Submitted by
pellertpale
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Wayne, IN, USA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Franke Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Good
Strengths:
Plenty o traction, and the seem pretty sturdy overall.
Weaknesses:
I guess a lack speed on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Comp
Bike Setup:
IH Maverick 1.2
Bottom Line:
Good enough to stick with for a beginner. Will upgrade to something lighter when needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fasteddie_0008
a Downhiller
from Durango Colorado Date Reviewed: August 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Amazon Descent trial
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Albuquerque NM Bike
Strengths:
The tires are good and thick and the knobs last for a pretty good time.
Weaknesses:
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....I think maybe the back tire in the middle of the treads they wear out easly.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2000 Diamondback X-Link all stock and had this bike for 9 years
Bottom Line:
There great tires to start off with until I or you can afford to upgrade them thats all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lssyac
a Cross Country Rider
from rugby Date Reviewed: July 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
cotswolds
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
good grip in lots of stuff, loose gravel and road!
Weaknesses:
wear a little quickly on the back
Similar Products Used:
richtley z max (great), bontrager Jones AC (rubbish), panaracer Fire XC (not great, but not as bad as Jones)
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
good tyre for general off road stuff, loads of grip, inspired cornering and breaking. do wear a little quick on the rear so if i have any road work, i use something else, and just spend a little longer in the shed changing tyres as i want these to last as long as possible!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Anchorage, Ak Date Reviewed: June 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sports Authority
Strengths:
Great traction on any surface!
Weaknesses:
lots of rolling resistance
kind of squirrley on loose sand but that is probably to be expected
Bike Setup:
Diamondback Recoil
Bottom Line:
A great tire especially for something to come on the bike. I have hit some of the major trails and most of the dirt roads in my area and have nothing but good things to say. They grab great on hills, gravel, dirt, mud, etc...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gaz De Blue
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, UK Date Reviewed: May 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tandle Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles in manc
Strengths:
These tyres are just superb in wet muddy trail conditions, they grip on anything thrown at them. They are great on normal dry off-road stuff too.
Weaknesses:
Tough going on tarmac,but I guess they are not manifactured for that purpose
Similar Products Used:
Scwa;lbe Skinny Jimmy, obsolete now
Bike Setup:
Hand built
Bottom Line:
If you do lots of off-road cycling, try and get your hands on these tyres. Any condition and terrain they will be just fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dtf1230
a Cross Country Rider
from Bolingbrook, Illinois Date Reviewed: April 28, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
tires have very bulky thick tread blocks and also spread out...great traction for any terrain.
Weaknesses:
harder to ride on pavement...thick tread blocks cause you to slow down...but then again, its a MOUNTAIN bike tire...
Bottom Line:
this tire will get you anywhere you need to go, rain or shine...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vculee2002
a Weekend Warrior
from Chester, VA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Buttermilk
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
This tire is awesome!!! It grips everything in sight & keeps on going. I've had it for 1 1/2 yrs & still going strong. You can run low psi(30) for singletrack & technical stuff or go higher(45-50) for street or paved trails. Kenda has the best tires out there hands down.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bottom Line:
Kick ass tires for the price. Not for weight watchers(xc racers) but I'm not one of them so who cares..LOL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BassBoyDevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Timmins, Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: November 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Delmonte
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Sportchek (stock)
Strengths:
good at every thing i throw at it. hook up nice even with dirt jumping. have about 3000 serious kms on them and still work like a dream in the dirt.
Weaknesses:
really throw mud. last long but when they are getting smooth they start to go quicker. apperently discontinued?
Similar Products Used:
not shure. all friends have holyrollers
Bike Setup:
2008 K2 Zed 3.3 with hussfelt bars/ stem. 13 year old rider who beats the hell out of it. Kenda Klaw XT of course. soon to be an SS and have holyrollers! (aprox 3000 km!)
