6 Key Steps in Developing the K-Series Tires

At KENDA, we guide you behind the scenes of our K-Series tire development—from concept and virtual design to real-world testing—to deliver the performance you can trust on every trail.

Step 1. Market Analysis & Benchmarking Purpose

To establish the K-Series trail tires as top performers in the premium MTB market, we began with a comprehensive analysis of the mountain bike tire landscape. Our team studied market trends, benchmarked K-Series performance against key competitors, and identified the core competitive advantages that distinguish K-Series.

Competitive Advantage

Through this process, KENDA's edge became evident. Our construction technologies deliver superior control and protection. Our designs have consistently delivered proven race results, validating their performance at the highest level. By maintaining a balance between price and performance, the K-Series continues to offer riders premium capability without a premium price tag.

The results were clear: Together, these insights defined the K-Series as a leader in traction, durability, and rider confidence across all trail conditions.

Step 2. Design and Virtual Development Purpose

We engineered performance and precision into every K-Series trail tire using advanced digital design tools. By leveraging CAD and simulation technology, our team optimized tread patterns, casing structures, and rubber compounds to achieve the ideal balance of traction, rolling efficiency, and durability. This virtual development process shortened design cycles, enhanced prototype accuracy, and ensured that each K-Series tire meets performance targets from the very start.

Competitive Advantage

Our digital-first approach accelerated development cycles by reducing the need for physical prototypes. Every tread feature is data-driven and purpose-built, ensuring that form follows function. This process enabled us to validate traction and durability early, before real-world testing begins.

The result? Digitally engineered tread patterns and casings that deliver maximum traction, control, and efficiency—ready for physical testing with confidence.

Step 3. Construction Design and Material Selection Purpose

We developed K-Series trail tires utilizing advanced materials and construction methods that meet the highest demands of modern trail and enduro riding. We engineered the casing and layer structure for maximum control, protection, and ride feel across all trail conditions. We selected premium materials tailored to the performance needs of each riding discipline, from XC to enduro. By balancing strength, weight, and compliance, we delivered optimal trail performance without compromise.

Competitive Advantages

Our purpose-built casings for each riding style deliver proven compound technology that grips without premature wear. Enhanced protection and control in aggressive trail conditions define the K-Series advantage. The result is a premium construction platform that combines advanced materials, precision engineering, and real-world durability riders can trust.

Step 4. Mold & Tooling Manufacturing Purpose

We transformed virtual tire designs into precise, high-quality physical molds and tooling for production-ready K-Series tires. By converting CAD and virtual models into accurate, manufacturable molds, we ensured repeatable quality and dimensional consistency across all production tires. This enabled efficient production without compromising performance or durability.

Competitive Advantage

High-precision molds preserved every engineered tread and casing feature from the digital design phase. Consistent quality and performance across production runs ensured riders experience the same tire, every time. Our scalable manufacturing system supports innovation in future K-Series models, delivering a production-ready tooling platform that faithfully reproduces virtual designs and ensures K-Series trail tires deliver top-tier performance from prototype to final product.

Step 5. Lab Testing & On-Bike Field Evaluations Purpose

We validated the performance of K-Series trail tires in controlled and real-world conditions to ensure they met rider expectations. By confirming traction, durability, and handling against design targets, we identified areas for fine-tuning before full production. Both quantitative and qualitative feedback from riders informed the final product.

Competitive Advantage

High-precision validation ensured tires performed as engineered from the first production run. Real-world rider insights optimized handling, confidence, and durability across all conditions. This rigorous process reduced the risk of product issues post-launch, delivering verified K-Series trail tires with proven performance, ready to provide exceptional traction, control, and durability across all riding scenarios.

Step 6. Product & Specification Approval Purpose

We finalized K-Series trail tires based on performance data to ensure riders experience maximum confidence and satisfaction. By analyzing lab and field test results against performance benchmarks, we selected tire variants that excelled in traction, control, durability, and rider experience. Final specifications were approved for production and market launch.

Key Activities

• Data review. We compared all test metrics, rolling resistance, wear, grip, sidewall strength, and handling, to validate the performance targets. While rider feedback and subjective impressions from field testing provided the real-world perspective that numbers alone couldn't deliver.
• Specification finalization. We confirmed the tread pattern, compound, casing construction, and dimensional tolerances, as well as compatibility with target rim sizes and riding conditions, to ensure consistent production. 
• Performance validation. We validated that each tire met or exceeded KENDA performance standards across all metrics. The final product was engineered to deliver confidence-inspiring performance for riders of all skill levels.