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Product: Kenda Karma L3R Pro Stick-E 2.0
Publication: Singletrack
Issue: 50
Date: June 09
Award/Verdict: "8"
http://www.singletrackworld.com
Initial impressions: Fitted easily by hand. Lightweight, well spaced low height tread, with secondary tread cut into the body of the tyre. Non-directional, non-wheel specific.
Riding:Considering the low depth of tread on these, they inspire confidence from the first outing. The dual density low-durometer (sticky) rubber, and the clever tread pattern, with an offset 'checker board' effect pattern cut at intervals into the body of the tyre, seems to do the trick! Low drag, fast acceleration and good grip. The sticky rubber will wear slightly faster, but the grip and low drag is impressive - perhaps the perfect 'southern' or non-rocky race tyre?
Product: Konstrictor 700x23c
Website: ROAD CC
Date: June 09
Award/Verdict: "8"
http://roadccwhatmtb.com
Named for their road holding prowess and serpentine tread pattern, Kenda’s Konstrictors have been among the most rewarding mid price 23mm road tyres I’ve used though they're a pig to mount when new, even aboard very traditional rims. Incorporating the brands “Iron Curtain” technology not only safeguards against punctures but forms part of the wall structure, combining speed, handling prowess and durability in a lightweight package.
Paired with svelte hoops and inflated to their 125psi maximum climbs are a blast, often eliminating the need to drop a gear. These are characteristics readily appreciated when mounted to middleweight training wheels and a clear illustration of how far mid price clinchers have come in recent years. Carving into corners and leaving braking as late as possible, the Konstrictors inspire confidence, the supple, sophisticated compound hugging wet rural roads and reducing vibration and fatigue over long distances and poor surfaces.
These properties translate well to urban environments; split second changes of course around potholes, opening car doors and errant pedestrians never raised a sweat. Wet manhole covers are tricky at the best of times but even the recessed variety couldn’t cajole a shimmy out of the Kendas.
I prefer run 25mm upwards for winter duties but experimenting with the pressures – dropping them by thirty in one instance – and chasing through cycle paths littered with broken glass, flints and thorns failed to infiltrate the casing, much less cause a flat. On this basis they’d be worthy options for those looking to blast along through the murkier months and I’m pleased to report our test pair moulded to shape a bit during testing, enabling less troublesome removal and refitting in the unlikely event of puncturing.
Verdict: Good value, high performance race/training tyres that can prove a stubborn fit.
Product: Kwick Roller 700x28c
Website: ROAD CC
Date: May 09
Award/Verdict:
http://roadccwhatmtb.com
Kenda’s Kwick rollers are too heavy for audax and not robust enough for laden touring but the keen price and dynamo track makes them contenders for hack duties – particularly in Winter. Despite stiff wire beads, they’re an easy fit on most rims.
Recommended pressure range is the 50-85psi more commonly associated with mtb slicks, contributing to a portly and slightly ponderous ride. (Markedly so compared with the 38mm rubber on my winter fixed). That said, handling around town and when pushed hard into long descents proved dependable, the tread disperses water very efficiently, dealing with waterlogged lanes and wet manhole covers with surprising finesse.
The dynamo track is another bonus ensuring continuous lighting even when paired with more basic bottle units, and this also compensates for weaker sidewalls that feel more vulnerable than others, especially under load. The iron cap puncture protective membrane is another nice touch, albeit a poor man’s Kevlar. It offers good protection from shards of glass but is fairly easily pierced by thorns and other sharps.
Summing up: at one level I’d sooner spend a few quid more and get a sprightlier, more refined tyre, especially on an audax/winter trainer. However, minor shortcomings aside, they’re still a reliable option for hacks, hybrids and town bikes with moderate clearances.
Verdict: Cheerful tyres for bikes where low cost is the main priority.
Product: Ultra Lite Tube
Website: ROAD CC
Date: May 09
Award/Verdict:
http://roadccwhatmtb.com
Weighing a mere 69g each, Kenda’s Ultralight tubes would be my choice over Latex variants if I was trying to shave every last gram from my bike. So if you’re a nimble, lightweight racer, these could be a good investment but the heavier and more puncture prone amongst us should look elsewhere.
Wall thickness is a mere 0.6mm so greater care is needed to avoid pinching the tube, and be sure to file any rough valve holes to prevent chafing this area. Ours had a threadless presta extension so as not to cause any hassles when paired with deep section aero rims.
