Submitted by
HUZZA
a Cross Country Rider
from earth Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
a
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
moderatly acceptable wear,sheds mud quite well,reasonable off road performance,low cost
Weaknesses:
low volume tire results in very non compliant ride
Similar Products Used:
many
Bottom Line:
this tire is bizarre, no wonder it is heavily discounted,you compare it to a high volume UST tire that you can air down to improve grip and compliance, this tire is lacking.at 188 lbs I run this tire at minimium pressure of 30 psi back and it richochets off the smallest trail irregularity like a solid rubber tire.it hard on the body taking every hit on a hardtail,the big advantage to me about UST is a compliant ride which is impossibe due to this tires low volume.I will go back to Hutchinson python.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ferncliffe, Pietermaritzburg
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Greg Minnaar Cycles
Strengths:
Slow wearing, easy to mount, great grip in dry conditions, reasonable in wet, sheds mud well, reasonable price.
Weaknesses:
None too obvious.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal, Panaracer Fire.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, XT.
Bottom Line:
A good value-for-money tyre to handle most conditions in the damp sub-tropical climate of Pietermaritzburg. No obvious failings and wear has been reasonably slow thus far. Tire is narrower than expected but doesn't seem to compromise its reliability and performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Loehr Young
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA USA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Great all around tire, works well in all conditions, very durable and wears well.
I have run these on a XC race hardtail, short travel XC race bike, and 5" travel all mountain rig all with great luck.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best mount and forget it tires I've ever used. It really works well in ALL conditions and it is a tough tire. I have ridden/raced it in every condition/terrain in the SE US and it works great rain or shine. I have even run it some crazy urban riding and it holds up to stair riding up & down, wall drops etc... You do need to run stans in it to keep from flatting, but that is the case with all tubeless set ups. Play with you air pressure a bit and don't be afraid to run'm a little low when running tubeless. I have been through a couple of pairs of these and have not had mounting or sealing issues at all. I have run them on Mavic crossmax wheels, Mavic 819 rims, Bontrager wheels, and the stans rim and all work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Lim
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
KHL
Strengths:
Looks good only
Weaknesses:
Very disappointed with KENDA product, a brand new MTB tire on my second ride only, burst on tarmec with a hole about the size of a dime. Even damaged my Mavic CrossMax rim.
Similar Products Used:
Have tried others such as IRC and Panaracer, and rode them since I bought my bike, no doubt they're still much more reliable than Kenda.
Bike Setup:
GT i-Drive & Versus Blitz
Bottom Line:
Junk. Last time for Kenda
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Rainier, OR Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Honestly....none, except maybe that they roll pretty fast.
Weaknesses:
Very small (2.1 tire should be a 2.1, not a 1.9!), front tire has NO traction in any condition other than on pavement. Difficult to mount on Mavic UST wheels, requires lots of sealent to hold air.
I've used this tire in mud, loose, loose over hardpack, hardpack, and medium conditions and they don't work worth a crap in any of those conditions! The rear tire has decent climbing traction but thats it. The front tire might just be the worst tire ever made as far as traction. I mean it just doesn't bite at all, I've had WAY to many washouts with it. Also, these tires are so low volume, that running the low pressure that is the advantage of tubeless can cause damage to your rims. They need some volume (The other three UST tires listed above all have great volume) to be a UST tire. I'm tired of tire manufacturers list their tires the wrong size as well. Tires aren't cheap and once their mounted you can't take them back. When I buy a tire listed as a 2.1, that is what I want, not a 1.9 (otherwise, I would have bought a 1.9!). Someone needs to come up with a standard and stick to it (The WTB system is not bad, except they are guilty of undersizing their tires as well). UST tires also should be way easier to mount, without having to use tools. These tires required some serious thumb stregnth. Bottom line, these tires are turds, pure and simple.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tzali Morr
a Cross Country Rider
from Nes Ziona, Israel Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kisalon trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Spose to be 2.1", but according to a test by Mountainbike Israel it is only 1.97". Put it on my Crossmax weels with sealant but it went loose at one of the first rides. Traction - very bad.
Very bad value for the mony. I replaced them after 50 miles and called the representative in Israel and told him that I t is not 2.1". He told me that this is the way Kenda measures the tires. I asked him to replace the tires with wider ones, he took my name and telephone and promised to call me after the exhibition on the first week of September. I never heared from him. There is a very litle chance that I'll buy a Kenda product again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lady Clementi's
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
$30.00
Strengths:
Looks good and rolls well
Weaknesses:
poor puncure resistance, no grip when wet.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxix Ugnitor
Bike Setup:
Yeti Arc 05, Rock Shox World Cup, AVID JUICY7.
