I'm running Kozmik Lite II 26x2.00 both front and rear, they are light weight (avg. 440 grams) super fast tires. The L3R Pro compound offers low rolling resistance, and long wear. Like most Kenda tires, they offer a high volume casting for a smooth supple ride. I mounted mine "ghetto tubeless" style with no problems, I run them at 40 psi rear, 35 psi front, the front tire tracks well around corners, while the rear tire breaks loose a bit (in a fun way not the scary way). They are getting hard to find now, it looks like I'm going to have to go back to Small Block Eights when may Kozmiks bite the dust. The bottom line is buy them (if you can find them).
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Submitted by
aL1
a Weekend Warrior
from SouthEast USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mostly pavement
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
CambriaBikes
Strengths:
light, low tread-resistance, rolls fast
Weaknesses:
not reliable
Similar Products Used:
stock tires on Schwinn and Specialized
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc, stock except for levers, grips, seat, etc...
Bottom Line:
Rolls much faster than the stock tires. I ride mostly on pavement, and I'm very careful what I ride over, but I have had so many flats, I'm thinking of buying a case of tubes and a case of CO2 cartridges...I'm replacing them with a pair of GEAX Evo II's.
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Submitted by
h.eye
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Buckwallow & Prairie View
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance,
Weaknesses:
a little noisy for urban but not annoying in any way
Similar Products Used:
IRC and various other semi-slicks
Bike Setup:
K2 hardtail, Juicy 7s, Mavic Crosslands, full XT drive train, XTR shifters, Mallet Cs, Thomson post and stem, Raceface bar, WTB and ODI Rogue lock-ons
Bottom Line:
Bought them for urban and light trail rides - they are no nonsense and do what they are supposed to do - light, low rolling resistance, expected level of traction from a semi-slick and seen to have fairly good tread life
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Submitted by
Wes Lamberson
a Racer
from Johnson City, TN Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Warrior's Path
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Weight, Low Rolling Resistance, Great Tread Pattern, Supple
Weaknesses:
Can be prone to sidewall slits. What race tire isn't?
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Karma, Kenda Small Block 8, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Kenda Nevegal
I started using this tire in late November of last year. I have ridden it in Pisgah, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and just about anywhere you can imagine (except out West) And it has excelled in almost everything I can put it through. The tread pattern is perfect for racing, and allows me to make it drift when I want it to. All I have to do is pop my hip out to the side around a corner and it drifts. On rocky nasty downhills, it seems to just float above the terrain. In muddy conditions, it does take a little advanced pedaling to make it work well, but that is not really a problem.
I'll admit, its not a tire for everyone. Not many people can stand a tire that will break loose occasionally, and that's understandable. I like to use its strengths to make me faster on the race course, however. The slide has helped me out more than a few times when I come into a corner too fast and the tire whips the bike around and saves me. The rolling resistance makes it feel like I am running slicker tires than they really are. Sooooooo fast.
This tire is for you if: -You want a light, fast race tire. -You have good to excellent bike handling skills and know how to take advantage of rear wheel drift -You can accept the fact that every tire has its limitations, and used as it is supposed to be used, that is in racing, this tire will uphold its end of the bargain.
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Submitted by
Pedals Fastly
a
from Austin Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Thin and hard.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher hardtail (modified marlin)
Bottom Line:
So I rode on my new Kenda Kozmik II t ires this weekend. I noticed the 1.2 pound weight loss. I found myself in higher gears and riding faster. I had a harder time negotiating some turns because of the increase in speed. These tires definitely deliver what they promise--light weightedness if that's a term.
I took them onto the Barton Creek Green Belt in Austin which has some rocky "all mountain" type sections. I got a rear wheel pinch flat whereas I never have before. I don't know if it was not enough air (under 40psi), the ultra light tubes, or the lack of tire well strength (or a combination of all three) that caused this. To the manufacturer's credit, these tires are not marketed as "all mountain" or rough riding tires. I put the psi up to 40 (they were at 30) and this seemed to make a difference as far as avoiding pinch flats on rough terrain.
I rode them at Walnut Creek in Austin. The trails there are smooth, some loose dirt sections, some roots, few rocks. The trails are twisty and can be fast--most have gradual climbs and gradual downhills. I noticed that the tires aren't as grippy as non-kevlar, rubber tires. I skidded out on a couple of turns and almost lost it as I crossed a rock bottom creek. I heard the tires "ping" a couple of times on rocks and roots as if they were sliding off. I felt my rims get dinged a couple of times over rough stuff too.
So, overall these tires are great for hardpack but struggle on rough XC or All Mountain conditions. I'll continue to use them and swap them out when I'm riding in rocky places.
