The new-to-UK Kenda Ibex arrived just in time for last month’s Valleys Xtreme Enduro, and is designed to offer maximum grip in extreme enduro type conditions.
Developed in conjunction with top US pro riders, the Ibex features a super-soft, flexible compound and supple carcass to allow the tyre to better adapt to uneven surfaces for serious levels of traction. The aggressive tread design with wide block spacing offers excellent self-clearing properties too.
The Ibex is not designed to FIM specifications, so riders do need to check event regulations to see whether the tyre is permissible.
In their February 2020 issue, the team at Dirt Bike Rider Magazine tested the Ibex for themselves and had this to say to readers:
“The Kenda performed superbly in extreme enduro conditions. In loose rock gardens, large grippy rocks, side hills and wet slippery creek beds, the Kenda provided excellent traction. The rear tyre never wanted to spin. With the soft carcass and low pressure, the tyre grabbed and conformed to the terrain we were riding over. With the Kenda you can really let the RPM drop on the bike while on loose rocks or a steep hill, and the tyre will grab and claw without spinning. With that in mind the tyre is very pleasant to ride with since it’s so soft, offering great bump compliance. On steep downhills and braking in general, the tyre provided strong breaking traction. But, after only 5 hours of technical riding, the knobs on the rear tyre were showing extreme signs of wear. There is no doubt that the Ibex tyre is intended for racing and not for a long season of riding. The front tyre was more impressive. It never wanted to push out of corners and provided unbelievable traction on the rocks. With a very soft rubber compound, the front always felt planted on loose and rocky downhills, instilling the rider with great confidence. The front tyre showed no signs of wear, unlike the rear.
If you are an extreme enduro rider looking for maximum traction for a weekend of racing, this is a great option.”
View the full Kenda Ibex range here.