Bike Setup: CF Motobecane Imortal Force, FSA crank,Ultegra 6600 drivetrain,cane creek brakes, Ritchey DeepV Pro wheels,E3 Saddle
Summary: The Kenda Kalientes came on the Moto IF and my issues with em may stem from my being over 200 lbs.
I've ridden vredesteins on my steel Paramount for a full season thru wet and dry and had little issue with flats or controll.
The rear Kaliente had a flat on it's maiden voyage. Yeah the roadways were still wet but this looks like it's gonna be a wet season here in the northeast.
Strengths: Fast, feels very much like the tubbies I used to ride back in the 70s and early 80s.
Weaknesses: Whatever prb the Kendas have is severely compromised by their light weight. Handling is a bit scary on wet roads
Similar Products Used: Vredestein Forteeza Pro, Vittoria Rubino Pro,Vittoria Open Corsa Evo.
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Bike Setup: Motobecane Le Champion (Aluminim frame w/carbon fork and seat stays) w/Dura Ace grupo; Motoebecane Immortal Ice Carbon frame w/ Ultegra SL group.
Summary: Kenda Kalientes came on two bikes I bought from BikesDirect*. Service life has been outstanding. The front tire is more than a year old and has over 7000 miles. Even though it still looked good (not squared off much, no major nicks) I was going to change it on general principles, but experience bike mechanic said it still looked and felt just fine for yet more miles. I don't recall having a single flat. I just changed a rear Kenda Kaliente that had about 3500 miles because I did have a flat and it was beginning to get a bit square. I'm sure it could have been used for 1 or 2 thousand more miles, but didn't want to press my luck. Road grip and handling are just fine, wet or dry. Interestingly, I just replaced tires (barely 7000 miles on OEM Dunlops) on my Kawasaki 250 Ninja, and guess what?: made by Kenda with excellent reviews at Ninja owners web site.
*PS Extremely pleased with both bikes and customer service at BikesDirect. I ride about 12,000 miles/year; 6000 each bike.
Strengths: Long lasting, good handling, wet or dry.
Weaknesses: None noted.
Similar Products Used: All sorts: top of the line to cheapos.
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Bike Setup: carbon bike, ultegra, 105 component group
Summary: This tire came stock on my bike. I have used them for about 2000 miles. I have had 1 puncture and 1 pinch flat at the rear (my fault). These tires roll smooth and fast with great wear. Keep them inflated to 120 and you should have no issues! I will be replacing with the same tire as you wont beat the price for performance.
Strengths: Light weight, durable, easy to mount / unmount, Price!
Weaknesses: Lettering wears off sidewalls easily.
Similar Products Used: Many, most recent Michelin
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Bike Setup: CAAD 9
Full ultegra
R500 wheels/hubs
Carbon FSA headset
Ritchey components
Summary: These tires have been great! Only two flats since i've had em. The first came from some kinda of metal tube. Super glue took care of that. I have to note, it was a pain in the butt to take the tire off when i have my first flat. It got better once i streched it a little. The second flat was my fault...didn't air up before I left = pinch flat. If you keep the tires at about 120 u shouldn't have a problem with it. I weight 120lbs. One thing though, the tires don't really inspire confidence in wet/damp weather as one of my ride showed me. I was going down hill hitting about 35 mph when i hit a long damp right curve, and back end started to go out. The tire let me know well in advanced that it had reached its limits, but would could i have done...its not like i could stomp on the brakes. Didn't fall, but pulled a pretty sick sideways drift that should only be reserved for mtn bikes. So watch it. Other than that, i've put about 1500 miles on the tires and still going strong. Only thing is that words on the side rubs off...makes the tire look silly and older than it is.
Strengths: longevity if you're careful at avoiding debrie and check the air before you ride.
Dry weather riding.
Lets you know its limits when reached/not grabby at its limits
Weaknesses: wet/damp weather traction
apperance after some time
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Summary: Tire durability ratings (flats) are largely a matter of luck (Did you run over glass, nails, etc?) but I find these tires cheap, light and extremely durable. Super easy to mount. I now buy these instead of Michelin Pro Race 2.
Strengths: Fast, no flats. Above average mileage.
Weaknesses: Carbon black rubs off on hands/gloves easily.
Similar Products Used: Michelin Pro Race 2
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