Kenda Nevegal Stick-E Review
Discussion
So a while ago I was in the market for some new rubber. I'd been using Specialized Pro Enduro 2.3 tyres and they really are a pile of unadulterated crap.
They offer zero grip, stability or control of any form and my riding was suffering as a consequence.
I regularly head into the hills of the Vienna "Wienerwald" on my 2006 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, for some pretty tough XC riding but about once a month, I head over to the big boys....the Alps and it's there where I was taking a beasting every time I headed out with those Specialized Pro Enduro's.
So it was time for a change and after much ooo'ing and aaa'ing, I ended up with a pair of Kenda Nevegal Stick-E's. I bought 26x2.1's, hoping the slightly narrower width would give me better uphill motion and offer better traction in seriously wet conditions.
I've now ridden around 400km with the tyres and they have not disappointed.
Immediately you notice how much more stable these tyres are. I now feel confident to really throw my stumpy into corners I would otherwise be slamming the brakes and praying.
Then you realise the grip these tyres have. I cannot compare to many other brands, but compared to the Specialized Pro's, they are astonishing. So grippy, that you seem to be constantly bombarded with pieces of gravel if the tyres are cleaned up!!!
The other area I was very impressed with was control through deep mud and damp terrain. This is very common where I ride and although you are never going to get full control over a massive swathe of mud, leaves and open grass fields, the Nevegal's certainly dig in well to offer as much control as possible.
Roots are also handled nicely. The tread in the tyres works its way into nooks and cranny's however where there is no bark, you will find yourself on your back as I did while working my way down a 35' gradient!!!!
Dry terrain is also handled nicely (although I haven't experienced too much of it lately). Fine gravel is no problem for the Nevegal's and along tarmac, the tyres roll very easily making them ideal for steep ascents which is very important when riding in the Alps.
Overall, these tyres are superb and excellent value for money at just €25 each, but they're not perfect and sometimes lack a little grip when riding down steep descents along woody undergrowth.
Perhaps a good suggestion would be to put a 2.35 on the front to add that extra level of grip.
If I had to give a score out of 10, then I think 8/10 would be perfect.
They offer zero grip, stability or control of any form and my riding was suffering as a consequence.
I regularly head into the hills of the Vienna "Wienerwald" on my 2006 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, for some pretty tough XC riding but about once a month, I head over to the big boys....the Alps and it's there where I was taking a beasting every time I headed out with those Specialized Pro Enduro's.
So it was time for a change and after much ooo'ing and aaa'ing, I ended up with a pair of Kenda Nevegal Stick-E's. I bought 26x2.1's, hoping the slightly narrower width would give me better uphill motion and offer better traction in seriously wet conditions.
I've now ridden around 400km with the tyres and they have not disappointed.
Immediately you notice how much more stable these tyres are. I now feel confident to really throw my stumpy into corners I would otherwise be slamming the brakes and praying.
Then you realise the grip these tyres have. I cannot compare to many other brands, but compared to the Specialized Pro's, they are astonishing. So grippy, that you seem to be constantly bombarded with pieces of gravel if the tyres are cleaned up!!!
The other area I was very impressed with was control through deep mud and damp terrain. This is very common where I ride and although you are never going to get full control over a massive swathe of mud, leaves and open grass fields, the Nevegal's certainly dig in well to offer as much control as possible.
Roots are also handled nicely. The tread in the tyres works its way into nooks and cranny's however where there is no bark, you will find yourself on your back as I did while working my way down a 35' gradient!!!!
Dry terrain is also handled nicely (although I haven't experienced too much of it lately). Fine gravel is no problem for the Nevegal's and along tarmac, the tyres roll very easily making them ideal for steep ascents which is very important when riding in the Alps.
Overall, these tyres are superb and excellent value for money at just €25 each, but they're not perfect and sometimes lack a little grip when riding down steep descents along woody undergrowth.
Perhaps a good suggestion would be to put a 2.35 on the front to add that extra level of grip.
If I had to give a score out of 10, then I think 8/10 would be perfect.
The Nevegal has been a revolution in MTB tyre design. The ramped tread blocks allow strong braking and lower rolling resistance. Most other tyre manufacturers are now copying this tyre, but the Nevegal is still the best.
I guess square tread blocks would still be best for traction in soft conditions, though.
I guess square tread blocks would still be best for traction in soft conditions, though.
GHW said:
Nevegal on the back of my Orange, Blue Groove on the front. They didn't miss a beat in the alps this summer, and they're perfectly comfortable doing loops of Cwmcarn in the wet too.
I've exactly the same set up, on an Orange, one Blue Groove and a Nevegal. I will be replacing them with more of exactly the same.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff