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Black magic for technical terrain? Kenda Double Black AEC
Kenda has long since shed its image as a budget brand and now delivers the Double Black a specialist for the nastiest enduro passages. The name alludes to the "Double Black Diamond" categorisation of extremely difficult ski slopes and bike park lines. In the AEC (Advanced Enduro Casing) variant, this tyre is designed precisely for these limits - a reliable partner for racers who do not want to compromise on line choice.
We tested these enduro tyres:
Character and area of application
According to the developer, the Double Black is a classic Intermediate specialist. Its tread pattern with massive, widely spaced lugs is reminiscent of a more aggressive layout that bites into soft ground, loose gravel and mud in particular. The AEC carcass closes the gap between lightweight trail protection and heavy DH armour. Thanks to the use of aramid inserts (K-Armor) under the tread and in the sidewalls, it offers enormous stiffness and puncture resistance. Its territory? Enduro races on technical, unpredictable terrain, where both lateral grip and puncture protection make the difference between victory and defeat.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Rolling resistanceDespite its coarse tread, the Double Black rolls quite passably.
- Smart carcass: The AEC construction is significantly lighter than a full DH casing, but offers almost the same protection against cuts and punctures.
Weaknesses:
- Cornering grip: The rather short studs quickly reach their limits, especially in wet conditions.
- Self-cleaning: Despite the open tread design, the tyre clogs relatively early in mud.
Kenda Double Black Pro AEC - Facts & Price
| Kenda Double Black Pro AEC | |
| Price | 82,90 Euro |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Dual compound / 60 |
| Carcass / size | AEC / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | |
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1174 g / 37.3 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 61 / 59.7 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 510 mm / 118; 566; 683 N |
| Practical test | |
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,60 |
Conclusion: Kenda Double Black Pro AEC
The new Double Black tyre from Kenda can be used for both the front and rear wheel. At just 37.3 watts, the new enduro tyre rolls very easily and also delivers top values in terms of puncture protection. The snakebite and sidewall protection are exemplary, and the tyre weighs quite a bit. In wet conditions, however, the Kenda tyre reaches its limits early on. The lug height is low and the rubber compound offers little wet grip and damping. As a result, traction and controllability suffer. More suitable for dry conditions.
How Bike tests
With a total of ten different tyres, we went to the laboratory of tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle, where we measured values for the Puncture protection, rolling resistance and weight determined. The practical test took place in the Oberammergau Bike Park on various routes.
The test in the laboratory
How well do the tyres roll and how good is the puncture protection? We used Schwalbe's test laboratory to clarify these questions. The fast Specialized Eliminator rear tyre and the Maxxis Highroller are separated by over 21 watts at a speed of 20 km/h, 50 kg load and 1.7 bar tyre pressure. There are also clear differences in terms of snakebite protection. While the lightweight Specialized Butcher deflates at a drop height of 310 millimetres, the thick Pirelli Scorpion can withstand a 70 percent higher impact before failing. We test how sensitive the tyres are to foreign objects such as thorns or sharp stones with a triple puncture test. A round spike with a diameter of 1.5 millimetres and a five-millimetre blade are pierced through the tread. The test is also carried out on the side wall with the blade. There are differences of up to 70 per cent in the penetration.
The practical test in Oberammergau
We organised three identical Canyon Neuon:On AL 8 tyres so that we could ride them directly against each other. The test took place in the Oberammergau bike park in rainy weather and with an outside temperature of twelve degrees. On small laps and sections, we were able to compare the tyres perfectly with three test riders. Traction for uphill riding and braking, cornering grip and self-cleaning were evaluated for each individual tyre. Riding stability and damping behaviour also played a part in the overall score. The practical impressions make up 50 per cent of the final score. A further 30 per cent is accounted for by puncture protection, while weight and rolling resistance together contribute 20 per cent to the final score.
Stefan Frey
Editor