Bottom Line:
love them even though both are almost gone. last super long. very easy to balance wheelies with the cool back tread. would love to keep them but time for new tires and i want to get away from xc tires. i really enjoyed them this summer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nubbled21
a Downhiller
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: November 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Icehouse
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Extremely durable, they wear slow even on pavement, rear tread design allows good climbing, the price is very appropriate.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, slow rollers. These tires are not aimed toward only one discipline of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal, Mixxis ignitor, Panaracer Fire xc pro.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Ritchey, XT, WTB, 140 Black elite, Rear SID, Kenda Nevegals.
Bottom Line:
These tires are affordable and will last through some burly rides and for a long time. Great tire for all around purposes. Do not buy these tires for anything specific. A good tire but not light enough for a good xc tire, not wide enough for downhill riders, not fast enough for racers. good general tire though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
uncomplientspud
a Cross Country Rider
from Ajax Date Reviewed: October 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Seaton trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
eats up anything you can throw at it, really. Roots, rocks, mud, sand, hard pack, loose over hard, anything you think, it can do
Weaknesses:
discontinued
Bike Setup:
xtc alliance, running ~30psi
Bottom Line:
GREAT tires. They eat up everything. THe tread pattern makes short work of roots. Rocks are no problem either. They also seem to have a never ending amount of grip. I can climb much better with tire then i can with others i have used. I also got to ride them in the pouring rain the other day. Wet roots were no problen. I was even getting up the rocky hills in the rain. The only problem i had the whole day when i got to the rock wall and went on some off chamber rock, slide off there, however it is expected when the amount of rain we got that day and the type of rock i was on.
Over all, if you can get your hands on a set of there tires buy them, best all around tires imo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronald ngai
a
from burnaby Date Reviewed: May 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
EXCELLENT MOUNTAIN TIRE...EXCELLENT IN SAND ( BEACH) LOTS OF TRACTION, IN SNOW, ICE AND RAIN...MADE FOR ALL TERRAIN
Weaknesses:
REAR TIRE DOESNT HAVE MUCH TREAD LIFE....
Similar Products Used:
INNNOVA MTB TIRE
Bike Setup:
" RAZOR MOUNTAIN" (NAME OF BIKE)
Bottom Line:
EXCELLENT BIKE TIRE.... THE INNOVA MTB TIRE SUCKED COCK.... ONE DAY USE AND TREADS GONE... KLAW IS 10X BETTER, LOTS OF TRACTION, CONTROL AND STABILITY... RECOMEND ANY ONE WHO LOVES TO GO ON ROUGH TRAILS HOWEVER, THIS TIRE IS ONLY FOR LIGHT OR MEDIUM TRAIL ONLY...OTHERWISE... VERY GOOD.... WENT UP A ICY HIL AND WENT UP FASTER THAN A CAR...IF PPL THINK SAND CAN STOP THIS TIRE...THEY'RE NUTS.. I WENT IN DEEP SAND... BIKED THROUGH IT AS IF IT WAS LIKE DRY PAVEMENT...THOSE WHO PUT LOW RATING FOR THIS TIRE...U AHVENT SEEN THE TIRE IN EXTREME GEAR
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one im riding
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
came on bike (walmart)EVIL!!