Pressure retention is a vast improvement over Latex but while never completely flat the tyres needed topping up every three days or so. I managed to avoid puncturing over the test period, despite chasing through forest tracks with scant regard for thorns and brambles. If you do hole them their supple construction should mean successful repair with a decent patch kit.
Given that the rotating mass of the wheels is the best place to save weight, these tubes could be the easiest and least expensive way for lighter or more careful riders to improve performance on a race or TT mount but the limited sizing limits them to road or XC mountain bike duties which is a shame given it rules out crossers, Moultons and recumbents which could also benefit.
Verdict: Excellent choice for weight conscious road or XC riders.
Product: Kwik Seal Tube
Website: ROAD CC
Date: May 09
Award/Verdict:
http://roadccwhatmtb.com
Kenda’s quick seal are a sound choice for commuter, mountain, training and utility steeds that need puncture-resisting dependability without a big weight penalty. In contrast to their bulky thorn resistant cousins, the Kwik Seal is a conventional butyl tube containing a sealant designed to seal holes up to an eighth of an inch wide.Over the test period, they’ve proven very reliable but don’t be tempted to leave the spare tube, pump and patch kit at home.
Upon discovering you’ve some glass, a thorn or similar debris through the tyre, stop and remove it before spinning the wheel to send the sealant coursing round the tube and filling the affected area. Generally speaking, there’s a loss of around three to ten psi dependant upon how quickly you reach the foreign object.
Temperature doesn’t overly effect their efficiency, although as an experiment I left one in the freezer overnight and paired it with a particularly puncture prone tyre. The repair took a few seconds longer and a loss of 25psi before healing over. These aren’t a cure-all for the dreaded hiss but seem basically reliable and considerably nicer compared with others I’ve fitted in the past. My experience suggests these are very effective in the short to medium term but sooner or later the nail with your name on it will burst the tube resulting in a gloopy mess, and you'll need your spare.
Combined with Kevlar belted tyres, they might prove a particularly good option for hub braked and geared city bikes with more involved wheel removal.
Verdict: Not a cure all but a good option on hub geared and braked city bikes where wheel removal is more involved.
Product: Kenda Tomac Nevegal
Publication: MBUK
Issue: 237
Date: May 2009
Award/Verdict: Perfomance 7/10 Value 9/10
http://www.mbuk.com
So Good... DTC means Dual Tread Compound. This gives a hard wearing and fast rolling centre tread, and a softer, more tacky side tread for hanging on when cornering. The round profile gives excellent predictability when cranking the bike over, and the rear facing centre paddles give good rolling speed, combined with the hard tread. Good at clearing in all but the muddiest conditions.
No Good... The round profile lacks bite for hard comers and the tread doesn't climb well.
Performance – 7/10 :: Value – 9/10
WMB Verdict: “Predictable all round tyre, but not the choice for railing turns or muddy climbs."
Product: Small Block 8
Publication: WHAT MOUNTAIN BIKE
Issue: 98
Date: Summer 09
Award/Verdict: "4.5/5"
http://www.whatmtb.com
The most common original fit tyre around, Kenda's Nevegal is a responsive and well balanced all-rounder. The mid-height, ramp-fronted, square block tread digs in or rolls well depending which way you run it. Low weight gives it a responsive feel on climbs or out of corners, plus it clears mud fast. Decent side lugs and softer compound DTC shoulders mean you can lean it fairly aggressively. If you do get a 'Kenda surprise' moment, it's generally saveable, and the tyre is pretty predictable on gravelly surfaces. The Stick E version adds even more adhesion for front end use. It is more fragile in rocky conditions han most tyres, although the new SWS versions promise more durability.
MBUK Verdict: Fast rolling and reliably grippy all-rounder, but standard versions are slightly vulnerable.
Product: Kenda Nevegal DTC 2.35IN
Publication: MBUK
Issue: 241
Date: Summer 2009
Award/Verdict: "7"
http://www.mbuk.com
It's a curious looking tyre, but the Small Block Eight has proved itself the ultimate summer trail tread time and time again. By using so many small knobs with ramped front faces (like a miniature version of the Kenda Nevegal tread), the SB8 rolls really quickly on hard surfaces, and it's impressively light so acceleration is excellent too. The unrelenting adhesion of the SB8's dual tread compound (DTC) is outstanding though. It can occasionally clog in damp conditions or slip off its small shoulder tread in loose terrain, but otherwise you can use it front or rear without any compromise of cornering speed or ferocity – which is just as well considering how fast it charges down the trail. This 2.1in carcass is as wide as most 2.2 inchers so it floats well and the new SWS (sidewall shield) strip is not only impressively rock- and rip-proof but it's also reflective for a comedy glitter effect on night rides. All those knobs form a really good protective layer against pinch flats and thorn punctures and they spread the wear widely: we've got two-year-old tyres that look almost new. The price is below average considering the above-average performance and there are options for all occasions, with most tyres costing around £30.
