Kenda Nevegal/Small Block 8 Tires

Nevegal 2.35" DTC tire (front) and Small Block 8 2.135" Tire (rear)

Great combination of grip and control

The two tires wear unevenly over time

Everywhere

Kenda USA

I have been a Kenda user for several years. I appreciate the grippiness of the tires, especially on Central Texas limestone and ledges. Over the years I have used Blue Grooves, Karmas, and Nevegals, ultimately settling on the Nevegal as the best balance of control, durability and rolling resistance. Blue Grooves offer better grip, but they wear out too soon. Karmas offer better rolling resistance and durability, but can be slick in some situations.

A Nevegal on the front offers tremendous control, especially in tight turns, and provides an excellent base for climbing. The aggressive knobs are a huge help on steep climbs and technical singletrack, and the dual tread compound (DTC) is supposed to provide better grip on the edges with a softer material and more durability in the center with a harder rubber.

However, the challenge with a Nevegal in the back is that they shed knobs in rocky environments like Austin. Most of the Nevegals hanging in my garage still have plenty of life left, but once you have compromised the sidewall with a lost knob, it makes them a poor choice for continued riding. Hot glue will supposedly solve this problem but I am not comfortable plowing through a rock garden with a patched tire. You can rotate the tires as the front seems to have a different wear profile; if you are diligent and rotate often you can squeeze some extra life out of the tires. But that is a pain.

Someone recommended that I try a Small Block 8 in the back, and it was a world of difference. The less aggressive tread pattern, the knobs tend to stay in place instead of ripping off. The first ride, until they tire is really worn in, it will be a bit slick on some roots and ledges. But once the knobs get some time on the trail, you'll have a very grippy surface that grabs the trail and is generally 90% as effective as a Nevegal, but with a much longer life. Occasionally, you will get a bit of a spin on a ledge or root, but generally speaking, you don't have an issue in climbing.

I run my tires with tubes, typically at about 35-40 pounds of pressure.

Score: B+ This is the current configuration and I even bought some extras because I was really impressed and they were on sale. They don't merit an A because the tires just don't last as long as I would have hoped. Obviously this is a compromise, but for a pair that is ~$100 at full retail, I would hope for some longer life.

Copyright 2009, John Fruehe