No tire collection would be complete these days without a mid-fat, plus-sized 3″ tire, and Kenda’s offering is the new Havok 27.5 x 3.0. It’s targeted to be around 900-950 grams and uses their DTC rubber compound that gets a softer rubber on the side knobs for better grip and former in the center for less rolling resistance. It’s tubeless ready, so stock up on sealant now.
OE tires will get a 30tpi at the beginning, aftermarket tires will have 60 and 120 tpi casing options. Might get a narrower 2.8-ish option if there’s demand, but will start with the 3.0.
For things that get lighter and narrower, keep reading…
The upcoming Saber 29 x 2.0 race tread has a new R3C compound that uses their road racing rubber compound on an XC tire. A 29 x 2.2 and 27.5 versions in both widths will follow.
The Cholla is a new 700 x 33 cyclocross tire that’s looking like a very good all around performer thanks to strong, blocky tread knobs with the right amount of space between them to clear mud.
The other thing a modern tire collection needs? Gravel road, and the new Warthog roots around in the category with a smooth rolling center section and progressively larger knobs as they roll to the sides. It’ll come in a 700 x 40 size.
Both the Cholla and Warthog are tubeless ready and will ship with 60 and 120 tpi casing choices.
All of the above will be available this summer.
The Kenda Kountach, which finally made it into production last year as a training and racing tire, is getting wider 25 and 28 sizes. Weight is 200-210g for the 25, the 28 weights are still TBD. The 25 is available now, 28 in a couple months.