WMB Verdict: “An outstanding mix of speed, grip and durability makes the SB8 SWS our ultimate summer rubber."
Product: Kenda
Small Block 8 DTC 2.35IN
Publication: MBUK
Issue: 241
Date: Summer 2009
Award/Verdict: " 9 "
http://www.mbuk.com
Kenda's SB8 tyre is
fast, startlingly grippy and lasts forever. It's become our default
summer trail tyre, and it's also the cheapest here. The tightly spaced
micro grips might hate clay and claggy grass in winter, but when trails
dry out, they suck more traction out of the trail than a Dyson. The
rounded profile and stickier shoulders makes them a joy to turn and they
drift predictably too. The carpet of small ramped knobs with a firmer
centre compound means a super fast rolling performance that'll make your
bike feel like a roadster. The sheer number of knobs spreads wear so
well we've never seen a worn out 5B8. The 2.35s are floatingly fat and
they're well protected from thorn/pinch flats.
MBUK Verdict: "Our no-brainer summer tyre choice for trail centres and an absolute bargain".
Product: Kommuter 26x2
Publication: Cycling Plus
Issue: 206
Date: Febuary 2008
Award/Verdict: " 9 "
http://www.bikeradar.co.uk
With the lower rolling resistance of modern rubber
compounds there is a new breed of wide profile, free running tyres.
While the best known of these is perhaps the Schwalbe’s Big Apple
(actually a third of an inch wider than the Kommuters), Kenda’s
offering in the ‘big brutal but fast’ world of tyres impressed us
just as much as the Big apples that we’ve tried.
They slipped on the rims nice and easy and felt smooth and fast to ride,
given their large proportions (they felt right at about 60psi front and
70psi rear, though rated up to 85psi). If your commuting or touring bike
needs to be able to soak up the bumps that bit more, Kommuters would
certainly be worth considering if you want to go down the wide profile
route. They also feature a side wall ‘dynamo tread’.
The tyres have a relatively low 60 treads per inch; although lower TPI
ratings generally mean more rolling resistance, they should also mean a
tougher, harder wearing tyre as the treads used underneath the rubber
are thicker. I managed over 2000km of touring on a fully loaded electric
bike without a single puncture and little visible wear to either tread
or sidewalls!
A ‘cleanout’ inspection showed the tyre had absorbed several
smallish splinters of glass but none had visible penetrated the nylon
threads underneath the rubber. While this kind of evidence is always
subjective (ill-luck invariably playing a part5 with getting a puncture
in any tyre, no matter how tough), it’s still an impressive feat. It
left me wondering who needs the extra weight and drag of more expensive
Kevlar Belts.
Cycling Plus Verdict: "Good Value, long life tyres
for extra touring and commuting comfort".
Product: KNarly 2.1in
Publication: MBR
Issue: The MUD issue
Date: Febuary 2008
http://www.mountainbikerider.co.uk
It's pretty obvious why this tyre is called the Knarly-it
has the tallest side knobs on test, has easily the most aggressive tread
pattern, and at 720g, with a Kevlar bead, its is by far the heaviest
tyre here.
Drag is the obvious drawback with the Knarly but it is not actually as
slow as you'd think. Nor is itas sketchy as it looks because the tall
side knobs are well supported and dont tuck under or wash out
unexpectedly on hard packed trails you may need to be careful on wet
tarmac though.
The thicker sidewalls do allow you to run lower pressures without too
much risk of pinch flatting, but unfortunately this compound the drag
issue.
Ultimately, if you've got a bigger-travel bike and want to ride steep,
technical muddy trails then the Kenda Knarly is a good choice-just dont
take it on a woodland hack.
Product: Nevegal DTC 2.35in
Publication: MBUK
Issue: No 221
Date: Febuary 2008
http://www.mbuk.com
The bigger sizes of the Nevegal have impressed us in the
past, with their thick casing and soft rubber, but we've previously
turned a bit of a blind eye to its lighter weight(615g) XC-based
carcass.
It was only when we rode this tyre on the Marin Attack Trail recently
that we realised just how good its is as an all round XC and general
thrashing tyre.