Strengths:
grips great on everything...even ice well as long as you are careful you cant go carving the ice at 30mph of course but still great
Weaknesses:
came on a crappy bike (mongoose xr200) slow on pavement but its not made to be fast on pavement so it dosent matter to me
Similar Products Used:
nothin is really as good
Bike Setup:
mongoose xr200 with upgraded seat and brakes
Bottom Line:
good on all terrain and i mean ALL TERAIN (that ive been on) would definately recomend it to any one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yak Boss I
a Weekend Warrior
from So.Cal Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Which ever one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Came stock
Strengths:
Grips really well on almost all surfaces (mud, hardpack, dusty, slick, whatever) They have gotten me through some slick/muddy rock and other techy terrain that others riders with better (i.e. $$$) have failed on. And it's not due to me meager skills) Corners confidently.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy for xc, not a great deep sand tire (but what is?) and it does roll a little slow on pavement
Similar Products Used:
Piranahs, and all manner of tires on my friends bikes
Bike Setup:
K2 Crush (same as Attack 2.0) with upgraded Shimano LX brakes/shifters, and seat
Bottom Line:
There are lighter tires out there that might perform better in any specific condition, but the Klaws would be hard to beat as a good overall tire. Very good trail tire that lets you ride confidently. If you're counting grams, look elsewhere. Value rating rating is high as it's a great tire for the money. Overall rating is only 4 because it's not the perfect tire... but close.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martinez
a Weekend Warrior
from Central Coast, California Date Reviewed: December 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Various dirt trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Runs pretty well on pavement. I put these on whenever I go biking with family (paved roads, no crazy stuff of course).
Weaknesses:
It's a general-use mountain bike tire, can't expect much from it.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Dread Tread, Kenda Karma
Bike Setup:
Diamondback Response Sport 08, Kenda Dread Tread on rear, Kenda Karma up front.
Bottom Line:
Versatile mountain bike tire, but I wouldn't push the limits. I've tried doing some uphill stuff at around 45psi and skid half ways through (and it was a small hill). I've also done bunny hops and some short /easy downhill and it did fine. I think it's an okay tire. You can't expect much from a $15 tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody Fischer
a Weekend Warrior
from Murray, KY Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Canal Loop, LBL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Lots of grip! Aggressive tread. Sheds dirt and mud easily. Lots of control.
Weaknesses:
Wheelset is heavy. Sidewalls flex. Front tire, maybe too much grip, needs to be worn in some. Loud on pavement.
Bike Setup:
K2 Attack 2.0
Bottom Line:
Great tire! Lots of control, never feels unstable. Works very well on hard pack, loose dirt, very stable in turns and switchbacks. The whole wheelset adds a lot of weight to the bike though. The front tire has a lot of tread and seems to add friction on hardpack, I think the tread just needs to be worn down a bit. The sidewalls seem to flex especially in the front. All around good stable tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M K
a Weekend Warrior
from Twin Cities, MN Date Reviewed: July 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The one Im on
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Walmart
Strengths:
Great all around tire, perfect for those like me who use one pair for everything, single track or pavement.
Weaknesses:
Only the bike they were on.
Similar Products Used:
ITS Ninja on my current bike.
Bike Setup:
Was: Walmart Mongoose XR200. Kendas came on it, only thing good on the bike.
Bottom Line:
My Walmart Mongoose was stolen, replaced with an Iron Horse Maverick. Wish I still had my tires though, these ITS Ninja tires suck. : (
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
m k
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, GA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Blankets
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
on bike
Strengths:
Good grip, durable, stable at right pressure, good climber
Weaknesses:
not the fastest tire, lots of roll resistance on pavement.
Bike Setup:
K2 Attack stock, so far.
Bottom Line:
Great tire for XC. It will take a beating. have had no problems with flats. Not the best for speed though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tolland Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
great tire for all conditions...doesn't stop working in anything...great all trail tire.
Weaknesses:
nothing much or have not found anything yet.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis ignitor
Bike Setup:
ironhorse maverick 4.0
Bottom Line:
great tire worth the money to pay for...this will work on anything that you can ride across..does well in mud and on wet trails, climbing with this tire is not a problem it does very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tolland Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
great tire for all conditions...doesn't stop working in anything...great all trail tire.
Weaknesses:
nothing much or have not found anything yet.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis ignitor
Bike Setup:
ironhorse maverick 4.0
Bottom Line:
great tire worth the money to pay for...this will work on anything that you can ride across..does well in mud and on wet trails, climbing with this tire is not a problem it does very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Wentner
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary,AB, Canada Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any off road trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Great design; holds well on corners, great traction in dirt and mud (we got lots here!), and no flats!
