UST Tubeless
 

Kenda has been certified by Mavic to build tubeless tires to the UST (Universal System Tubeless) standards. UST standards test a tire’s air retention, ease of mounting and dismounting, bead elasticity, high-pressure limits, and the tires ability to remain seated to the rim under low pressure situations. Tubeless tires offer a distinct advantage over conventional tires in ride quality and flat resistance. Because there is no tube, the tire can be run with approximately 10%-15% less air pressure than conventional tires. The result is improved traction in rough conditions and elimination of “pinch flats”. Tires can be repaired in the field with the use of a patch kit or a tube.

See Kenda's Tubeless Tires

TIRE CASING TECHNOLOGY
The casing is the fabric that the rubber compound adheres to. The fabric of the casing can be made in varying thicknesses and threads per inch (TPI). Kenda produces tires with 22 TPI, 30 TPI, 60 TPI and 120 TPI. Normally the higher the TPI number, the more supple the tire sidewall will feel and flex. This means a more comfortable and enjoyable ride compared to that of a lower TPI casing. Most Kenda Premium Tires are constructed with 60 TPI. However, the Road Tires and some XC Mountain Bike Race Tires use 120 TPI, and we have Studded Tires in the premium line with 22 TPI. The casings can be treated and reinforced with various materials in order to achieve different degrees of puncture resistance and ride qualities.
 

	NEW! SIDE WALL SHIELD This is Kenda's latest technology improvement to help prevent sidewall cuts and punctures. SWS is a thin external protective tape that is adhered to the sidewall of the tire for maximum puncture resistance without adding extra weight to the tire. The TOMAC Nevegal and the Karma have this new technology!
	CAP PLY Originally developed for our motorcycle tires, CAP Ply is a puncture resistant material designed to prevent pinch flats.
	K-Shield Puncture resistant tire casing underneath the tread area. K-shield consists of Aramid and Ceramic particles within a green elastomer.
	Iron Cap A layer of material that runs from bead to bead under the tread to prevent flats. Iron Cap combines some of the technology from the top of the line Iron Cloak material without all the added cost.
	Iron Cloak Kenda's best puncture resistant material. It is a layer of material under the tread that runs bead to bead. In addition to helping prevent punctures it adds strength to the sidewalls of the tire. Normally used in the Kenda Premium Road Tires as it adds minimal weight to the tire.

L3R (Low Rolling Resistance Rubber) is used in lightweight cross country applications. Benefits are low rolling resistance, increased tread life and a lighter tire. Used in the Klimax Lite-345gram, KozmiK Lite-395-gram, and the Kharisma Lite 495-gram.




L3R PRO is an upscale version of L3R. Benefits are low rolling resistance, increased tread life and a lighter tire. Used on Kaliente Iron Cloak, Kaliente Lite, Karma Dual Tread Compound (L3RPRO down the center & Stick-E rubber on the sides), and the Tomac Signature Series “Cortez” 26x2.4-700 grams. Durability exceeds it’s predecessor “L3R” which put Kenda on the map in lightweight tires.

STICK-E Rubber compound is a slow rebounding compound for the ultimate in traction control. The slow rebound ratio of the rubber, acts as a suspension, allowing the tread to conform to the trail surface rather than bouncing off of it. STICK-E rubber is used in two applications. One is over the entire tread surface (Freeride/Downhill) the other is on the outside knobs used on cross country applications for outstanding traction in the corners.

Dual Tread Compound (DTC) is the ultimate compound to have in a tire. The center tread of the tire has Kenda's L3R Pro compound and the sides or cornering knobs have STICK-E compound. The benefits are numerous - Great center tread life, and great cornering control
and grip.

TREAD PATTERN
The environment in which the tire is to be used determines tread pattern. Whether your riding takes you down a nice smooth road, through dusty desert trails, or bombing down a muddy, root infested downhill course, the tread pattern is the key ingredient in how your bike handles.

BEAD
The bead is the loop of material that ensures the tire is held securely to the rim. KENDA Premium Tires are available in either WIRE or FOLDING bead.

Whatever form of cycling you participate in, Kenda has a tire for you.