I saw many sets of Salmons in use at the 1983 PBP after having heard about them for several years. Many/most bikes still had proper fender clearances with normal reach brakes back then, but I believe the Salmons were created to satisfy PBP rules about the need for fenders more than provide optimal protection from wet roads. They caught less wind than conventional fenders--an important thing for randonneurs trying to go fast (nothing I ever had to worry about!) At the least, the sure *look* fast.
I have a set of Salmons but prefer the Esges for practicality and longevity. Overall, the Salmons were/are nice units that still are useful today, but the narrow Esge/SKS fenders work better, last longer, and weigh the same--but they also catch more wind if that is a concern.
Do a Google search on Cycles Salmon and you'll get to their website; maybe it will tell when they were introduced? They do mail-orders too.
Bill Bryant Santa Cruz, CA
on 8/7/02 9:55 AM, REClassicBikes@aol.com at REClassicBikes@aol.com wrote:
> Can any one tell me when these started being made? I have just picked up a
> nice NOS stock pair that look to be from the 60s. Hand engraved at one end.
>
> Perhaps the title should read "mudguards for racing bikes"?
>
> Regards
> Martin Coopland