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.
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.
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 CLOAK (IC)
Kenda's best puncture resistant material, a blend of Aramid fibers, is laid up on the tire casing from bead to bead. Not only does this provide puncture protection underneath the tread of the tire, but it also reinforces the tire side walls minimizing slashes or tears; with a minimal addition to the overall tire weight.
IRON CLOAK BELT (ICB)
A thin strip of advanced lightweight puncture protection
A breaker of one of Kenda’s best puncture resistant materials, Iron Cloak, is built in directly underneath the tread rubber only, for protection and minimal weight. Iron Cloak Belt lets you rest assured that your tires are durable, but light and super supple for the ultimate in riding performance.
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.
K-Shield Plus (KS+)
We increased the thickness of the K-Shield to 3 mm to create the best balance of flat proof and maintaining great ride quality. For anyone looking to go that extra mile.
IRON CAP (ICAP)
Versatile urban tire defense
A layer of material that runs from bead to bead under the tread to prevent flats. IRON CAP combines some of the technology from the high-end IRON CLOAK material without all the added cost.
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.
ADVANCED TRAIL CASING
For the rigors of enduro and trail riding
Optimized for enduro and trail riding, the Advanced Trail Casing (ATC) 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 or casing tears.
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. Our lightest and strongest gravity casing up to date.
KENDA SIDEWALL CASING TECHNOLOGY (KSCT)
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.
Tubeless Race (TR)
Kenda’s lightest tubeless solution
Tubeless Race is the lightest tubeless ready version tire Kenda offers. Utilizing a modified bead shape for better tubeless sealing and performance while offering the lightest sidewall available. When it’s race day, make it Tubeless Race.
E-Mountain casing (EMC)
EMC is the first tire casing on the market specially designed to meet the requirements of e-mountain bikes. Thanks to a reinforced ply of woven fabric and additional layer of puncture protection, every tire with EMC casing is more durable and provides more control and grip than any other standard MTB standard tire. ECE-R75 certified and approved for usage on e-bikes up to 50 km/h.