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Raleigh; had Giant but it sucked!
Bottom Line:
Great tires for off roading! No problems with pavement like others claim. Super climbing traction, and steering (missed a few trees on trails that I scuffed with Giant). No problem recommending these to anyone who wants an aggressive tread that really 'Klaws' at the dirt and trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AWDfreak
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere off pavement
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Target (f-ing department store)
Strengths:
Great anywhere off pavement. It literally "KLAWs" at the dirt. Unbelievable traction on dirt IMO. I gave these tires hell for 30 min, and they have hardly worn away.
Weaknesses:
A bit noisy on pavement. Twitchy on wet pavement.
Similar Products Used:
None, I think
Bike Setup:
These came with a crappy Magna "EXCITOR" 2X Suspension bike (DON'T BUY THIS BIKE) that had the front tire on both front and back. These tires don't deserve to be used on a crappy "Wal-Mart-ish"/department store bike
Bottom Line:
These tires are perfect for anyone that rides mostly off-road and occasionally on pavement. Just stay away from wet pavement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pierre bourgon
a
from cornwall Date Reviewed: January 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
great in all conditions
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Psycho rear, panaracer dart front
Bike Setup:
department store non suspention (transportation bike)
Bottom Line:
well, I thought these tires were intended for hardpack because they handles so well on any hard surface but is intended to be used in the mud and looseness and such. the panaracer dart anihilates the front but the rear destroys the the psycho at the rear on hardpack however the psycho does track a little better in the mud. (but if the front is tracking its all good)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott hargrove
a Racer
from alexandria, la Date Reviewed: October 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
clear creek in oxford, ms
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
biketiresdirect.com
Strengths:
(29er version) they are truly klaws. they grab the dirt like kleets. they roll very well and handle corners better than any other tire i've used. used to have problems w/ flats A LOT. not one flat since i have used these. i have put over 200 hundred off road miles on these in the past few months and not one tire complant. they recommend no less than 40 psi, but one weekend i was at 25 psi in the mud & they were awsome. i normally run 35 psi & that works well. the shed mud very quickly & have incredible knobbys. great price! they slice through sand and hold a good line.
Weaknesses:
to narrow (2.1) i would love to have this tire in 2.3
when these go bald, i'm getting another pair. fixing to get a 29er single speed and will be installing "the klaws" on that one too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Frederick, MD, US Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Under the Sun Sports
Strengths:
Good Tire, rolls well, never pinch-flatted
Weaknesses:
In heat, you'll lose rubber over just braking. Rear tire wears fast in heat
Bike Setup:
Had them on a stock Haro V3
Bottom Line:
I had these tires for a year. They never pinch flatted, and they rolled well. Their traction wasn't the greatest, but it wasn't the worst, either. Both tires wear fast in high heat. Rear especially. I took these off steps, curbs, and drops, and nothing ever happened. Maybe mine was a good lemon?
If you're using your bike for commuting and the occasional offroad, these tires would be good. They're cheap, but a little heavy.
And to whoever said the tires were loud: you are an idiot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bike rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Rock, Ar. Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
What ever
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Climbing, braking, and cornering traction on hardpack, loose over hardpack.