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Submitted by
jlpxc
a Racer
from Wilmington, DE Date Reviewed: February 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Blue Marsh Lake, PA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike Outfitters
Strengths:
Light, Fast, great traction in many conditions and tread.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are a little weak.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos(best bang for the buck)
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Element 70
Bottom Line:
I don't know what these guys are doing that don't like these tires. I raced and rode on them non stop for about 7 months. I'm talking some serious rocky terrain on a daily basis in central PA. (Roaring Creek, Bald Eagle State Forest, Rothrock, Danville). I have only on slice in the sidewall that was easily patched with a tire boot. I ran the tire like that in 4 races. I bet I have about 500 miles on the things and they are still in great shape tread wise.
They can be a little expensive and hard to find but I have been able to find them on sale, either at Cambria or Pricepoint.
This is my tire of choice. I will run them again this race season. I might just role with the same pair and not worry about new ones.
If you're into riding true cross country and want a great tire with decent durability and fast tread here they are. Pick up a set.
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Submitted by
Sean Stepp
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Starr Pass
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bicycle
Strengths:
Very light, good grip, very fast.
Weaknesses:
Unstable unless inflated to high pressure - rough riding as a result. Very flat prone.
Similar Products Used:
Too many different tires to mention.
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race, Rock Shox Duke fork, XTR/XT mix shifters and derailers, Icon crankset, Avid brakeset, Thompson stem and seatpost, Brontrager Race wheelset.
Bottom Line:
I chose these 2.0 480g tires for their light weight to add to an already incredibily light bike mainly for commuting to work. While they are indeed very light and very fast they are a little harsh riding paired with a hard tail since they must be inflated to a relatively high pressure for them to be stable and perform well. When inflated properly they handle very well in most condition. The biggest complaint that I have is that they are by far the most flat prone tires I have every owned - both MTB or road - in any terrain. Believe me, I do a lot of mountain biking (with another bike) in all kinds of conditions and with lots of cactus and other hazards - I have never flatted more than with these tires. Most of my commute is pavement with a short hop across a wash - I flat on about 50% of my rides from the smallest of road hazards. After 6 months of riding I have had to resort to Slime (ugh) thus negating the light weight of the tires. Unless you ride on perfectly clean roads, I can't recommend these tires.
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Submitted by
Matt Cooper
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockford, IL Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porc Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
super light,,, grip freakishly well in dry conditions, over rock, dirt, even sand... pretty good in tacky to slightly muddy conditions... Look cool
Weaknesses:
they hard to find... really hard to find... Dont even bother in serious mud (that would be retarded). a wee bit pricey.. Dont get close to them with broken glass or sharp objects.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Klimax, Continental Twister Pro's, IRC Mythos XC's, Specialized Roll X's, Hutchinson Mosquito Air Light's...
Bike Setup:
Litech magnesium frame, cannondale AL rigid fork, XTR/517 wheels, old XTR crank (replacing asap),easton carbon bar, eggbeaters, Thompson seatpost, Avocet o2 titanium saddle, XT linear brakes, 17 lbs
Bottom Line:
I chose the 2.0 tire size (398 grams a piece!!!) They feel very similar to IRC Mythos in nearly all conditions, only better in dry dirt.... They actually, amazingly, still have grip in sand (how??).... The tread pattern must be the best ever... period... Unfortunately, I accidetally sliced a slit in my sidewall with a knife when unpackaging it from my college move (really really stupid).. I patched the tire from the inside tire patch but it doesnt hold great.. I sttil rode them religously)
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Submitted by
Umar
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kiara
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Strengths:
Good on tarmac and rocky conditions.
Weaknesses:
Poor sidewall. Knob too shallow, hence lack grip during on not too soft trail. Wear quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Competetion Pro, Kenda Kozmik, MAxxis WormDrive, Panaracer MAch SK
Bike Setup:
Giant Hybrid with Rockshok SID Team. XT mechanical except Truvativ Stylo. Bontrager/Sun Ringle rims and hubd combo. Hayes disc brake.
Bottom Line:
Never want to use them again.
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Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from HMB, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
curbs around my RV
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay ( i no a good deal when i see one)
Strengths:
none, o, its black, and thats about it.
Weaknesses:
There are toooo many to list. it punctures no problem. It cant grip the road. It falls off, even after multiple LBS visits. It costs way to much. The knobs fall off, almost instantly. It cant grip in anything other than hard pack. I was using it up at mamoth the other day, and it kept sliding, and sliding, and silding, until there was no tread left. I guess once all the beads fall off, you could use it as a roadie tire, but thats about all.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, specalized, tigoa, some other rubber tires.
