Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

Updated review "Too Wide" 08/11/12:

Well I never got around to returning these tires. Firstly I need to correct my prior statement...my early 90's bike is a rigid and was originally equipped with 26 x 2.10. 

Now with that out of the way, I had been running 26 x 1.95 but after changing to a rockier/bumpier trail system I wanted something I could run at lower pressures.

In my prior review I complained about these 26 x 2.20 tires being wider than specified. I've since purchased a digital caliper; at the the pressures shown below the tires measure:
2.20" @ 25 psi (below specified)
2.215" @ 30 psi (min. specified)
2.25" @ 50 psi (max. specified)

I've read the other reviews that say these tires measure as indicated, but like most measurements, there are variables between those doing the measuring and this is what I've measured. Also, I've ridden these tires about 12 times, all of these measurements reflect that—not when new. 

I run the front slightly lower than specified at 25 psi, and the rear at 35 psi, but probably will go up to 40 psi rear. I weigh about 185 lbs.

As I said before, the rear didn't fit my chainstays. Since I never returned the tires, and didn't want to buy another set, I decided to shave the rear tire to fit. Using a belt sander, I shaved the outermost knobs down to the height of the second outermost knobs. This allowed enough clearance to fit, coupled with my preferred lower pressure it measures:
2.10" @ 35 psi

In actuality the sizing issue with these tires is due to the tall knobs; that's what really makes these tires seem oversize. It's the knob height hitting where my chainstays taper which prevented it fitting without shaving. The knob heights measure approximately:
5.4 mm center knob @ 50 psi
7.5 mm outer edge knob @ 50 psi

Whereas for comparison my Panaracer Cinder 26 x 1.95 that I rode about 18 times has knob heights that measure approximately:
2.65 mm center knob @ 50 psi
5.7 mm outer edge knob @ 50 psi
(By the way, the width measures 1.90" at 50 psi.)

To restate that, the width is basically accurate, but since the knobs are so tall they're placing that width deeper into the chainstay...so due to the overall height they're effectively too wide for narrower/shorter chainstays.

If anyone should think they want to shave the rear tire down like I did, be forewarned that it leaves no room for a warped rim. If I warp my rear rim on the trail I'm walking out carrying my bike.

I really like the ride from these tires...plenty of traction on all surfaces (don't know about mud), superb edge grip, and great cushioning for a rigid. The first few rides were an adjustment from the 1.95's since they were less nimble; between the extreme knobbiness and larger width they kept tracking forward making line transitions awkward. Some of the trails I ride are former deer paths that follow horizontally across a grade at approx. 45 degrees...on these unimproved narrow trails the edge knobs sometimes bite into the high side and try to climb the grade. I've mostly adjusted to these differences, but will occasionally still lose my line/flow. At the pressures I run, these tires float over gravelly creekbeds with ease. I've yet to push them to their cornering limit, but am gaining confidence with each ride. They definitely inspire exploring your own self-imposed psychological limits, and I'm glad to say there isn't a scary center to edge transition. As another reviewer said, "they go where you point them"...so be sure you point them accurately and keep them pointed straight when they try climbing at the edge.

Weight-wise I'm unable to compare them to other tires since I've never run this wide or low pressure before. Adding to the weight, I'm using downhill tubes to help guard against pinch flats.. They're definitely slower than the 1.95's I'm used to, but it's well worth it. I've also never ran a high thread count tire before, but as comfortable as these things are rolling over everything, high tpi is all I'll buy now...it's like the difference between hard and soft-soled shoes. When riding off a rock edge with a 2 foot drop, it feels as if I'm riding the flats...that's significant on a 26" rigid.

When it's time to replace these tires, I'll likely switch to a 2.10 with tall knobs or stay at 2.20 but with shorter knobs to gain more chainstay clearance.

Well, that's about it, hopefully this updated review is more helpful.

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

Mounted tubeless on 23mm inside width rim, 32psi rear, 30psi front. 2.2" tire measured 2.11" at sidewall, 2.21" at knobs, so very much true to size. At 790 grams, a bit heavy but mostly because it has so much tread. Don't think anyone is going to call this a fast tire, but brother does it grip the trail: Loose, rocky, hardpack, uphill, braking, cornering. Can't say how it does in the wet since it hasn't rained here in a couple years, but if it's dry, this tire is hanging on like a scared cat. Excellent directional control, goes where you point it. The 120TPI casing presents something of a paradox since there is so much rubber on the tread but the sidewalls are quite supple. Probably why it does so well on rock. Combined with the squarish footprint, the moment of inertia is pushed further out making it sluggish to get up to speed. That's OK, I'm not in a hurry. Can't testify to durability since I'm just getting started with it.

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

Finding the right tire for transition seasons (Fall and Spring in the Northeast) is tough. One sheds mud well but is horrible on roots or woodwork trail features. The other is good on wood or rocks but terrible under braking or slogging through goop. Telonix is the best rear tire I have used for those transition seasons. The off camber grip is amazing. In my opinion the tread is overkill for the front tire, I prefer a wider tire with much less knobs.

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

I use this as a front on my Yeti 575. tacky on the socal terrain, haven't washed yet - even leaning hard into turns.
It is HEAVY. Don't put this on your XC rig, you'll be disappointed

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

This tire is used as a rear tire on a 2007 hardtail. The supple beads and sidewalls made for easier than usual installation (without tire levers.) The bead hooked up instantly with about 5 psi and required no manual adjustment to make it even all the way around the rim. Traction is superb on our hilly, rooty singletracks. I did NOT experience some of the problems with the tire being wider than advertised as did some other reviewers on this site. This tire is exactly 2.2 inches wide across the widest part, which is outside corner to outside corner of the knobs on the edge. DIG IT!!

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

I bought this tire over the summer, to replace the IRC trailbear I was running in the rear. It has tons of grip, and really bites into the ground. My 2.2 probably measures closer to 2.3 (the side knobs are big). It is a bit slow rolling, but not a big deal

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

I like this tire: affordable, grippy, agressive-looking.

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

2.2 tire is only as wide as a 1.9 tire of other brands.

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

I installed one on my Trek hardtail after having a few close calls on the trails with the stock Bontrager tires. Since then (I now have the 2.2" Telonix in the front and 1.95" Excavator in the rear), I have become a much more confident rider. Corners are more predictable with the wider profile and the tire seems to find its own way uphill. Although the Telonix have high rolling resistance, riding on the road is bearable (if noisy). Just don't put them on a commuter.

Comments about Kenda Telonix Folding Tire Oe 2011:

Used on the rear I have found this tire to hook up very well on dry, rocky, Colorado single track. Does seem a little sluggish on flatter sections, but it is worth for me to prevent tire slip. Haven't had them for long, so I cannot comment on durability.