It's also my understanding that if you have a giant wheel on the front that won't allow for that front fender, it's a safety issue. If I've heard it correctly, that front fender is part of the support to keep the forks aligned.
I'm getting rid of the big effing tire someone put on the bike I just bought to get tires that are less wide.
Listen to Ryan. These are the best little bikes. I have 3 (but I'm crazy).