Bottom Line:
slips on the tarmac when wet, hopless on the trail except when really dry. Too narrow and instils zero confidence. I won't be buying any more Kenda Tires. I had 4 falls due to a comination of tire grip ( as well as some dodgy lines! ) in one ride. I will wear them out on my tarmac rides only when dry!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Sherman Oaks, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: September 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Caballero to the beach and back
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with Bike
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
Consistently would not keep a line when riding down hill or up hill in minor to moderate sandy terrain. Instils ZERO confindence when descending. Almost crashed going up hill on very steep sections of the ride, back tire kept spinning out, and getting sideways, hence, forcing me to clip out. I was in the saddle at all times, with my weight fully on the back tire. I have Weirwolves on my other bike, and never had any kind of problems going up or down.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, Weirwolves.
Bike Setup:
Titus Talas Switchblade, dt240s, mavic 819, El Camino's, Minute 3 IT, Thomson stem and post, Easton xc composite bars, Sram X.0 rear derailer and shifters, XT from derailer, crank, BB, Eggbeater Twin Ti pedals, WTB Stealth Laser saddle.
Bottom Line:
Tomorrow, as soon as my LBS opens, where I purchased the bike, I am ordering some UST Weirwolves for front and rear. The Kenda's basically really suck. The friend I ride with couldn't believe how timid I was riding on descents, I usually bomb down, but that is my other bike with other tires, and that bike only has 3" of travel and is a 9 year old DBR carbon. Seems like trying not to wash out, both front and rear tires, was my main concern while riding. Trying not to wipe out going up steep hills was an entirely new experience. One that I never want to repeat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Little Ze'
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: August 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
online shop via ebay
Strengths:
...they ride firly nice when going in a straight line on pavement, otherwise I can't say
Weaknesses:
...maybe its me but the rear punctured easily and the front was unstable; had a terrible wobble
Similar Products Used:
my first ust tire, my second was Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 UST
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic w/F100x fork, 50psi in both tires
Bottom Line:
Okay, I have 1200 km on the matched pair of these tires. In my three months of riding on gravel roads and pavement I don't have many positive things to say about this combo.
Front tire, mine has an instability that causes the front to wobble at speeds above 24 kph. The instability is so bad that if hands are left off the handlebars they will wobble violently. A question to Kenda USA via email provided a prompt reply and an offer to replace at no charge. Have not done this yet. Non-plused about the front tire for this reason and won't get another one. (props to Kenda on the warranty)
Rear tire, 5 punctures and terrible grip on loose or wet conditions has left me unsatisfied. The punctures have come in the form of the smallest glass slivers, nails and some other unidentified sources. For some reason the rear has picked up all sorts of garbage that the front has not. I had no luck with Stan's Notube sealant with this tire and cleaning the inside of the tires and installing patches has left me with a tire that still leaks more than 10 pounds of air pressure in a day.
The grip of the rear tire is also terrible on gravel roads. It is so bad that I consciously prepare myself for a washed out rear tire whenever I have to take a corner on loose stuff. Whenever I hit wet pavement the rear will slide out if it is leaned even the slightest degree. That being said I should restate that I am runing both tires at 50 psi all the time. A few times I rode around on them at 30 psi and used my imagination a bit; they would probably work well on trails at lower pressures.
...going to retry stan's in the rear tire and replace the front for something different.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: June 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trail 100 and South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance and it looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Not durable at all. The tire tears easily and the rear tire (not the rim) warped after about a month of use.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roll x Pro UST
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic Disc. with Mavic Crossmax XLs. Thomson stem/seat post, XTR, etc..
Bottom Line:
This tire started falling apart within weeks of being purchased. The sidewall develped several tears and gashes. I have never seen a tire warp on the rim - this tire did. A bulge started to appear on the tire and it started to warp. The rim was fine but the tire just developed a curve and bulge. Very poor traction, the tire is really narrow for a 2.1. Don't buy it.........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Twomey
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, SC Date Reviewed: December 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Harbison
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Low resistance / Fast rolling. Light, hold air well with slime.
Weaknesses:
Useless in wet conditions.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Weirwolf UST and Panaracer Fire XC both A++
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB Air, Full XTR
Bottom Line:
OK for dry hardpack but not for anything wet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
horsetooth mtn park (all)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Decent and predictable in dry, packed conditions.