Weaknesses:
None that I have noticed yet.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, WTB and Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Fisher 293
Bottom Line:
This is for the 29 version. The trails I ride are single track, hard pack and during the summer they get a lot of loose gravel and/or loose dirt over the hard pack. There is also trails with a lot of rocks, loose rocks and sharp pointed rock gardens a roots. I had been riding the WTB Moto Raptor but had to slow way down for curves and would spin out on a lot of climbs. There were several times I had to leave the trail and brush into trees or brush because the tires would give out on me. I new I had to get something better or I was going to hurt myself. I went with the Klaws because they have tires made for the front and the rear. I used to ride the 26" WTB Veloci Raptor that has pretty much the same design (front & rear) and really liked them. Since riding these Klaws they really hook up a lot better in the curves and especially on climbs. I have not had any flats yet. I'm 5'10" about 186 lbs. and run 40 lbs. of air. Can't say anything about the mud yet. I'm sure there are better tires out there but for the 29er they are far and few between. I would not have bought these tires if I had listened to some the previous reviews. I'm glad I didin't. Try them. You'll like them. I know nothing is perfect and there is always room for inprovement. That's way I'm giving the 4's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harry Thaung
a Weekend Warrior
from pleasanton california Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
waterdog
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
rolls well, knobs, good back end grip
Weaknesses:
noise, grip, thats about it.
Similar Products Used:
panaracers i guess but they would kick this tires ass.
Bike Setup:
06' diamondback coil ex manitou Qrl rear shock, Mz III fork, 34t rear gears, m470 front brakes, bling bling duals in front and super swampers in back.
Bottom Line:
if your the kinda guy that uses the same rig for communiting to school/work then this is a good tire for you. THe front tire is decent to say the most. It has no grip, actually i should say it has minimal grip. it will grip for a second then let go, either forcing you to take a wider line into a tree or to understeer into the tree. The back tire i really quite fancy, it has very good offroad grip but its only decent on the street. I could climb very loose gravel hills and forde my fair share of mud bogs with easy. but on the street (107 degrees outside) i was able to hold the front brake, pedal and do an extended standing burnout. All in all this is a very decent tire but i would go with the panaracers instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
These tires are good at being terrible tires. the braking is ok.
Weaknesses:
Pretty much everything about them.
Similar Products Used:
my mongoose i bought i ebay.
Bike Setup:
Haro V3 Continental tires
Bottom Line:
So basiclly these tires are good at sucking, but you can buy them and waste $30 or whatever they cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tig
a Racer
from Clear Lake, TX Date Reviewed: January 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
Bay Area Bikes, Webster TX
Strengths:
Climbing, braking, and cornering traction on hardpack, loose over hardpack, soft, and sandy conditions.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy and slower than many other 29" tires.
Similar Products Used:
For 29", only the sucky Bontrager Jones AC. For 26", more than we have space to list, but not every tire available.
Bike Setup:
Fisher Rig 29" single speed with a few upgrades.
Bottom Line:
This is for the 29" version of the front and rear specific Klaws only. Once you've ridden 29's, you won't go back to 26's!
These tires hook up better than ANY tire I've ever ridden on. I haven't put them through heavy mud, but so far they've handled moderate clay/mud well without packing up. Specifically, the front tire corners like velcro in all the conditions I listed in the Strengths section. I have yet to feel the tall knobs squirm under hard cornering and braking. Just last week while hitting a very soft corner in a deep lean that would have been a guaranteed crash on any 26" tire or the old 29" Jones AC's, these tires held perfectly. Sure, every tire has its limits, but what I really like about the Klaws is the feedback they give. You can push cornering traction more and more, knowing the tires will let you know you're at the limit BEFORE sliding out.
Rear tire traction is solid while climbing over roots and rocks, and both tire’s braking is excellent in every instance. The only real weakness would be increased rolling resistance that the tall knobs and tread pattern create. Still, I'd rather rail through corners and climbs with great last second braking than go fast on the straights and slow/crash in the corners. I might go with their 29” Karma’s for a fast, dry, hard pack or rocky course that doesn’t have loose corners, like Waco’s Cameron Park.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
guy
a
from blablalba Date Reviewed: December 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
brakes well
Weaknesses:
every thing
Similar Products Used:
tires i have bought for 1 buck have better grip
Bike Setup:
norco srotm
Bottom Line:
for people who like and ride in dry areas this are not 4u... people who like white areas this is not for u.... this product just dosnt work well and is to expincive for what u get. the cornering sucks... the only good thing in it that it brakes well... D O N O T B U Y T H E S E T I R E S
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bicyclezero
a
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: October 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam or the Fells
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
traded for parts
Strengths:
OK, this is a follow up report on the Kenda Klaw tires I dissed two reviews ago. Kenda e-mailed me and let me know that I should give them a call. There main people were at Interbike. I told them my experience with the sucky tires and they were really cool about it. The sent me a Nevagal and a Blue Groove as replacements because I had no interest what-so-ever in wasting another ride with the Kenda Klaw cuz' they Kinda suck. I had already replaced the tires with other tires which are still on there and I look forward to trying the race winning tires from Kenda. Bottom line, the tires were bad but the company was good.
