Kenda has officially announced the launch of the new K-SERIES Ripper Trail and All Mountain tire. The Ripper is built for modern trail and all-mountain riders who want speed, control, and confidence across a range of terrain. Featuring an aggressive yet fast-rolling tread design, dual-layer compound technology, and a durable Trail Casing, the RIPPER delivers the versatility riders need for everything from fast hardpack to technical descents.
Ripper Trail Technology Highlights
- Fast Trail Compound – Optimized for rolling speed while maintaining dependable traction and predictable handling.
- Sequential Support All Mountain Construction – Staged vertical compliance paired with high lateral support for improved damping and cornering stability.
- Balanced Tread Profile – Medium-height tread blocks deliver efficient rolling, terrain penetration, and confidence across a wide range of trail conditions.
- Versatile Positioning – Run front or rear and pair with Dagger or Double Black to fine-tune your setup for local trails and riding style.
Engineered Versatility. Maximum Trail Capability.
The K-SERIES Ripper’s aggressive yet fast-rolling neutral-void tread and new AM construction deliver the ideal combination of grip, control, and speed for modern trail and e-MTB riders—one tire for every trail.
Why Ripper?
- Speed and versatility.Rolls fast on hardpack while holding traction across varied terrain.
- Grip and control. Large, broad-based knobs deliver strong braking and cornering stability.
- Proven performance gains. Balances high traction with efficient rolling for lasting durability.
Trail Casing
- Fast, Predictable, Protection – A robust casing for aggressive trail riders who demand confidence and protection.
- Dual-layer compound – High-traction trail compound over a fast-rolling base layer balances grip, speed, and durability.
All Mountain Casing (Coming soon)
- All-Terrain Protection – Protection, grip, and speed for big MTB adventures. The next-gen All Mountain technology in progress.
Ripper’s tread design wins on grip, control, and speed across all key performance dimensions.
- Neutral void – Do-it-all tread pattern
- Large, board knobs offer ample braking and cornering traction
- Mold design provides superior stability
- 62mm casing width & tread width, ideal for Trail & All Mountain
Impressions
The Kenda Ripper Trail is a versatile trail and all-mountain mountain bike tire that bridges the gap between fast-rolling XC/downcountry tires and heavier enduro options. The inner 3, 2, 2 knob pattern provides plenty of traction, and the tall lugs let you bite into loose, packed, and rocky conditions. The tall, large shoulder knobs provide excellent braking and cornering, and I didn’t feel any washout, even in super-dry, dusty, loose conditions. Plus, once it rained, they didn’t compact too much with mud, offering traction in the slop. At 965g per 29×2.6 tire, I was quite happy with how light they were for such a beefy tire. I bashed them into rocks and roots, and suffered no damage. They felt pretty fast, rolled well, and offered excellent traction in my local Colorado pea-gravel terrain (kitty litter). The Ripper is about a perfect tire: light enough not to turn a wagon wheel, with plenty of beefy protection, feel, control, braking, and traction.
Testing the new Double Black with Enduto casing next…
Q&A With Tony Yandek, Lead Engineer, K-SERIES RIPPER TRAIL
What were the goals for this project? Replace the Regolith with a more modern, higher-performing tread pattern and develop a new All Mountain construction better suited for modern trail bikes and e-MTBs.
Who is the Ripper AM designed for? Intermediate to advanced MTB and e-MTB riders looking for one tire that can cover everything from local trail rides to gravity-fed terrain while maintaining speed and grip.
Who is the Ripper Trail designed for? Riders who want a fast, efficient trail tire with confident traction but don’t need enduro-level aggression.
What sets the Ripper apart from competitors? Exceptional damping, sidewall support, predictable handling, and a unique balance of speed, grip, and efficiency.
Where does the Ripper fit in the K-Series lineup? The Ripper bridges the gap between the Dagger and Double Black. Dagger prioritizes efficiency, Double Black prioritizes aggression, and Ripper delivers the best of both worlds.
What terrain is it designed for? Hardpack, loose-over-hard conditions, flow trails, and modern trail networks where maintaining momentum is just as important as maintaining control.
What technology is built into the Ripper Trail? The new All Mountain construction uses sequential support architecture with staged vertical stiffness and high lateral sidewall support.
Combined with the Fast Trail compound, riders experience a smooth, damped ride with excellent cornering support, efficiency, and predictable handling. The medium-height tread pattern creates a highly predictable feel while maintaining impressive rolling speed.