Weaknesses:
HORRIBLE in anything wet. Slick roots become impossibly slick roots. Also, 2.1 sizing is more like 1.9. These are smaller than my python 2.0's.
no problems mounting or holding air (zero loss over two weeks). These aren't bad on the hard packed forest terrains. They are a little unpredictable on rocky (loose fist to baby-head sized) descents, but still not horrible. BUT wet, muddy, or even moist conditions are downright dangerous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Julier
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamden, CT Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
mid mountain loop, Park City
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Belmont Wheelworks
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, holds air well, excellent dry (hard trail) stability
Weaknesses:
poor traction over wet roots and stones and in mud
Similar Products Used:
first UST tire
Bike Setup:
Soulcraft Option 3, Fox Float Fork, etc.
Bottom Line:
Two flats in 6 days of riding at Park City. These tires do not do well below 40 psi. A real challenge to remove on the trail. Good stability at speed in most conditions. Average in loose gravel or loam. Good wear.
Difficult, sometimes frustrating in wet conditions and on wet roots and rocks.
This tire is best in dry conditions. I would not change them if I lived in Park City, Utah year around. They are not acceptable in the wet, slippery conditions in New England where I live. I am changing them for a set of WTB Weirwolfs for the Winter and Spring and will report later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ratt
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Soft sticky compound, relatively tough
Weaknesses:
Wears out too quickly. A nightmare in the sand. no traction
For me these are the worst Ust tires i have tried out so far. They have a very narrow sweet spot tire pressure wise, have no traction, have no directional stability in the sand, the rear tire wore out in 3 weeks of riding. They are soft and sticky so i think they would be good on slick rock and none of the knobbies broke off like they do on the Firepros.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
geoff
a Weekend Warrior
from West Caldwell, NJ Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anytrail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
I haven't found any yet
Weaknesses:
zero traction in wet conditions, one of the worst I've ever riden
Similar Products Used:
Mich, Conti in tubeless and many other in tubed
Bike Setup:
2002 truth
Bottom Line:
I didn't find mounting this tire as bad as some of the other reviews. Maybe I got lucky.
This tire should carry a warning dangerous when wet. We have had a lot of rain lately so conditions are bad. but this tire doesn't shed mud and wet rocks and roots are like ice with this tire.
To be honest I haven't riden this in dry conditions so maybe it shines there but it won't be on my bike long enough to find out.
If you gave this tire a good review, I've got a tire you can buy cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Racer
from Australia Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I had these front and rear and I will never use them again. the rear wore out too quickly and the didn't offer much traction, especially on gravel. All too often I found myself doing two wheel slides around corners. They were fairly resiliant towards flats (I only got two) and worked well on hard pack, with hardly any rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Locke, NY Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Shindagen Hollow
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
None. This is the worst tire I have ever owned!
Weaknesses:
Extremely hard to mount on the trail without tire levers and soapy water. Even with the levers and soapy water they are a pain to get on.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python, Mosquito, Michelin Jet S
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab Disc, Mavic X3.1 wheels.
Bottom Line:
I can't say enough bad things about this tire. I was shocked to see so many good reviews. This tire is difficult to mount, doesn't hold air, and isn't very durable. Fixing a flat on the trial is nearly impossible. I tried the Kenda's after I punctured the $50 Hutchinson Python (beyond repair)and didn't want to spend $50 on a replacement. I had used Kenda semi-slicks in the past and was very happy with them so I thought I would give their tubeless tires a try.
From the start the Kenda tire leaked a lot of air. It has to be re-inflated before every ride, even if its just the next day. The tire was not off to a good start. After 2 months of use, I puctured it on a rock, but it was repairable. Two weeks later I punctured it again. By this time I was very sick of removing the tire on the trail to put a tube in it, pumping it up constantly, and patching it. I got tubeless tires to reduce the number of flats that I had, not to keep the same amount of flats and increase the price to repair them.
Its not like I ride on trails of broken glass or cactus needles. There are rocks on the trail, but at 45 psi an impact with a rock at 15 mph should not puncture the tire unless the rock is shaped like a spear, which these wern't. The second flat was the end of this tire for me. In fact, when I went to take the tire off the rim to replace it, I ended up cutting it off. It was much faster and easier than fighting with it.
