It lives! Kenda Nevegal 29×2.xx
March 23rd, 2006 by CloxxkiOur reporter in the field, Brant Richards of On-One, today managed to get his greasy hands on a single rideable Kenda Nevegal 29×2.35″ sample.
His initial measurements produced : 51mm casing, 57mm outer knobs, 805g.
Casing is expected to “grow” a bit as it sits at pressure.
Another business insider, extreme endurance racer Mike Curiak, got the explanation from Kenda for their lastest two narrower-than-expected 29″ tires :
The Karma and Nevegal 29″ were, in terms of volume, based on other brand’s tires sizes that were offered as examples. While Kenda’s policy is to offer tires true-to-size, this time the factory followed the competition’s sizing. The Karma is now planned to be renamed a 2.0″, and the Nevegal to hit the market as a 2.1″.
Kenda is investing $35k for the required machine to produce true-to-size 29×2.35″ tires, which in the longer run should provide us with seriously big meats.
Several bike manufacturers, like On-One, have requested samples of the Nevegal, so this one extra offering just might be a spark that lights the mainstream 29″ fire.
So, unfortunately for many, the Nevegal doesn’t offer the hoped for volume. Time will tell whether it can challenge the skinny WTB Exiwolf 2.3 as the current 29″ FR king. My gut feeling : yes it can!
WTB to move now. They were the first to make a 29″ tire when no-one wanted it, will they also be the first to make a 29″ DH tire now so many are waiting for it? It will probably cost them a $35k machine too. This might just be the reason Ritchey backed out from there 29×2.4 promises.
Today someone wrote to me he’ll be riding 29″ as long as he can get tires for it. Well, it looks like it’s only getting better! I don’t think anyone owns all current offerings, plenty of choice!
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SO basically this means the East Coast XC riders have a total kick ass tire. I, for one, am not dissappointed by the news!!
Positive approach! Yes, the way the 2.2″ Karma for me is good in being actually light and narrowish, the medium-size Nevegal will mean a lot to XC riders craving some serious knob. Perhaps a bit like the Kenda Klaw, taken a step further?
I am not sure about “craving serious knob” but I will definetley be getting a set, especially if they are lighter then my Exi’s. Looks like they might be released in May/June. That would definetley be sweet.
I spoke today with a very well known 29″er company head who was at the Taipei show. He said that in his recollection, there were at least EIGHT new tires in the pipeline for release this fall. One of the companies mentioned was in fact WTB. He also said that there will be lots of new 29″er related goodies, including 29″ specific wheels coming. Finally, he made a comment that the folks that are holding out on 29″ers due to the current lack of tire selection will have no reason not to get one after this year. He said “all the bases will be covered” as far as tire selection goes!
It’s an exciting time for 29″er afficianados. I can’t wait to see what shows up! I’ll have some more specific info about who I talked to at a later date. Can’t say just yet!
Well, this is terrible news. It probably means that every man and his dog will soon be on 29′ers.
Damn ! There goes our advantage…lol..
R.
I was a bit upset, but it’s a great tyre regardless.
For racers Specialized has the lightest tire with knobs, sorry StansNoTube.
WTB and Maxxis have great all around tires and the MythosXC works for everything.