Weaknesses:
Pinch Flats
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis XC bike
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, the tires were bad but the company was good. I give Kenda Klaws a one flamin' Chili. But Kenda was good enough to comp me some tires gratis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marco
a Weekend Warrior
from massachusetts Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything over 5 miles
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
wheels n reels
Strengths:
knobs look sweet, really handles well in dry dirt, traction is overall nice when it gets rough, acceleration is sweet on these things
Weaknesses:
got a pinch flat at maximum inflation pressure (65 psi) but i guess it was my fault, jumpin up a curb sideways and slammin it down...kinda sketchy in we weather ridin, was goin down a hill pulled the brake and fell on my face...but that was probably my fault 2
Similar Products Used:
toys r us
Bike Setup:
raleigh ram 1.0
Bottom Line:
its a real nice tire for the trails,aggresive or just flat singletrack. they completely saved my stupid @$$ after i landed a 4 foot urban jump off center, but i didn't fall! (you probably shoulnd't jump these tires in the first place) really good tires...i've accidentaly skidded a lot 2 and they haven't worn down bike sucks...nice tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bicyclezero
a Cross Country Rider
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Traded for parts
Strengths:
Nice traction. Front tire nice through corners. No slip on the rear when climbing steep rock faces.
Weaknesses:
Pinch Flats allot. I don't get flats. I don't. Maybe one in 15 rides. These things can't handle vigorous New England XT riding. The tires didn't fit tightly on the rims. I could put them on easily without tire irons. I got four pinch flats in four rides.
Similar Products Used:
Just about every tire maker, Michelin, Hutchinzon, Specialized, Maxxis, Continental all have their good and bad. Hutchinson and Michelin are the better so-far for me.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis, Sram, XT cassette, Saint Cranks, Marzocchi Atom 100,
Bottom Line:
If you want pinch flats galore go get em'! I have an e-mail into them to see if they back up their product with something better than lip-service. We'll see. I'll update to let you know. Stay the f away from these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines, IA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Storm Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Review is for the Kenda Klaw XT's in the 29"er version.
Great roller. Excellent in the mud and wet. Front and rear tire specific treads. Durable tire that keeps on giving.
Weaknesses:
None that I have noticed. If I had to nitpick, I would say the volume is on the smallish side of the 2.1 size when compared to other 2.1's in the 29" tire market.
Surly Karate Monkey with SRAM X.0 and Gary Fisher Sugar 293 with SRAM X.9
Bottom Line:
I do a lot of riding in wet and mud conditions on a multi-use trail that - due to the amount of rainfall and heavy forest - really never dries out. It's a hiking, biking, snowmobile, XC skiing and jogging trail - and the DNR rangers patrol it with 4 wheelers which simply adds to the "challenging" conditions of the surface. For this particular trail, it is essential to have a set of rubber that can shed the mud and handle the traction on the climbs, corners and roots. Although I have had success with the Bonty ACX's on this trail in the wet conditions, the Klaw's just seem to be a notch better in these particular conditions.
I haven't really ridden the Klaws outside of the trail that I purchased them to conquer, so my review is condition specific and performance specific for mud and wet. The 29" Klaws shine in this environment and earn top rating from me for value and overall performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frankv
a Cross Country Rider
from carbondale Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
cedar lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
bike show
Strengths:
handles well, climbs nicely, folding bead is always handy.