The Hutchinson Mosquito has been on my bike a year and has given me no problems. I also leaks air, like all mtb tires, but it only needs to be filled once a week or so, not every day. I'm now trying the Michelin Jet S. I hope this tire is more durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Fantastic tyre
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Trelz
a Racer
from St. Louis Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Castelwood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Big Shark
Strengths:
They sell a front and rear specific tire. The front is a great cornering tire. It holds air very well and resists punctures well. One leak in 6 months of hard riding is great. Both back and front tires have low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Back tire does not hold grip on loose climbs. Not good in mud.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin; Hutchinson; Panaracer; Continential
Bike Setup:
NRS
Bottom Line:
The front is a worhty tire, the back is not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod C.
a Racer
from Locust Valley, NY Date Reviewed: December 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
#6 at Killington
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
From Kenda at the NORBA Nationals
Strengths:
Durability,traction,durability, front and rear specificand oh yeh, durability
Weaknesses:
Could be loghter weight.
Similar Products Used:
Michalin Comp S, Hutchinson Pythons and Mosquitos.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 with CrossMax wheelset
Bottom Line:
I almost tossed the tubeless system due the the poor quality of the Hutcinsons and Michelins. Flats, flats and more flats with the crappy French tires. (Stick to making Champagne Pepe) The Kenda's are the only tires that have held up. I'm 150 pounds and "ride light", but the Michelins and Hutchensons would pinch flat so often that they were ruining my season. The Kenda's have been on the bike since mid August with absolutely no trouble at all. Love em, and trust em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL USA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oleta
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bell's Bikes
Strengths:
Traction
Weaknesses:
None that I have noticed at this time
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python, UST
Bike Setup:
2001 Giant XTC NRS 1
Bottom Line:
These tires BLOW AWAY the pythons that came on my bike. I can actually make it up short steep climbs where my pythons wouls spin. These also inspire me to ride faster and with much more comfidence around turns, my pythons would constantly wash out. I don't want to put all hutchinson tires down, the scorpions and mosquitos are probably good tires but I didn't want to add too much rolling resistence tro my ride. The conditions I ride in are hardpack, some sand, lots of roots and wooden obsticles such as bridges and teeter totters. I highly recommend these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Light for UST tires, great rubber compound, wear well
These are pretty decent tires if you ride on hard to slightly loose or tacky surfaces. I like the rubber compound - it grips well while seeming to last a while. The main problem I've had is that in looser stuff the rear tire just plain sucks. It hooks up on stuff a slick tire would but doesn't go much further than that. They're also quite small tires compared to many other 2.1's that I've tried, which is a feature I'm not too fond of. However the sidewalls are quite nice and I've yet to have any issues with flats or any other damage. They're also quite easy to mount on rims, unlike the IRC Seracs. Overall they're not bad, the front is a much better pattern than the rear though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City, New Mexico Date Reviewed: November 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
CD North
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Kenda Booth @ Durango Nat'ls
Strengths:
Good traction on loose rock. Holds air well. Resists punctures.
Weaknesses:
Very difficult to mount. They're heavy with alot of rolling resistance.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Jet S and Comp S UST, Hutchinson Python UST, Panaracer Trailblaster UST
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Tanasi w/XTR Group, Bontrager Mustang UST rims on Chris King hubs
Bottom Line:
I received the tires free from a drawing at the NORBA Nationals at Durango. The front tire had been punctured, probably by a screw driver used for unmounting it. I patched it and had no problems with it holding air.
Mounting the tires was difficult. Lubing the tires and rims and using Michelin tire levers helps, but its still a pain compared to other UST tires I've used.
The tires work well in loose rock and hardpack. They are noticeably slower rolling than Michelins, but they are also a wider tire than the Michelins that I've used. I run these tires at 40 to 45 psi.
They corner well in the conditions here. I've had two punctures, one front and one rear. Both were small from cactus spines. The tires didn't go flat until the next day and were easily repaired.
I like these tires for our local riding conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandbagger
a Racer
from CO Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Fast rolling tire, really grippy rear. They work real well in CO being a great dry, loose, and rocky terrain tire.
Weaknesses:
Not the best wet conditions tire. I ran Mavic Crossrocs and had the Kenda's front and rear. It leaked a lot more up front that rear for some reason. DO NOT forget to air up tires regulary. TOO low pressure = funny looking endo. I popped the bead while jumping on my Kenda's. Of course noone would ever jump XC 2.1 tires between 20psi and 30psi.
Bottom Line:
Buy this tire for fast, dry, loose, rocky terrain. Discourage buying it if you live in wet, muddy, root terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Ridgefield CT Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Received free. Adequate straight line braking, traction, and cornering when trail is free of debris.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, impossible to mount without tire levers, sideslip frequently on rocks and roots, particularly so when conditions are wet, lack air volume of other similar UST tires
Similar Products Used:
UST Hutchinson Pythons, and Mosquitoes. Just about everything out there non UST.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Scalpel 3000
Bottom Line:
Received these as a gift and decided to try them after slicing a rear Python. Initially they felt adequate, yet after three rides, I trust them less and less. I start each ride with wariness. My initial impression upon taking them out of the box was that Kenda used an inexpensive rubber compound; slippery sheen, chunky, and stiff. They were very difficult to mount even with soapy water and tire levers. They seemed to hook up fairly well in a straight line, and grabbed in corners provided there were no sticks and debris on the trail. However, in a perfect world... On off camber rocks and roots, they are prone to sideslipping and lose traction immediately with even slight unweighting of the rear, almost as if the side knobs compress then spring back; the compound does little to aid traction. Wet spiderweb roots are an experience. I've coined a new term here called 'riding with Kharisma' involving the need for hitting them perfectly perpendicular, then making rapid jerky micro corrections in your line to turn prior to hitting the next batch. As an East Coast rider, I'm used to riding roots, but these tires truly make it an exercise in bike handling. My Pythons may have had their faults in one or two areas, but are overall far superior, as are the Mosquitoes. The Pythons roll faster, and both have greater air volume with a more compliant 'tubeless' ride. I think I'll fork out the bills for those Scorpions after all. What price free...?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TJ
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
skeggs, demo forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance price match
Strengths:
Easy to inflate, good cornering and braking.
Weaknesses:
Hard to mount on TX3.01 mavic rims, one ride and the some of the center blocks on the rear already have cuts.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python UST
Bike Setup:
'01 Giant NRS-1
Bottom Line:
Mounting was a pain, but learned that soapy water on the bead made the installation much easier. Carry tire levers with you! I went on my first ride today out at the demo forest. For those that dont know, its sandy and dry and several rock gardens around. I instantly noticed that the tires had lower air volume than the Pythons. However, I did not notice any rougher ride, but that is probably due to my FS. The hardtail guys may notice a difference... The sidewalls are stiffer, much less supple than the python but better abrasion resistance. The sidewalls make the tire easier to inflate. The tires cornered better than the worn out pythons and braked better as well. Kenda uses reinforced knobs on the side that grab and dont deflect when cornering hard. I noticed that when the wheel turned in sandy areas, my legs would get peppered with dirt. This never happened with he python. For high speed braking, I was getting used to the pythons skidding down the trail vs. grabbing the trail and slowing me down. Kenda did a great job with the front and rear braking abilities. However, after a 22 mile ride, I see the some knobs on the rear braking faces have been cut. I dont expect the rear knobs to keep a square profile for very long. I wish Kenda used the L3R crystal compound for supposedly improved durability. For climbing, I think the pythons were slightly better, even after 12 months of use, but barely noticeable. The knobs are stepped in the acceleration direction to increase surface area and traction. I dont expect the steps to last long since a little tire wear and the steps will be gone. I ran the tires at 35 psi (Im 195) was happy and probably will not change. I have not noticed any significant air loss either.
Overall, I still like the pythons when new but after 12 months of riding they were ready for the trash can. I think the pythons had better rolling resistance, but whats speed without control? The kendas seem to do a good job in cornering and braking renewing my confidence on high speed XC riding. Overall Im happy with the Kendas so far but time will tell over the next 12 months. Still would like easier mounting and more durability on the knobs (even though the pythons cut the same way).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mario Ch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sinaloa Mexico Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
I don't have problems in mounting or dismounting this tires, I Think it´s a matter of soap water, a fresh place to do it and a cold beer in hand (obviously You dont have this conditions in Trail) Now I used it 500 kms and My problem is they are very slippery in extreme wet or dry conditions (loose rocks an dust) and this is worst with the time of use (probably for wasted knobs). They remember me the Firestone tires in my Ford Explorer. I don't recommend it if you have extreme climbs, descents or technical trails. If you need more control go for the Panaracer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Danville Bike
Strengths:
Great traction over varies of terrain. Stable thru soft sandy spots.
Weaknesses:
leaks a lot more air than the other tubeless tires I've used. Tough to get on. I'm a little worried if i need to do some trailside repairs.
