Kenda Tubulars

 
It too sports a supple, hand-made 300tpi casing that also houses Kenda’s Iron Cloak Belt (ICB) protection under the tread. On the inside the Super Domestique packs a butyl inner tube as opposed to the latex one of the Volare. Kenda claim that they use the Butyl inner tube for cost saving reasons, which seems fair enough; for us that butyl tube means that the tyres won’t go quite as flat between pumps as their latex cousins. These differences add some weight – about 30g on our scales – giving a Super Domestique tubular a weight of just under 300g on our scales, close enough to the claimed 270g +/- 10% for us not to quibble.
 

 
Despite the differences it is still a proper classic racing tubular and should suit all road racing applications, as well as the more sporting time trial courses. It does only comes in a 22mm width though.
 

 
Both of these tubular tyres are made for Kenda in Thailand and are among the tyres used by Kenda sponsored professional cycling teams, such as Cannondale. However, they do seem to have a tyre that is not on sale to the public called the Kenda SC tubular, which is available in multiple widths, including 23, 25 and 28mm. The SC does look a lot like the Volare but is goes to show just how seriously Kenda are about their cycling tyres if they are producing a ‘special’ for the pros. The technology in that tyre can only ever trickle one way, which is good news for you and I, and should give you extra confidence in using Kenda tubulars.

 

Price wise, the Kenda Volare’s RRP is £79.99 and the Kenda Super Domestique’s RRP is £69.99.

 

So we are about the get the glue out and get testing these tubulars. Look out for a full review soon.
 

 

Kenda Tire Company

 

Today’s Cyclist (Kenda UK – Moore Large) – Kenda Volare and the Kenda Super Domestique