In 1967, Kenda Rubber was founded in Taiwan. It started off just producing bike tires but has grown exponentially since then. Today, Kenda Rubber has been renamed Kenda Tire and has factories and offices across Asia, Europe, and the United States. If you’re in the mountain biking circles, you’ve probably heard of them.
It is considered one of the top bike tire brands and is known for being reliable and having tires with a great tread life. They take pride in having tires you can trust that are “engineered for performance and value across a wide range of interests and applications.”
Let’s look at Kenda mountain bike tires, who would benefit from buying them, what makes them special, and everything else you should know before investing in the brand.
Contents
Who Are Kenda Mountain Bike Tires For?
Kenda mountain bike tires are for riders who want to hone in their craft and get something very specific out of their equipment. Whether you’re planning to ride through a lot of mud or go cross-country, they’ve got a specific tire model for your needs.
That’s not to say beginners wouldn’t appreciate Kendra tires. Starting with great tires will make the entire riding experience easier and more enjoyable for newcomers.
People who live in very specific climates or love to travel and ride on different terrains would love how specific the Kenda tire models are.
The tires are also great for people on a budget. You can get a set of tires for a very reasonable price without compromising on quality. That’s not something you can say for every brand out there.
Our Favorite Models
There are 13 different tire models to choose from. We could go over every single one, but that sounds tedious and boring. Instead, we’ve picked our favorite models from their mountain bike collection to highlight the range and design of the brand.
1/ Booster – K1227
This tubeless-ready tire is “World Cup proven” and great for racing around. It’s lightweight, fast, and pushes tire traction to the next level.
The “race compound” in this tire makes it fast and grippy so it can turn corners and fly over dry, loose, and rocky surfaces. This is the perfect model for speeding around the Atlas mountains or set of dry hills!
2/ Gran Mudda – K1235
Not all mountain bike tires thrive in the mud, but the tubeless-ready Gran Mudda model does. It has tall and spiky knobs that dig into the ground and provide the traction you would otherwise miss out on with a traditional mountain bike tire.
It works well for breaking consistently and turning corners without slipping. The sturdy casing ensures that they will hold up with all the wear and tear inflicted onto them.
3/ Small Block Eight – K1047
This is a great all-round tire to suit several kinds of terrains. It’s got the speed and grip you need for rough terrains and comes in various sizes.
We see a newer rider investing in a pair of Small Block Eights when they aren’t quite sure what kind of riding they will be doing most. It’s covered in plenty of knobs so it will feel secure and stable when riding.
How to Get the Most Out Of Your Haro Mountain Bike Tires?
The key to making the most of any bike product is to respect it and do regular maintenance. There are a few factors that will determine the length of the tires longevity.
1/ Keep Them Clean
We know what you’re thinking, “What’s the point of cleaning my tires if I’m just going to get them dirty again?” That’s a fair question, but trust us, you want to clean your tires regularly.
Having clean tires increases your chance of catching a puncture early on. If a puncture is left untreated for too long, it will deflate your tires and be more of a hassle to repair.
Cleaning the dirt out of the treats also lets the tires do their job properly. However, you need to be careful how you clean them. Pointing a hose at your treads isn’t the right way to go.
Instead, get a wet cloth and wipe down the tires to take the dirt off. If you need more pressure, you can use a wire brush instead.
Don’t forget to give the rims some love, too!
2/ Have the Right Air Pressure
Mountain bike tires are great because they can be ridden with less pressure, making them more comfortable. However, this doesn’t mean you can completely neglect to check the tire pressure.
If the pressure is too low, it can damage the rim of the wheel. That will lead to damaging the spokes and having to replace the entire wheel! That’s a high price to pay for a little air.
On the other hand, if the air pressure is too high, you may pop the tires. It will also make the bike uncomfortable to ride.
3/ Use the Right Kind of Tires
The amazing thing about Kenda tires is their range. Choosing the right tire for your activities will make you get the most out of the brand.
Think about where you like to ride and what the weather conditions are normally like. This will help you choose the right tire for your activities.
Customer Reviews
Generally, customers have been very pleased with their Kenda mountain bike tires.
One customer was particularly impressed with how resilient Kenda tires are. They haven’t had a puncture or a flat yet!
Customers who had previously ridden on old or cheaper tires saw the difference in the Kenda mountain bike tires almost immediately. They highly recommend them to prospective purchasers.
The traction on Kenda tires is one of their best features. The tread gets the job done but isn’t too aggressive. Customers who use the tires for dry and loose terrain have been very pleased with their rides and the tires’ performance.
Longevity is another feature people have raved about. Kenda tires are made to last and riders feel like they get their money’s worth out of them.
Customer Service
What’s a good company without good customer service? We believe that your experience of purchasing something is just as important as the purchase itself.
Luckily, Kenda has several ways to get in touch with them no matter where you live or how you like to communicate.
As of yet, there have been no complaints regarding their customer service. Kenda replies respectfully and promptly to any questions or concerns.
They also accept returns, although you can’t just send back dirty or popped tires. Kenda says, “any returned items must be in the same condition you received them in, including original packaging.”
We recommend inspecting your tires thoroughly before throwing away the box or putting them on your bike. Once you’ve ridden with them, you can’t take them back.
It’s important to note that buying Kenda from Amazon or a different retailer will mean that you cannot return or get a refund from Kenda. You will have to go through the company that you purchased them from.
Good Alternatives
Here are two of the best mountain bike alternatives if Kenda mountain bike tires aren’t your cup of tea.
1/ Maxxis Tires
- MINION DHF: With a tread design that deftly balances rolling speed with braking and cornering traction, it's hard to find fault with the Minion DHF. That's probably why it's one of the most imitated...
- EXO: An extremely cut-resistant and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of select mountain tires. This densely woven fabric is also lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the...
- DUAL COMPOUND: Two compounds used within the tread offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip compared to single compound tires.
Last update on 2023-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These tires have great reviews. Like Kenda, they have a ton of different models to choose from so you can fit your needs perfectly. Their tires last a long time and are very durable. Perfect for coasting over tall mountains and rocky trails!
These tires are a little more expensive than some Kenda models, but people think they are well worth it!
2/ Schwalbe Tires
- 26 x 2.00" Mountain Bike tyres
- Ready for any terrain
- K-Guard puncture protection
Last update on 2023-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specializing in bike and wheelchair tires, Schwalbe Tires is another big name in the tire game. Whether you’re looking for a jumbo tire or an everyday option, they’ve got you covered.
Each tire comes with a rating for rolling, road grip, off-road grip, protection, and durability so you can make the right choice for yourself. We recommend going for high durability and off-road grip when possible.
In Conclusion
We think Kenda mountain bike tires have earned their great reputation. They clearly care about quality and consistency, and customers have loved the tires’ performance.
While there’s nothing wrong with a newer company, Kenda has been in the game since the sixties, so they’ve had time to perfect their craft. A big part of their mission is trust, and we feel like they’ve gained it from lots of happy customers.
Before purchasing from them, you should check and double-check the size of the tire and whether it’s tubeless-ready. While not everyone enjoys a tubeless tire, it’s good to know you have the option. Knowing exactly what you’re ordering will save you a lot of time and energy when they get delivered.
Have you ever purchased from Kenda? What did you think of the tires? Would you buy from them again? We’d love to hear all your thoughts and if you end up buying from them in the comments!