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Written by shiggy
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Tuesday, 25 May 2010 10:39 |
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 I received a pair of the 2.10 versions a couple of years ago and liked the ride. I now have a complete size run--1.95, 2.10, and 2.35--of the folding bead version ExCavators for more extended testing. Eric Carter chose a variation of the long-proven square block tread arranged in the versatile alternating row pattern. The wide center knobs create a paddle for good drive and braking traction with the leading edges slightly ramped to improve the rolling resistance a bit. The row of transition knobs is fully offset (centered between) from the center and edge tread. Better for roll-the-tire-into-the-lean riding styles than the Nevegal, and it works on a wider range of rim widths. It you want the gap-row tread for throw-the-bike riding style the tire can be grooved, and Carter gives his tread modification tips on the Kenda Tech blog.
The large tread blocks do add weight and the Excavators have a claimed weight even higher than the Nevegal. Plus my samples of the smaller tires came in above the published range. I still consider this a small price for the overall grip and tread durability. In this day and age, why would you want a 1.95 tire? In the case of the ExCavator, weight, except that one of the 2.10 tires is lighter than either of the 1.95s. Surprisingly, the smallest version has basically the same casing volume as the 2.10 tire. The tread blocks are slightly smaller with more space between them. A possible advantage in looser/chunkier conditions. The tires are not mislabeled as the molded in marking are correct. The 2.35 is typically huge in volume and tread width. Future ride reports to follow. More pics and brief specs below. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 12:07 |
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Written by shiggy
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Wednesday, 05 May 2010 13:38 |
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 Brian Lopes wanted a tire that was not in the Kenda lineup to work with his riding style. The El Moco is the result. Paddles of round center knobs give good drive and braking grip, and tall tightly packed edge blocks dig in for cornering. A large gap between the two suits Lopes' aggressive toss-the-bike-into-the-turn style. He likes the tire to be able to drift before the outer tread bites hard. Great for him, but how does it work for other riders?
I mounted a set on Bontrager Rhythm Comp wheels (28mm wide) to ride on the Salsa Ala Carte hardtail. On the front, 2.35, Stick-E rubber. Rear, 2.10, Dual Rubber Compound. Both folding bead. Started with 25psi front, 30psi rear with tubes. Initial rides traversed loose to firm and rocky trails. Many of them dished out horse trails. I found myself bouncing more than I liked on the first small rocky stretches. Was being knocked off line way too easily, often forcing me into the soft edge of the trail where the side tread would struggle. After reducing the tire pressures front and rear, as well as checking the fork (which was OK), control improved. Tracking (directional stability) was good on the soft sandy trails and suffered a bit on the rocks compared to the larger block tires I have been running. Carving the corners was fun with the tall side tread holding well. It was necessary to lean the bike hard to get onto the edges though the soft surfaces mitigated the need some. This "tossing" style is not my preferred riding mode, and the El Moco seems to require it as I found when I changed trails... |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 05 May 2010 15:29 |
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Written by shiggy
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Thursday, 27 August 2009 19:19 |
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 Pacenti Quasi-Moto 650B x 2.0 and Neo-Moto 650B x 2.1 join the highly regarded Neo-Moto 2.3.
The Quasi is designed as a fast XC race/trail tire and has already recorded an XC National Championship. Small and lighter than the Neos, with a shallower tread it is still substantially taller than most 26-inch tires. High volume for a "two-inch" tire. The Neo-Moto 2.1 is idential to the 2.3 version, just scaled down a bit for more versatility and comes in about 100g lighter. Brief specs and pics below. . |
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Written by shiggy
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Monday, 24 August 2009 14:17 |
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Schwalbe joined the 650B movement last year with the Racing Ralph 2.25. High volume, light weight, supple casing and a tread that strikes one of the best balances of grip and speed. I am beginning to think this is a magic tread pattern. Schwalbe seems to agree as it is offered in eleven 26" (559), one 27.5" (650B - 584), a 700C (622) cyclocross, and three 29" (622) versions. . . |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 August 2009 15:33 |
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Brief specs and pic
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Written by shiggy
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Wednesday, 05 August 2009 18:52 |
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Big, burly, grippy and tubeless. The Continental Rubber Queen UST is all of these. The 26 x 2.2 version is high volume and a good choice for trail riders looking for a tubeless full knobby, though it looks small next to the massive 2.4 Rubber Queen UST. The two sizes share the tread design (a modified paddle shape), a casing with an "Apex" insert in the sidewall to stabilize the tire and provide puncture resistance and a true UST tubeless bead and casing. No sealant required. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 06 August 2009 17:18 |
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Tire Ride Reports
