tools@tektronix.UUCP ( Linda Todd) (12/07/84)
() ESGE fenders from Germany are made of plastic/metal laminate. They are very flexible, and can be bent and twisted and will re-assume their normal shape. I have used them for years and have been happy with them. Several months ago a fellow I encountered at the bike rack told me a story about his ESGE fenders breaking for no reason, jamming his wheel at hi speed, resulting in an accident that broke some bones. I was somewhat skeptical of this. The other day as I was dismounting I accidently kicked my front ESGE fender, and it shattered. It broke into 5 or 6 pieces, leaving the bottom hanging free. The results of this, had I been moving, could easily been just as described above. The temperature at the time was in the low 40s F. I checked the fender later inside, and it is brittle enough that I can break pieces off of it. These fenders had been in use for about 5 years at the time of the failure. I had planned to replace them within a month. So, if you have ESGEs, check that they have not turned brittle. If they have are old, replace them. I still prefer ESGE fenders to other brands. Joel Swank Software Center Tools Support 50-487 Tektronix Beaverton OR 97077 (503) 627-4403 tektronix!tektools!joels