Yeah, I know all about it. I’m deferring the decision to later. It’s a question of ambition, safety and raingear.

I’m not sure if riding in the rain will be something I want to do. I may decide to do a nice, warm, comfy bus instead. I’m not sure if I’ll feel safe in rain in traffic on a bike, what with the reduced visibility and all—both for the drivers and for me with the rain on my glasses.

The rest of the raingear is far more expensive than fenders and will likely make the decision. I have only a rain jacket, no pants, and it’s olive green. So we’re talking a whole, new, hi-vis rainsuit. I’d also need some sort of booties (or maybe rain spats) so I’m not squishing around the library.

Then there’s the issue of holes the helmet. Although I found this one, the Bell Metropolis, that has an optional ($15) rain bonnet thingie that snaps over the top to keep the water out. Interestingly, it also has an optional ($25) winter kit that includes plugs for the holes and earmuffs. Not sure if my dealer has this one available, or in stock in large and red.

If I decide not to go with fenders and the full suite of raingear and I happen to be out and get caught unexpectedly in the rain, (lake-effect showers, pop-up thunderstorms or foolishly believeing the forecast) all the buses have bike racks. This is also the fallback if I get hurt while I’m out or get a flat.

If you plan to ever ever EVER ride the thing in the rain, or after the rain, or anywhere near someplace where the road might conceivably ever even once be wet, and you might actually want to be vaguely presentable after a bike ride … you NEED fenders. Unless you’re desperately fond of that lovely brown stripe up yer buttcrack on the outside of your pants. (Yes, I did learn this the hard way.)