The paddle-like centre row of trad hooks up well - and clears all but
the claggiest of gloop, whilethe intermediate shoulder knobs are fairly
prominent, offering great control in off-camber situations.
The shoulder knobs are adequate for most cornering but come unstuck a
little on the irritating clay that we suffer from round here. That said,
theyve been great everwhere else.
Our only reservation is that the casing is fairly thin, although to date
we havent had any punctures.
MBUK Verdict: "A great all-round tyre, available
in lightweight XC through to rock munching DH variants.
Product: Telonix DTC 2.4in
Publication: MBUK
Issue: No 218
Date: November 2007
Award/Verdict: " 7 "
http://www.mbuk.com
A new one from Kenda, designed for the local Laguna
Beach DH race of trials/extreme ride legend Hans Rey as part of their
Signature Series.
Despite being designed for digging deep into California, it translates
into a decent all-rounder over here too.
The broad split paddle tread scoops its way through deep bog and sludge
in a tenacious fashion. The closely spaced edge lugs can really be leant
on through turns too, although there's a noticeable shoulder slip as you
transition.
The stiff Iron Cap top ply and paddle tread does tend to slide on wet
wood and rocks. The Iron Cap give it impressive impact edge protection
though, and it rolls better than we expected, making it a useful
year-long all-rounder.
MBUK Verdict: "Slightly nervous in wet woods but
otherwise a well armoured all-rounder".
Product: Knarly 2.1in
Publication: MBUK
Issue: No 218
Date: November 2007
Award/Verdict: " 9 "
http://www.mbuk.com
Kenda's huge range of tyres means they can get really
specific with designs. This soggy slalom specialist is unbeatable if
it's wet grass between the gates.
The standard carcass keeps it lightweight for a good launch out of the
start gate. The deep spike tread, with massive butressed edge spikes and
huge gaps between, is a grippy as a football boot on wet grass and mud.
You need to keep pressures high (40psi-plus) to keep the spikes stable,
but if it's soft enough to bite it'll rip corners.
Hardcompound, high spike tread makes it lethally skittery on roack and
roots, so its restricted in terms of trail verstility.
Pricing is great though, so if you take your slalom seriously then get a
pair in your arsenal.
MBUK Verdict: "Lightweight, insane traction,
slalom tyre but not happy in mixed terrain".
Product: Kinetics
Publication: What Mountain Bike
Issue: No 76
Date: November 2007
Award/Verdict: " 8 "
http://www.whatmtb.com
Kenda Kinetics is a big old school-style tread thats's
not a winter specialist but a tough trail-ready all year rounder that's
well worth looking out for.
The front and rear designs are a bit pointier on the front for steering
and a bit more paddley on the back for propulsion. Butressed side knobs
take care of the cornering and off-camber work and it has a to ba really
sticky to get them clogged up enough to cause problems.
Sticky compound rubber offsets the fact that the tops of the knobs can
sometimes slip on rocks, although they do still tend to smear and slide
if its a really wet.
They're achingly slow considering they're a softie though, but they do
wear fast if the trails start to dry out.
Weight is reasonable for their size and grip levels too although they do
need more pressure than many large tyres to stop them from pinch
puncturing. The generous tread wards off pointy punctures well however
and they're a good price.
WMB Verdict: "Tough, year round technical
performer at a pretty good price, too".
Product: Kinetics Extreme
Publication: What Mountain Bike
Issue: No 65
Date: January 2007
Award/Verdict: " 8 "
http://www.whatmtb.com
Kenda produce a huge range of tyres these days, but the
Kinetics Extreme is an old favourite design refreshed with the latest
tyre technology.
The Kinetics uses a classic chunky all rounder block style with a vague
inline arrow arrangement. They paddle okay through the softer stuff and
got through "Slurrey Alley" eventually, but they slip easily
if you push too hard.
The Stick-E compound really helped through "Rocky Horror"
though as did the cushioning of the fat 2.35in carcass. It was also okay
through the cleaner sections of "Wet Wood" too, and it leans
and tackles off cambers in a nice predictable way, sliding rather than
spitting suddenly when it does go.
It tends to clog easily on the loamy, leafy sections and once bunged up
it doesnt clear well. Kendas are more prone to pinch punctures than most
brands, but the broad tread top and close spacing means they roll well,
and you can leave them on all year.
Price is good for a soft compound tyre, which offsets rapid wear.
WMB Verdict: "Well priced, grippy all year rounder
that does okay in winter too".
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