Kenda Kwick Tendril Tires
For the past couple of months I’ve been running Kenda Kwick Tendril tires on my polo bike, giving them a pretty abusive run through in the process. I was on the hunt for a larger volume tire with minimal tread and good flat protection that was also available for a 26” wheel and wasn’t going to break the bank—the $35 Kwick Tendril met the bill. It is not the cheapest tire you can purchase, but one shouldn’t expect a folding bead and effective flat protection for much less. I tend to go through rear tires on my polo bike pretty regularly and these from Kenda were no different as I managed to skid through them in 3 or 4 weeks time on a rough surface heavy on the rear brake. I wouldn’t say the tires were any more prone to wear than usual, just not particularly long lived under the abusive circumstances. More representatively, the front tire has remained unchanged for some time and shows no particular signs of premature wear. Even when riding through the ‘hood and on glass strew courts I’ve managed to stay flat-free for months, always a welcome part of a tire review. Overall I’m pleased with them, and would recommend these tires as everyday city tires in a second. They’re not performance tires and neither are they meant to be, I wouldn’t go putting these on your road bike hoping for the next speed record or a supple ride. Available in 26 x 1.5 and 1.75 for mountain bike commuter conversions and 700 x 25-38 from most any shop around.
Check out www.kendausa.com
DZR Minna Shoes
DZR has become a major player in the world of urban cycling shoes, and their latest offerings appear to be securing their reputation as one of the top cycling shoe companies.
The Minna is a good-looking, well-padded, casual-looking, SPD-compatible shoe that borrows design elements from skate, BMX and even soccer shoes. Whereas the first pair of DZR shoes that I tested had very flexible soles and minimal padding in the uppers, the Minna feature highly padded uppers and a considerably stiffer sole. The result is a shoe that feels a lot more secure around the heel, and one that feels like it’s transferring lots of power to your pedals.
Off the bike, the Minna aren’t quite as easy to walk in as their Ovis or Strasse models, but they’re shoes that you can wear all day long (provided you don’t do an unusual amount of walking at your 9-5). The Minna features a metallic logo plate and a reflective badge on the heel. Vegans will have to look elsewhere, as they’re made from smooth and suede leather, in addition to canvas.
Available in European sizes 37-47, the Minna shoes retail for $95.
Check out www.dzrshoes.com