Avenir Streetster Tires (Black, 26 - Inches x 1.5 - Inches) Review

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(More customer reviews)These used to be my suggested "go to" tires for converting mountain bikes within my circle of riding buddies. I've been purchasing these slicks (3x) since they were 12.99 (which are actually rebranded KENDA Kwick Rollers), and was amazed at the total value provided and sold under the considerably "tame" Avenir line from KENDA. I've normally had them mounted on a back wheel with a double rim setup on a hardtail mountain bike of mine which I also use as a loaner for my friends if they would like to ride. What made me overlook the initial problem I had with was simple; when you first slip them on ride, the tread inspires immediate confidence like almost no other slick I've had under 1.6, there's no slippage, and they are irrevocably impenetrable for such a relatively light tire.

Now here comes the kicker. After about 150 miles (which is usually like 12-15 trips for me) chronically, I started to notice the lip of the rubber at the point of contact where it cups the wire beading to allow my 65 psi 1.5 tube to PROTRUDE out like a Elementary child's tongue. And this time, I actually finally felt like I had been duped after purchasing these tires on THREE separate occasions from Amazon. The first two involved me taking the tire off to put my knobbies on for trails riding and reinstalling once I was done, so I actually accepted that MAYBE I was to blame for possibly damaging the mounting lip upon remount. This current instance however, involved the exact scene from before, except I caught it on a casual ride through the city. I felt a bizarre tremble in my back wheel and got back home BEFORE the tube popped from the slowly exposed steel fibers of the fragmented lip, forcing me to take the walk of shame with my bike in tow...Not the best of times.
I've been around the block and have done adequate research as a casual rider looking for "converter" slicks in between 1.5-1.75, and currently, I'm riding a "Geax 1.6 Street Runner" in the front for cushioning & durability, because I not only do need the confidence to occasionally run over glass and sharpies but I DO bomb curbs, and this tire NEVER disappointed. I personally have never thought to go below 1.5, because I need the stability and am wary pinch flats while jumping curbs. Fortunately, there are other options in the 15-30 price range that you can have other this disappointment wrapped in rubber (unless you're going to ride for 100 miles and take it off). My suggestion if you are looking for something durable (more than 150 miles), light, decent tpi (higher psi;faster), and inspiring confidence on the pavement, you might need to prepare to spend more than 20 bucks. Considering ones preference, there may be a few compromises, but PLENTY of options. I DO ADVISE however, to get a tire with puncture protection. It's not only for security and "peace of mind" while riding, but there's just a priceless factor in saving so much TIME, HASSLE, and REPAIR while maintaining rhythm...You don't pack that tire puncture kit to actually use it do you?
Because I dislike when reviewers post a negative review and we as shoppers are thinking, "Well ok, I found something pretty decent, and now you come along with a contrast in opinion" what else is there then?
Here are some quality options in that sizing and price range (with puncture protection, if you prefer):
Geax Street Runner (1.6)
Michelin City Mountain Bike Tire with Protek (1.4,1.75)
Maxxis Detonator Bike Training Tire (1.5)
Maxxis Xenith 1.5 Hybrid Bike Tire
Maxxis Overdrive Hybrid Bike Tire (1.75)


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