Similar Products Used:
Mich, Hutch
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2.1 Kendas
Bottom Line:
The best tires I've had on my bike minus the leaky air problem. I lose about 10 pounds a night. I've ridding on the Pythons & the Comp S and really didn't like them overall. They had some good points but a lot more very bad points. I heard a good review and tried them out. I was very happy. thumbs up to Kenda
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gimpy00Wang
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitehall, PA USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
- Grippy - low rolling resistance - holds air very well
Weaknesses:
- heavier than non-UST tires(duh) - difficult to mount - difficult to mount - difficult to mount
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 + Stan's NoTubes
Bike Setup:
C'dale CAAD4, CK ISODIsc, X3.1 UST Disc, some shifters, some brakes...
Bottom Line:
I have not used these tires very long, but from what I have experienced so far, they are one of the better UST tires available right now. They are reasonably priced compared to other UST tires. They have good handling characteristics and inspire confidence. My only real big beef is the installation. These things are a bear to mount. I had to have my buddy assist. I would never want to have to remove/install one of these on the trail.
I'm curious why so many people seem to have air leakage problems with these. These hold air very well. Perhaps people are getting faulty tires or air is leaking at the valve stem? I don't even have latex in my tires(yet) and they're not leaking more than 2-3lbs of air in a week.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a Racer
from mtn home ar Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
Great cornering and all around performance on dry, rough conditions.
Weaknesses:
Impossible tire to mount w/o tearing your hands off at the wrist.
Similar Products Used:
Mich, Hutch
Bike Setup:
Trek 98, bonti rear ust wheel, rolf dolomite ust front
Bottom Line:
I installed the tire on the front Rolf and almost gave up it was so freakin hard, nearly broke tire levers. Ive decided to let the tire wear out on the rim before i change it. Hope i dont flat it, its in the front so maybe i wont. Handles well otherwise in dry, rocky, rooty, rough conditions, corners super.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Rye, New Hampshire Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
next one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with wheels
Strengths:
-cornering -rolling resistance -30# of air plushness
Weaknesses:
-poor performance on wet surfaces -hard to remove and install
Similar Products Used:
michelin wildgripper front s
Bike Setup:
fuel 100,mavic crossrocs,hayes,yadda yadda yadda
Bottom Line:
After using this sight so often setting up my new ride, its time to put my two cents in. I'm a pretty typical 180#, go fast, get dirty, have a beer, kind of rider. I chose these tires to review first because I am psyched about having tubeless wheels. These tires (@30 psi) corner,climb,roll,and take a hit like no tire that i've used in 14 years of riding. Having said that, they are the WORST wet track tire ever. In the northeast tires have to hold on wet roots and rocks. These tires repel them. This may be caused by the relatively low profile knobbys but I believe its the rubber compound. I put a michelin on the front yesterday, as the forecast was rainy, and kept the kenda on back. Like night and day. Will be getting another michelin or hutchinson scorpion before next ride. If you only ride dry ST,DT,even boney downhills you'll love this tire. Never had a flat, even a 30 psi. If you ride when it rains, you'll hate it. Go tubeless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke
a Cross Country Rider
from new jersey Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
prompton dam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
good traction, hooks up well in most conditions
Weaknesses:
installation & removal, leaks air
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson python ust
Bike Setup:
2001 giant xtc nrs 2, duke race, xtr rear
Bottom Line:
the tires perform well, but then I punctured my rear on a sharp rock. it took 2 of us to get it off the rim (mavic) and the tires have such a low volume that a tube barely fits in. In fact i punctured 2 tubes after i unsuccessfully tried to patch the tire. (my hutch. python patched fine!) I also spent about 4 hours installing & removing the tire 4 times that nite. It can not be done without tire irons!!! If you never flat these tires they are real nice but i'm going to try a new brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera OSP
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Solid all around, good wet weather tire
Weaknesses:
None apparent
Bike Setup:
Jekyl, XTR, Disc, Crossmax UST wheels, way too heavy rider
Bottom Line:
I have had no problems whatsoever with these tires. No flats, no odd behavior. This is my first and only UST tire. Previously I was using Continental semi-slicks, so I don't have much to compare directly. The traction in wet weather seems great though.