Bike Setup:
A beach cruiser with 18" of travel. Na, i just playin; kona stab with full XTR, hope skers, those r nice, and tru vativ crank arms and pedals. I am a little dissapointed by the XTR bottom bracket though.
Bottom Line:
Personaly, these tires didnt work for me. But some of my friends use them and they love them. I am gunna get some blue dragons next time i go to the LBS, unlessthey have anything different. that I prefer the look of. Give theese a try, if u dont like them, go get some blue dragons, which i hear are great. im gunna give thesse a 2 and a 3, only because i no people who love them.
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Submitted by
Evan Plews
a Racer
from Dallas, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Waldo Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great in nearly every condition. Large volume and light weight make this a great XC race tire. Works great with NoTubes just like all Kenda tires.
Weaknesses:
N/A
Similar Products Used:
Many many others.
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Super Grizzily with Spinner fork; Sunrace/XTR drivetrain; Magura brakes; SDG I-beam seat/post, Syntace bar/stem; Kenda tires; Crank Bros pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is probably one of the most under rated and under ridden tires ever! As a racer, I have many tires for a variety of conditons. However, when I am in doubt I always choose my Kozmik Lite IIs since they work so well. I used them at NMBS #1 and #2 this year... what could be more extreme!
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Submitted by
k
a Weekend Warrior
from Creve Coeur, MO USA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Creve Coeur Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very low rolling resistance. Sticky around corners even at high speeds, and I haven't had them washout on a steep turn yet! Center of tire makes your bike feel like a road bike going down paved streets/sidewalks.
Weaknesses:
None!!! You've got a tire less than 400g, which sticks to the road, can be ridden in loose dirt/sand, and hard-pack...can't imagine any complaints.
Similar Products Used:
I'm sold on this, and I ain't switchin!!!
Bike Setup:
GT Agressor 3.0, Suntour Forks, Kenda Kozmik Lite II Tires
Bottom Line:
I'm new to mountain biking, but used to ride BMX. After switching from the OEM tires, I almost had to re-learn how to ride my bike because these tires are leaps and bounds above anything I've ridden. The center of tire feels really comfortable and doesn't squirm on fast pavement, while the sides allow you to run it through loose dirt, over rocks, and hard-pack without a care. And ofcourse, the tires are light as a feather. I'm riding them at 60 psi, and they offer enough comfort, resiliance, and confidence to take on any standard surface for the weekend warrior to the XC rider. Bought them off ebay for a steal - $22 for both, brand new!!!
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Submitted by
richard elliott
a Weekend Warrior
from redondo beach, ca. usa Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
bikini research
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
kenda booth , bike show
Strengths:
very durable , light weight, good grip. will run 65lbs, pressure. well constructed
Weaknesses:
rim bead a little ragged after many careless changes of inferior ultra light tubes
Similar Products Used:
none, but have been using bike tires over 40 years , from sting ray to Italian.
Bike Setup:
last american production releigh sc300, "sport comfort". with added king headset, rockshock seatpost, duke race fork, crane creek wheels , and truvative pedals , eastan scandiam handlebars
Bottom Line:
wanted a big tire to support my big ----. I was using a trailer bike, hauling a kid when the stock wheel popped spokes. Rode another mile plus with tire rubbing seat stay hard every turn. I now use that tire on the front , the sidewall damage was only cosmetic, no ripped or abraded cords. I think this is a good strong tire , that grips well. The somewhat round section allows you to lean over quite a bit , before the knobby edge washes out, (on pavement). grips very well in hard dirt. very pleased with the weight and surprised at the durability of the tread. The rubber compound delivers as promised. Well made and very round.
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Submitted by
Ed Shapiro
a Racer
from Santa Monica, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Kenda
Strengths:
Fast on downhills, super sticky traction, low rolling resistance, good traction on climbs
Ibis Ripley- XT Setup all around with Mavic 517 rims
Bottom Line:
These tires work really well. I've trained and raced with lots of tires. I used to use Maxxis Wormdrives exclusively. These can run at higher pressure and are so much stickier. I do a lot of adventure races and rolling resistance kills. You can pump these tires pretty high. I'm runnig them at 65 in the rear and 60 upfront. I was nervous at first to open these up but I got comfortable with the speed and trail hugging capabilities really quick. Currently using the 1.7 in the rear and 2.0 upfront. (I'm going to put a 1.7 on the front as well and see if I get the same bite on the trail.) If your looking for a really fast tire, low rolling resistance and stick to the trail feel, this is the ticket. Sure Kenda makes a lighter tire (Klimax Lite) but it doesnt' perform as well all-around. This tire's under 400 grams anyway, so who cares!!
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