Casing Technology

Tire casing is the fabric that the rubber compound adheres to. The fabric of the casing can be made in varying thickness and threads per inch (TPI). Generally, the higher the TPI number, the more supple the tire sidewall will feel and flex. This means a more comfortable ride compared to that of a lower TPI casing. The casings can be treated and reinforced with various materials in order to achieve different degrees of puncture resistance and ride qualities.

advanced gravity casing

The most advanced gravity solution

The Advanced Gravity Casing (AGC) is Kenda‘s latest innovation for gravity orientated riders. A strip of Kenda Vector Shield (KVS), a lightweight woven aramid material, is built in under the tread area and along the sidewalls to protect the tire from cuts and punctures. KVS offers nearly three times more cut resistance than standard protective materials. A 20 mm apex along the bead prevents pinch flats and burping. It's our lightest and strongest gravity casing up to date. AGC comes with a dual layer compound: A firmer rubber functions as a stable base, and a softer rubber on top offers plenty of grip.

advanced ENDURO casing

Developed for the rigors of enduro

The new Advanced Enduro Casing fills the gap between the burly Advanced Gravity Casing (AGC) and the weight-optimized Advanced Trail Casing (ATC). Using the same 3-piece aramid inserts as the AGC casing, AEC omits the apex at the bead: for the same high level of puncture and cut resistance but without the added weight. A dual layer compound provides the same reliable grip found on the AGC casing.

ADVANCED TRAIL CASING

The lighter way

Optimized for trail riding, the Advanced Trail Casing (ATC) is lighter and more supple than our gravity solutions. It uses a layer of SCT on the sidewalls and a K-Armor belt under the tread area. K-Armor allows for a tighter weave and the use of less rubber, resulting in a lighter tire and a casing that is supple enough to allow the knobs to flex and form under load, yet still protects from pinch flats, punctures and cuts. ATC comes with a dual tread compound that features a firmer rubber along the center tread for decreased rolling resistance, and a softer rubber along the shoulders for grip.

SIDEWALL CASING TECHNOLOGY (SCT)

Tubeless and tough

Kenda sidewall casing technology is the optimization of existing Kenda tire construction technologies. Allowing for a tire to maximize the benefits of fluid based sealants while also increasing the strength of sidewalls for resistance to slices and abrasion.

GRAVEL CASING TECHNOLOGY (GCT)

Tubeless and tough

Using the same material as SCT, GCT wraps around the tire from bead to bead, protecting it from cuts and punctures, and allowing easy tubeless conversion. Found exclusively on Kenda's gravel and cyclocross tires.

K-ARMOR

The all new level of protection

K-Armor is a proprietary casing material technology developed by Kenda for superior puncture protection and rolling resistance. The super light-weight material features a tighter weave than traditional puncture breakers while being lighter overall. Additionally, in production its manufacturing characteristics are superior than existing materials resulting in stronger tires. K-Armor also contributes to the incredibly low rolling resistance values found on the Valkyrie Pro road tires.

TUBELESS READY casing

Tubeless solution for the road

The same material used in SCT casing is layed all around the tire for extra puncture protection instead of along the sidewalls only. Additionally, the  bead is modified to create a tight air seal and ensure easy tubeless installation.

ENdurance 1 (E1)

Maximum protection for minimum added weight

The pinnacle of dual layer flat protection, the Endurance 1 is Kenda’s highest protection level, taking the bead to bead protection of K-Armor on a 120tpi casing and then topping it off with another layer of K-Armor at the tread area. The true double layer protection at the tread with a single layer guarding the sidewalls will protect for mile after mile.

Endurance 2 (E2)

The original Endurance dual layer flat protection

Featuring the K-Armor bead to bead protection and 120tpi casing offered in the E1 level tires we have topped it off with the K-Shield flat protection under tread to offer additional puncture resistance plus additional mileage for your ride.

endurance 3 (E3)

Optimum puncture protection for commuters

The performance level dual layer flat protection for city, urban, and trekking tires. We have laid an Iron Cap puncture belt across the 60tpi casing for full tire protection and topped it off with the same K-Shield from the Endurance 2 level tire for additional tread life and flat resistance.

IRON CAP BELT (ICAPB)

Urban defense where it's needed most

Utilizing the same protective material that is in the full Iron Cap protection but limited to just under the tread surface, offering added puncture protection at minimal cost and weight addition.

K-Shield Plus (KS+)

We increased the thickness of the K-Shield to 5 mm to create the best balance of flat proof and maintaining great ride quality. For anyone looking to go that extra mile.

K-SHIELD (KS)

Kenda's first line of defense - since 1995

A layer of light, flexible rubber containing aramid and ceramic particles inside the tire under the tread area only. Designed to prevent punctures and increase tire life.