Kenda Kwick Tendril Endurance
Price: $39
Width: 28, 32, 35 mm
Bead: Folding
TPI: 60
Weight: 540 g (32 mm, tested)
Features: Bead to bead puncture resistant material combined with under tread shield for double flat protection. Long lasting tread compound.
The double layered flat protection of the Kenda Kwick Tendril Endurance yields as close to a flat proof pneumatic tire as one can hope to find, though with a
significant weight and ride quality penalty as compared to more performance oriented tires. No one wants to fix a flat on the way home from the office, and a heavy tire with air in it is far faster rolling than the lightest, most supple tire gone flat. For commuting and utilitarian riding, the long lasting tread and effective flat protection keeps you rolling through whatever road debris your city may throw at you. www.kendatire.com
Panaracer Gravel King
Price: $50
Width: 23, 26, 28 mm
Bead: Folding
TPI: 126
Weight: 270 g (28 mm, tested)
Features: Natural rubber compound and 126 tpi casing makes for a smooth and supple ride. Bead to bead flat protection.
The Gravel King is a performance tire with lightweight puncture protection, a tire that allows more adventure than just smooth pavement without a terrible ride, or weighing down an otherwise lightweight build. The tires prove supple and smooth riding, a very real upgrade to the handling and ride as compared to pure city commuter tires. Dirt roads and smooth trails are no problem, and the puncture resistance is enough to ward off most intrusions, but for gnarly gravel one had best max out the pressure to avoid pinch flats or wait for the 32 mm version later this year.
www.panaracer.com
WTB Nano 700
Price: $50
Width: 40 mm
Bead: Folding
TPI: 60
Weight: 450 g
Features: Elevated centerline tread for smooth rolling on hard surfaces, numerous small knobs for traction on dirt and gravel. Large volume casing.
The 700c version of the WTB Nano has quickly become a favorite tire for mixing pavement and dirt. Whether blasting through the park on a friendly night ride or hitting full on singletrack on a ‘cross bike, the Nano is a capable performer. Remarkably fast rolling on pavement when at full inflation, with less air the Nano hooks up like a mountain bike tire on all but the slickest surfaces and mud. Put it on your ‘cross bike (assuming it fits) and hit trails that were otherwise out of reach, run it on a mountain bike when you need more pavement speed without sacrificing all off-road grip. www.wtb.com
Lit 360º Ultra-Reflective
Price: $50
Width: 28 mm
Bead: Folding
TPI: 127
Weight: 250 g
Features: The 9 mm tall reflective strip provides near 360º visibility. Race quality casing with bead to bead flat protection.
Reflective piping on tire sidewalls isn’t particularly new, but the 9 mm tall ScotchLite strip on the Lit 360º might be the largest out there, covering enough sidewall for near 360º visibility to allow drivers approaching from the front and rear an eye-catching glimpse. The race quality casing, lightweight flat protection and 28 mm size make these tires a good choice for road riders and performance oriented commuters looking for additional visibility without compromising ride quality. While 28 mm tires can handle rougher surfaces, a heavier casing would be preferred for heavy gravel and dirt riding. www.litcycling.com