounting hardware, we also carry a variety of useful components for those who already use Honjo fenders or need bits for other installations, so rest assured.
SimWorks by Honjo “5mm R Clip Set” ¥550 (excl. tax)
SimWorks by Honjo “Brass Hex Daruma” ¥1,200 (excl. tax)
SimWorks by Honjo “Dove Stay Front a.k.a Pigeon Hardware” ¥800 (excl. tax)
“Dove Stay Rear a.k.a Pigeon Hardware” ¥800 (excl. tax)
SimWorks by Honjo “M6 Crown Daruma” ¥300 (excl. tax)
SimWorks by Honjo “Whittle Type Clamp 5mm” ¥2,500 (excl. tax)
If you’ve chosen to live a life on two wheels, rain or shine, please try out some mudguards. I’m sure it will make your bicycle life much richer.
Of course, feel free to contact us about matching paint for your frame or assistance with the installation process!