Despite my clydesdale status I run the tires at the minimum listed 30 psi without any problems. Some of the credit may go to the LBS, who mounted the tires. They are not fans of tubeless and they have developed an elaborate ritual for mounting them. They put a little spray on adhesive around the stems to seal them. They use some kind of lubricant to get the tires over the rim (by hand). Then they use hairspray I think on the bead to help seal it. These tricks all seem to help as I've put a couple hundre miles on them with no flats and I lose only about 5 psi over the course of a week.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlantic Beach, FL Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
briar patch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Strong construction/durabilty,very usable cornering ability,good air retention
Weaknesses:
slightly inaccurate top cap or case construction causes minor wobble of tread even though bead reference lines indicate even beading of tire.This has no effect on performance, and is perhaps just present in my tire.
Similar Products Used:
1st UST tire I've purchased
Bike Setup:
Sugar, bontrager Racelite, thomson, xtr, etc..
Bottom Line:
This is a great product that really has made me a believer in the tubeless tire/wheel system. It has taken a lot of very tough rides that certainly would have pinch flated my previous wheel/tire combo and never flinched. That cornering is very predictable here in the loose sandy conditions of North FL. however the tire's climbing ability would be improved if the center tread blocks were slighty higher. Now that Panaracer is making a UST version of the Fire XC pro I'll likely try one of those when this tire is shot. That might perform somewhat better i my local conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Bautista
a Racer
from Arcadia,CA USA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Strawberry Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Great cornering and good traction on climbs. The tire holds air very well. An all around good tire that can tackle various terrain.
Weaknesses:
A higher rolling resistance than the Pythons and it seems a bit heavier than the aforementioned tire.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Pythons
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized S-Works FSRxc...SID SL..XT crank and front derailleur with XTR rear
Bottom Line:
I've used these tires for 3 months now and have noticed an improvement in my cornering..especially around loose dirt. The tire is great in tight singletrack and great on climbs. I can feel the higher rolling resistance, but the improvement in control more than makes up for that. I've entered 6 races so far this year and faired very well. I'm sure that the tires have a lot to do with it. A great tire that is a vast improvement to the Pythons!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Racer
from Gainesville Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Excellent cornering, handling, holds a line through technical single track, stability, feels like your bike is on rails. I am riding the 2.1s.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy compared to pythons or michelins. I was hoping to get the 1.9s but they don't seem to be available. Anybody know what the weight is on the 1.9s? Don't seem to accelerate as well as on the pythons. Tires have better control but less forgiving on washout saves.
Similar Products Used:
pythons
Bike Setup:
Santacruz superlight
Bottom Line:
Excellent tire, not sure about
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kdoggers
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ruff Go (Annadale Park)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Agressive tred design, thick side walls, they hold tire pressure very well.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, and slow rolling
Similar Products Used:
Pythons.
Bike Setup:
2000 Kona.
Bottom Line:
Man these tires kick but! After a very unsatifying 4 or 5 months of riding on some Pythons these tires are a dream. After getting a nail and blowing out the side wall on the pythons I was a getting a little sketical of tubless tires. These Kendas have renewed my fatih. They are great in muddy and wet conditions. They are faily easy to put on the rim if you just put a little dish soap to the bead. They hold tire pressure very good. Much less air seepage then the Pythons. The bottom line is that I've been in two races with these tires and have a first and second place medel to show!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Racer
from St. Louis, MO, USA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chubb, Berryman, Greensfelder
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Bill Larson
Strengths:
My review echos several below. I'm only reviewing the rear tire- I stuck with the Python in front. The sidewalls are thicker and durable. The tread is more aggressive than Pythons. It is likely they will slash less often.
Weaknesses:
The tire is heavy and not as cushy as a Python (smaller air volume and stiffer sidewalls).
I trust this tire to not cut as often as a Python. Traction is as good as a Python in most conditions, and better in mud or soft/loose conditions, worse on wet rock/wet logs, roots etc. Rolling resistance is good for a fuller knobby. Great product that fills a gap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, CT, USA Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Biker's Edge
Strengths:
Great all around tire. Plus I haven't torn the sidewalls yet. I used the Pythons for a while and went through 4 tires! The Kenda's don't have that ballon look to them and have actual knobs that help protect the sidewalls. The Kharisma's have low rolling resistance, and still seems to grip most everything.
Weaknesses:
They don't have the air volume of the Pythons's so you don't get that extra cushion. They don't seem to hook up as well on wet and muddy surfaces, but you can always lower the tire pressure.
Similar Products Used:
Python's (check my review)are the only other tubeless tire I tried.