Weaknesses:
too many flats, short life.
Similar Products Used:
specialized team control, wtb velociraptor
Bike Setup:
custom hardtail
Bottom Line:
the kenda klaw xt performs quite nicely when it does perform. unfortunatly i found myself recieving afew more flats than i desired upon switching to the kenda. i bought this tire for use in soft conditions and this is the area in which it shined. when it was new it out climbed most of my previous tires, however after acouple months the center tread became worn from riding on pavement and the like and now it is no better than a road tire. if you want a tire that will perform well for one season go with the kenda but in the future im sticking to something with alittle more balls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GlowBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland OR Date Reviewed: December 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Waldo Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat & River City Bicycles
Strengths:
29" version: Works well in all conditions, and has awesome grip, control and shedding in mud. Rolls decently for a full knobby. Tough enough casing for most riding, and thick enough to allow low-pressure riding without pinch flats. Decent weight.
Weaknesses:
A little smaller in the casing than I'd like, but that's true of most 29" tires. Wears a little fast.
Similar Products Used:
29" Nanoraptors, and numerous 26" mud tires including Hutchinson Alligator, Conti Survival ProTection and Geax Blade.
This review is for the 29" version. The 26" version's reviews aren't great, but the 29"er edition rocks. If you see a lot of mud, snow or wet roots on your 29" bike, this is THE tire for you. I'm comparing it with the gold standard for mud tires, the 26" Hutchinson Alligator: the Klaw's mud grip is just as good, and it's very nearly as good control-wise, meaning that if it starts to slip you've got a split second to correct your steering or back off the power before it breaks loose, something that is NOT true of other tires like the Survival. Also quite good in snow and on wet roots. Also, as a 29" tire it tracks much straighter and more controllably through deep mud holes and sand pits. On harder surfaces it rolls as well as the Alligator, which is to say much better than most mud tires out there. I'm 170-ish lbs, and run these at 20/25 psi front/rear, and in 600 miles of off-road riding I have yet to have a pinch flat. Downside is they're really only about a 2.0 in casing size, but we're still waiting for fat 29" tires to hit the market -- and it's only slightly smaller than the Nanoraptor and Jones, which are pretty much the fattest choices out there now. Also they wear a little fast for my taste (the rear has lost 1/3 tread after 600 miles of singlespeeding), but still not too bad and a worthwhile tradeoff for the traction benefits. They work well enough in all conditions (rocks, sand, hard dirt, mud, snow) that I run 'em year round. Worth all 3500 pennies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
25.00 each
Strengths:
fantasitc grip, light weight, good price
Weaknesses:
I don't know if it's me, but I didn't have a flat in 8 months. But after I installed these tires, I pinch flatted twice in one day, and again a week later. This time I went over the bars. I'm 200 lbs. but ride light. Maybe it's the light weight soft sidewall?
Bottom Line:
Not for the heavyweight
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Cross
a Weekend Warrior
from newfoundland Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
WANKER
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
on the bike
Strengths:
good tire, front tire good for packed trails, nice grips on tire
Weaknesses:
back tire wears down easly, i only have the bike a month now and the back tire is almost wore down to flat.
Similar Products Used:
other kendas like kenda bearclaw, and kenda kendics
Bike Setup:
2003 ironhorse patrol, stock but it needs a new derailer,i had to upgrade the back derailer to a shamino deore because i kept bloweing the derailer many times.
Bottom Line:
overall this bike is wicked and it can take 4 or 5 foot drops very well with a trainy. front shox are the next thing to go or a bash guard
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Worm man
a Cross Country Rider
from Can Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All over the Place
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Front- Grips exelecent, mad design Back- Good on road manners, its a street tire, that likes to spend a little time off road
Weaknesses:
Front- Too narrow only 2.1 Back- Trash for off road, slips on everything, cant even grip pavement, cant climb a loose hill without this thing loosing grip and spinning-tho this may have something to do with my super low gear(I can do a burnout with this tire on cement!)
