Originally Posted by
cobrabyte
Nice write up Frantik, thanks for taking the time. I'm planning to buy these tires in the 1.5" size for my Kogswell (built for 26" wheels)
cool.. i'd double check before ordering about the exact size of the 1.5
I've used the Kenda K838s on my Renegade which I used as a porteur bike for a while, and I have to say they have been my least favorite tire I've used. The ride just feels sluggish, they feel heavy and it's tough to stay at speed, even slow they feel like they require more work to keep going. The stiff side walls don't offer a very plush ride either...they do look cool though I'll give them that, but I persoanlly won't use them again.
I wouldn't disagree with your description of the K838s as far as sluggish and requiring more work to stay at speed. This improves as the tire is broken in, but it's still significant. I feel invincible when riding on them in the city though, and with intersection every hundred yards or so and most trips less than 2-3 miles, it's not a big issue for my regular riding. But when I go on longer rides or try to keep up with road bikes, I definitely notice the difference.
I'm sure I'd notice speed improvements with a lot of tires, though I still am a fan of the k838s.
Thanks for your quick reviews of other tires.. those WTB slicks sound like what I'd like.. to not worry about flats and still have good speed. The fat franks look pretty sweet too..