We obtained a peek at Kenda’s new Dagger tire at Sea Otter Basic, and now the model has formally pulled the curtain again on what seems to be like a really good new possibility for contemporary XC and marathon riders.
Cross-country tires was simple to kind out. You had the super-fast one for dry race days, the sketchier one for whenever you have been feeling courageous, and the marginally chunkier backup for the sudden. Nowadays, XC and marathon using have gotten rougher, quicker, and so much much less course-specific.
What’s the Kenda Dagger?
The brand new Ok-Collection Dagger is Kenda’s newest XC and light-trail tire, constructed to fit between the pure-speed Rush and the extra traction-heavy Karma 2. The thought is fairly easy: preserve the rolling velocity that issues on race day. Then sprinkle on sufficient cornering help, braking chew, and all-condition predictability to make it sensible.
Kenda confirmed off the brand new (and unreleased) Dagger on a set of Berd Hawk GOLD 32″ race wheels – a transparent exhibiting that they have been forward of the curve on the 32″ race dialog/manufacturing.
What’s it for? Dagger seems to be an all-around XC tire, designed for contemporary cross-country racing and aggressive marathon using. It succeeds the previous Booster on this a part of the lineup. Providing a broader working vary than a pure hardpack-only race tire.
Let’s Discuss Casing
At the moment, the Dagger is available in 29 x 2.40 or 29 x 2.60 with two casing choices. The lighter XC casing makes use of 120 TPI and carries a claimed weight of 725 grams, whereas the extra sturdy Path casing makes use of 60 TPI with a claimed weight of 810 grams. Kenda says extra sizes, together with a 32″ mannequin, are on the horizon.
There are two casing choices for the brand new Dagger: The XC casing is clearly the race-day possibility for riders chasing each little bit of velocity they’ll get. The Path casing offers up a little bit weight, however provides the sort of sturdiness and confidence. That further peace of thoughts can matter much more as soon as the path turns rocky, the occasion will get lengthy, or the rider is much less thinking about residing proper on the sting of “gentle sufficient.”
It’s a smart cut up, and it ought to make the Dagger interesting to greater than only one sort of XC rider.
Tread Design: Fast and Critical On The Edges
Kenda’s tread story right here is fairly easy for a race tire and for the compound. The Dagger makes use of low-profile heart knobs to maintain rolling resistance low and velocity excessive. Out towards the shoulders, issues get extra severe, with aggressive cornering knobs. These further knobs are usually not too excessive and preserve the tire’s spherical profile. Nevertheless, they’re deep sufficient so as to add chew and help when the bike is leaned over.
Kenda additionally provides siping for further grip on rocks, roots, and slick surfaces. The sipping replace, together with staggered knob spacing, ought to enhance mud clearance.
Besting The Booster
If there may be one quantity Kenda desires riders to note, it’s rolling resistance.
Based on Kenda’s knowledge, the Dagger XC has a rolling resistance of 17.2 watts, and the Dagger Trail has 18.6 watts. Kenda says that the 21.0 watts for a number one competitor and 26.6 watts for the previous Booster XC clearly put the Dagger on the sharp finish of the XC tire world. Kenda claims the brand new Dagger can save as much as 30% watts the place it counts.
Now, each model likes a chart that makes its new tire seem like the reply to all the pieces, however the proof will likely be within the tire’s using really feel and reliability. We’ll know these when our assessment samples arrive.
One Compound To Rule Them All
Kenda can also be utilizing a single compound right here. There isn’t any triple tremendous compound or particular sauce, only a single concept all through all of the casing choices. The compound seems to be to stability rolling velocity, grip, and predictable rebound. Giving the tire an analogous journey in each casings, with out overcomplicating the lineup.
Race Confirmed
Kenda can also be leaning on a helpful little bit of race credibility right here, noting that the Dagger helped the model’s Torpado Staff take a win on the Hero Marathon World Cup.
That may be a good outcome to have within the launch pocket. For me, nonetheless, the larger story is how the Dagger appears positioned for on a regular basis quick riders, too. This seems to be just like the form of tire that ought to make as a lot sense on lengthy coaching rides, marathon occasions, and tough native loops because it does between the tape.
Not everyone desires the quickest doable tire if it means white-knuckling each moist root and blown-out flip. Or having to switch the race day treads month-to-month after they put on out. The Dagger seems to be like Kenda’s reply for riders who nonetheless care about velocity, however would additionally like to remain upright lengthy sufficient to get pleasure from it.
Kenda Dagger Specs
Sizes at launch: 29 x 2.40, 29 x 2.60
Extra sizes coming later: 27.5 x 2.40, 32 x 2.40
Casings: XC 120 TPI, Path 60 TPI
Claimed weights: 725g (XC), 810g (Path)
Compound: Single compound
Bead: Folding
Trip intent: XC racing, aggressive marathon using, gentle path use
Worth: $80-90
If the journey matches the numbers, the Dagger may find yourself being a type of actually helpful tires that wins riders over the old school means: by quietly being the correct device for lots of rides. We have now some coming in for assessment, and we’re excited to get it on the trials. Keep tuned.
Kendatire.com
