As those of you who follow Circles media likely know, fenders add great functionality to a bike, and when you get them perfectly dialed, they look fantastic. However…
There seems to be a feeling that installing fenders is a more daunting task compared to something like a rack. Since it involves customization and fitting, it can be a bit of a hassle to do yourself at first, and to begin with, it’s hard to know which size to buy.
A list of fenders that fit slightly wider tires—perfect for Japanese gravel forest roads and comfortable city riding.
So, to start, we’ve put together a list of fenders that fit those wider tires that have become so popular lately. The same applies to both 700c and 650b wheels.
- Tire width around 47mm (Road Plus): Smooth 62
- Tire width up to 43mm: Turtle 58
- Tire width 55mm/2.2": Flat 65
- Tire width 58mm: Smooth 74
Let’s take a look at the installation examples and recommended tires for each below ↓
Smooth 62 – SimWorks by Honjo
If you are considering installing fenders on a bike with 650b x 47mm tires, this 650b size Smooth 62 is the one that will see the most action.
The bike in the photo is a SURLY Midnight Special. In the US, especially on the West Coast, road bikes equipped with these sorts of wider tires are sometimes called "chubby road" bikes, and these fenders are a perfect match for that style. Also, starting with this batch, the decal specifications have been updated.
【SimWorks by Honjo】 Smooth 62
Size : 650b
Max Tire Size(Estimate) : up to 50mm
Ustay : 5mm diam.
Price :
Silver : 12,980 JPY (tax included)
Black : 15,180 JPY (tax included)
Examples of tires that fit the Smooth 62
These are compatible with the so-called "Road Plus" standard, which are 650b x 47mm tires.
From our current tire lineup at Circles, we recommend the SimWorks by Panaracer Volummy 27.5×1.9” or the BRUCE GORDON Rock’n Road Tire 650b x 48mm.
SimWorks by Panaracer
Volummy 27.5 x 1.9”
6,380 JPY
Bruce Gordon
Rock’n Road 650b x 48mm
8,800 JPY
Turtle 58 – SimWorks by Honjo
The Turtle 58 is a great match for tires slightly narrower than those used with the Smooth 62, and because it fits a relatively large number of bikes, it’s a model we’ve been using quite a lot lately.
The beauty of the "turtle shell" (kikko) pattern, produced by Honjo’s secret and tightly guarded manufacturing process, is stunning, but the hexagonal relief also dramatically increases the fender's strength—it really is a product that embodies form and function.
【SimWorks by Honjo】 Turtle 58
Size : 650b , 700c
Max Tire Size(Estimate) : up to 43mm
Ustay : 5mm diam.
Price :
Silver : 14,080 JPY (tax included)
Black : 17,380 JPY (tax included)
Examples of tires that fit the Turtle 58
Because these fit tires slightly narrower than the Road Plus standard, we recommend the SimWorks by Panaracer The Homage 650b x 43mm, the BRUCE GORDON Rock’n Road Tire 650b x 43mm, or the WTB Resolute 650b x 42mm.
SimWorks by Panaracer
The Homage 650b x 43mm
6,820 JPY
Bruce Gordon
Rock’n Road 650b x 43mm
8,800 JPY
WTB
Resolute 650b x 42mm
10,890 JPY
Flat 65 – SimWorks by Honjo
Released as a fender for ATBs, the Flat 65, as the name suggests, has a flat shape that keeps the tire arch looking clean while effectively covering wider tires—the perfect solution for dirt tourers traveling on paths less traveled.
【SimWorks by Honjo】 Flat 65
Size : 27.5” , 29”
Max Tire Size(Estimate) : up to 2.2”
Ustay : 5mm diam.
Price :
Silver : 17,380 JPY (tax included)
Black : 19,580 JPY (tax included)
Tires that fit
The Flat 65 utilizes its flat shape to easily accommodate wider tires. It can even swallow up the SimWorks by Panaracer Super Yummy, so for a 29er frame, we recommend the Super Yummy. For 650b, the The Homage 650b x 55mm is also a great match.
SimWorks by Panaracer
Super Yummy 29 x 2.22”
7,480 JPY
SimWorks by Panaracer
The Homage 650b x 55mm
6,820 JPY
Smooth 74 – SimWorks by Honjo
The Smooth 74 is the widest model we are introducing today. Naturally, this gives it a wider tire clearance, accommodating up to 58mm.
Due to their size, these fenders are naturally heavier, so this model comes standard with "Flower HATO" bridge plates. True to their name, these unique petal-shaped plates are thick and allow for a secure, three-point attachment, providing solid support for wider fenders like the Smooth 74.
Of course, these plates are also available for purchase separately, so feel free to use them if you want a secure installation for other fenders as well.
【SimWorks by Honjo】 Smooth 74
Size : 650b , 700c
Max Tire Size(Estimate) : up to 58mm
Ustay : 5mm diam.
Price :
Silver : 21,780 JPY (tax incl.)
Black : 25,080 JPY (tax incl.)
Compatible Tires
Since the Smooth 74 can swallow tires up to 58mm wide, the SimWorks by Panaracer Super Yummy fits with ease. Note, however, that your frame must have sufficient clearance to accommodate this fender in the first place.
SimWorks by Panaracer
Super Yummy 29 x 2.22”
¥7480
SimWorks by Panaracer
Super Yummy 27.5 x 2.22”
¥7480
Can I install the fenders myself?
Installation at Circles starts from 2,500 JPY.
We are happy to handle it for you, but for those curious enough to try it themselves, we have compiled some tips. There is a certain know-how to getting them installed just right, such as tire clearance and mounting angles.
We also welcome questions regarding which fenders fit your frame and tires. Please contact us via our contact form.
