Dear Sheldon, You are probably not very familar with British weather conditions or have ever ridden any time trails here. These short mudguards were used primarily by British time trial riders. Their heyday was prior to the Second World War and any perusal of pre-war British cycling journals will show this as true. If you are riding a 100 in very wet weather with an old fashioned alpaca jacket and tights you would indeed appreciate having these shorty fenders. Also British 1960's Mums with youngsters and no washing-machines. They did help keep some of the wet and muck off. Fenders are fire guards in the UK or ropes and tyres hung from a boat to protect it from impact. Best wishes Frank.
Frank Cohen Hoxton UK