Two main thoughts from your bike set up choices:
1\. I don’t think that the 30 grams saved by not running a fender (and four zip ties) is ever worth it. For such a simple and light piece of plastic it prevents debris and grit hitting the fork seals (priority one), debris and grit (and other trail debris ) being flung into one’s face (mouth and eyes) regardless of whether it is wet or dry, reducing the risk of eye (or sunglasses) damage or ingesting something that might cause an upset stomach.
2\. The saddle bag, which is admirably compact, is better located, secured with an EDC strap, in the top tube/ head tube/ down tube junction for three reasons: a. It is not rubbing debris from the back wheel up and down the seal junction when you raise and lower the saddle, in particular ramming debris into the seal lip as you lower the saddle. This might not be so important to you as it is a loaner bike but for anyone that is actually racing their own bike (or riding it long term) why introduce another component wear issue that can be easily avoided; b. Reducing clearance between the rear tyre and the saddle at full compression; and c. you can see that it is there all the time (especially as it contains your epi-pen).
Sept. 29, 2021, 8:59 p.m. - AndrewR
Two main thoughts from your bike set up choices: 1\. I don’t think that the 30 grams saved by not running a fender (and four zip ties) is ever worth it. For such a simple and light piece of plastic it prevents debris and grit hitting the fork seals (priority one), debris and grit (and other trail debris ) being flung into one’s face (mouth and eyes) regardless of whether it is wet or dry, reducing the risk of eye (or sunglasses) damage or ingesting something that might cause an upset stomach. 2\. The saddle bag, which is admirably compact, is better located, secured with an EDC strap, in the top tube/ head tube/ down tube junction for three reasons: a. It is not rubbing debris from the back wheel up and down the seal junction when you raise and lower the saddle, in particular ramming debris into the seal lip as you lower the saddle. This might not be so important to you as it is a loaner bike but for anyone that is actually racing their own bike (or riding it long term) why introduce another component wear issue that can be easily avoided; b. Reducing clearance between the rear tyre and the saddle at full compression; and c. you can see that it is there all the time (especially as it contains your epi-pen).