Similar Products Used:
Other Kenda tires
Bike Setup:
IronHorse Partol- not really expensive bike but good bang for buck, duel suspension(4 link) alloy everything, Super low gear(wicked)
Bottom Line:
Front is really good, better than the other cheaper tires i had on previous bikes, back its trash, a am gonna swap it out sometime! I gotta give these tires a 3 because the back one sux, but the front one rox!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Tolland CT Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Quarry
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Mountain City Cycle
Strengths:
Predictable, good for anything
Weaknesses:
1.Heavy 2.Heavy 3.Heavy
Bike Setup:
DiamondBack Topanga Comp
Bottom Line:
These tires are really good. The front tire is rounded so you have a ton of traction on corners. They front has barely any drift while the back has more than you would ever know what to do with. Lots of control, but not too confidence inspiring. They stick to more or less anything, but are best in dry/hardpack. I do a lot of biking in a quarry where you've got sand, dry dirt, and more sand, with the rocks. But i've never crashed due to a flail out on a corner, which is more than I can say with other tires. They have an amazing ability to stick to sand. When I go down my sand hill, they never lose traction. Cool. Even on corners They will not give. The rear tire brakes well, even under skid. Just don't race with these tires becuase they wiegh more than the bike. 600 grams or something. I don't know whatever. Just go get these tires if you do trail riding and want a good sticky tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Quezon City, Philippines Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Maarat
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme Bikes
Strengths:
All around tire, very predictable. Good for tarmac, asphalt and trail (wet & dry). Very good wear, riding it for 1,000km and just barely worn.
Weaknesses:
Heavy and high roll resistance (just like pedalling a truck)
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Mosquito, Continental Travelmaster
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS3, Shimano Deore components
Bottom Line:
For the price, it is a very good all around tire. You mount it, ride and that's it. It's only downside it that its damn heavy at around 650gms. Compared to the slick continental travelmaster, the Klaw is really heavy and high rolling resistance especially in asphalt. But then again once you reach the trailhead, you would still look for hte assurance of the KLAW!!!! Tried the Mosquito but it is too jittery in loose and wet conditions ... can't be too aggressive with it and I have lost confidence in it. I immediately went back to the good ole kenda klaw. If it were lighter, it would get 5 chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack
a Racer
from ny Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
price
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
many
Bottom Line:
i agree with toney, chaz is just a retard. kenda tires are great for their price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
toney
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Finn Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I don't know what chaz's problem is in the other review. People who suffer from mtb rage should drink more herbal tea, and stay away from the tree squirrels. These tires are fine. Kenda makes most of the Specialized tires anyway.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chaz
a Cross-Country Rider
from amherst Date Reviewed: September 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
none
Bottom Line:
kenda tires suck ass!!! i got one of these guys for 5$ from the kenda booth at mt. snow, and i want my 5 bucks back. i tried out the tire when i got home, and turned around after about 2 miles. the thing ruined my ride. i got home, tore the tire off the rime and sliced it into pieces. and i lost 5 bucks too. i have to give it some rating, so 1 star it is. by the way, i went to my shop and got a specialized team control, and that works pretty damn well.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Art
a Downhiller
from Adirondack Mtns., NY Date Reviewed: August 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
-- No drastic washout on the front.
Weaknesses:
-- Not the lightest, even in folding version.
Similar Products Used:
--Too many to list.
Bottom Line:
Very good tires for dry/hardpack conditions. Front holds well in the corners (much better than Specialized Team Comp 2.2's), and the rear brakes good. The ones I have are the Special Edition models made for Dirt Rag Mag with their logos on the sidewalls. Same as Klaw XT Kevlar's. Very good in loose dry dirt.
Overall Rating:
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