I have never used a Kenda tube. What does the split along the seam look like? Is it a star pattern or is it a clean slit like it was cut with a knife?
2011-06-29 22:56:51
5
Defective Kenda Tubes
I have had the worst time with kenda tubes!It started a few years ago when I started breaking the valves pulling the pump off the tube after inflating it. So after that I made an effort to be more careful removing the pump from the valve. Then 2 or 3 times after that, after I removed the pump from the valve the guts of the valve shot out and the tire went completely flat and was irrepairable. So I went to Chris at Thick where I bought the tubes and he showed me that I could prevent the guts from popping out by applying some locktight to the threads that screw the guts to the valve. Fine. No flats for quite a while. Then a few weeks ago, while healing from my busted collarbone, I needed to fix a couple flats so I could ride when I healed up. So I went down to Thick and bought 3 Kenda tubes (2 for my flats and a spare). Of the 3 tubes, one has held and 2 split along he seam! I have done all the troubleshooting I can think of, there is nothing in the tires or rims causing the punctures (on 2 differant tire/wheel setups) and I'm inflating the tubes to 110 psi which they are rated for. My point is, I will never buy another Kenda tube and will reccomend to Chris to stock an alternative. Until then I will be buying my tubes from REI. Anyone else having trouble with Kenda (or any other specific brand) tubes?
2011-06-29 21:10:26
It's a clean split right along the inside circumference of the tube along the seam.
2011-06-30 01:34:58
I had experience with the presta valve tearing from the tube with the first two Kenda tubes I ever bought. I figured "Kenda tires, Kenda tubes," makes sense, right? Long story short, bought twice as many cheapie tubes for the same money and I haven't had to replace one for a year now. This, despite swapping tires for mountain biking and commuting several times and using the same tubes.
2011-06-30 21:17:17
I have to add that I took the one of the tubes back to Thick and showed it to Chris, and although his opinion was that it seemed the blowout was caused from my inflating the tire without seating the bead properly in the rim (I thought the tire was seated just fine, so I respectfully disagreed), he replaced the tube free of charge. So later today I'll give Kenda one more chance. Oh, and by the way Chris Beech ROCKS for replacing the tube for free!
2011-07-01 12:14:03