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB - XTR - Crossmax - X-Fly
Bottom Line:
So far this has been a great tire. I have only used these tire about month and a half, but no knobs have torn off and no flats, despite going on some epic rides. I ride these tire with confidence and never worry about torn sidewalls. If you have tubeless tires and ride here in the Northeast you can't go wrong with the Kharisma's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Good cornering grip, climbing traction, holding line in technical sections, improved rider comfort, holding air. only 100 miles so far-tread holding up nicely.
Weaknesses:
Hard to mount-enlist a buddy to help work the bead on.
Similar Products Used:
first MTB tubeless set
Bike Setup:
xc ti hardtail 3" front suspension
Bottom Line:
Blow away covential tube and tire performance on singletrack/fireroads. Pavement performance good except for out of the saddle sprinting-I live close enough to local singletrack to ride to/from). At 6' 190 lbs I've settled on 33psi-F, 38psi-R for all around conditions. Takes the sting out of pounding descents. My rear had a champaign bubble leak that traced to tire, not rim. No call back after leaving a message with Kenda Tech support. I added a spot of caulking and leak is down to about 2psi overnight-acceptable. After all feedback I have read on tubeless systems, I'm glad I got these tires for a more enjoyable higher octane ride! Will post long term review when I replace them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy O
a Weekend Warrior
from Falls Church, VA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Furnace
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
http://www.cambriabike.com
Strengths:
Predictable
Weaknesses:
Could use more air volume
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Mosquito 2.0, IRC Mythos K 2.1
Bike Setup:
Scalpel 4000
Bottom Line:
Swapped these for the Mosquitos last week. These tires look and feel like an evolution of the Mythos 2.1. Not nearly as cushy as the Mosquitos - no surprise, as they have noticibly lower air volume.
Very predictable and fast rolling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a Cross Country Rider
from Marina, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sea Otter racecourse
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
www.cambriabike.com
Strengths:
Cushy ride with low pressure. Tubeless of course.
Weaknesses:
Wears out fast. Rear seems to wash out a little easier than Schwalbe Jimmys.
Similar Products Used:
Schwalbe light Jimmys
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, easton monkeylite bare, syncros titanium post, ritchey wcs stem, mavic ust disc, xtr fr & r dr, avid mech discs, gripshift, fly seat,
Bottom Line:
I switched to the kenda rear tire because I thought it would wear better than the Schwalbes but it seems to only be slightly more durable. Also the Schwalbes hook up better and the rear does not wash out. I'd like to see Ritchey make a tubeless in the Z-max style with plenty of tread. The heaviness would'nt bother me, better for training...just switch to a lighter less durable tire like the Schwalbe for races.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RobG
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything not paved.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Speed Goat.com
Strengths:
Aggressive tread design, separate front/rear tire designs, heavy-duty construction, high rolling resistance means better grip in slippery/loose conditions, comfortable ride thanks to low pressures. (Price indicated is for both tires, including shipping).
Weaknesses:
Noisy on asphalt, royal PITA to mount on rim (very stiff). High rolling resistance means these are not good asphalt tires; 'course if you ride on asphalt much, why are you bothering with tubeless tires anyway???
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python UST
Bike Setup:
2001 Giant XTC NRS 1, stock plus these tires, bar ends, and a SelleRoyal gel seat. Rider weight approx 165 lbs including loaded CamelBak.
Bottom Line:
I contacted Kenda about these tires, because I was unhappy with how the Pythons that came on my bike got a thorn puncture the very day I brought the new bike home. Kenda said they use more rubber on the tire casing, making them more resistant to punctures. They also told me that Mavic prefers the Kendas because they are easier to inflate and seat the beads using a hand pump on the trail, in the event you do have a flat. I haven't contacted Mavic to verify this, though I can attest to the fact that the beads seated very quickly and easily once I got the tires onto the rims. It only took 30 psi from my air tank and they were in place! I can't say that for the Pythons.
Additionally, I wanted a more aggressive tire than the Pythons, which are really better suited to hardpack only. These Kharismas are great tires so far! They handle gravel, loose dirt, and muddy conditions extremely well. I felt in complete control doing a 30+ mph bonzai run down a very bumpy fire road that had lots of small rocks and loose dirt.
For this initial test run, I ran 40 psi front/35 psi rear. I will drop the pressures for my next ride and see how they do. Kenda recommends 30 psi.
Bottom line: If you're buying tubeless tires for the first time, these seem to be some really great tires! I will post a follow-up review after I've used them more. So far, I've only ridden 12 miles on them. But at this point, I see no reason NOT to award five flaming chilis in both ratings. I'm very impressed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 50.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
