The Kenda Crusher Gravel Tire is designed to be a fast, functional tire option for gravel, hard-packed dirt paths, and pavement. Fast rolling thanks to its raised center ridge, the knobs transition to small nubbins and bigger, biting edges as it’s leaned over.
Features
- Available in 60 and 120 TPI versions
- Offered in a range of sizes: 700×35, 700×40, 700×45, 700×50, 600×45, 600×50
- Size tested: 700×50
- MSRP: $69-$74
The Gravel Crushing tires (see what I did there?) utilize a dual-layer compound with a firm base layer for improved rolling resistance, and a softer top layer for grip and handling. Two iterations are offered: a 60 TPI version for durability, adventure rides, and everyday use, and a 120 TPI option that’s lighter weight for riders seeking performance.
The Tread Story
The Crusher’s design is immediately intuitive: slick center strip for speed, progressively larger and grippier knobs toward the edges for cornering bite. It’s not exactly revolutionary, but it’s a reliable layout that rewards efficient, upright riding on road and hardpack while giving you something to lean into when the surface gets looser. They’re also impressively light for a 700×50, which keeps the build feeling nimble rather than sluggish. This was especially appreciated, considering many of my group rides are with riders who run all-road bikes that can be challenging to keep up with on the pavement.
Old-school hybrid bikes used to ship with tires that looked vaguely like these — that smooth-center, knobbier-edge profile. And yes, technically, this build could be called a high-performance hybrid. But the comparison ends at the silhouette. The casing construction and rubber compounds in the Crusher are a different generation entirely. The tech in a modern tire vs. a twenty-dollar steel beaded tread is quite different. These aren’t compromise tires — they’re purpose-built gravel tires that happen to shine on pavement too.
Installing the Crushers
I’ve been on the hunt for a fast-rolling gravel tire with a good amount of volume, and the Crusher looked like an ideal option for an XC MTB-to-Gravel/Adventure/ATV bike conversion project. I requested the 700×50 size, which is the highest volume option for our test.
The tires are tubeless-ready, and as I had an older Crankbrothers wheelset that didn’t require taping due to its unique spoke design, the install was fast and easy. I sprayed the bead with a bit of soapy water to ease the install, poured in some sealant, and pumped them up with a floor pump without the need of a compressor.
On the bike
The Crusher Gravel tires perform as promised – they roll quickly on pavement while providing a surprisingly ample amount of traction on a range of surfaces. On a recent 30-mile ride with a local gravel group, they were fantastic everywhere but on a slightly wet single-track climb. I did manage to clean most of what I rode, though, with a lot of effort. That said, the MTB bars were clutch; if I were on my drop bar bike, I don’t think I would have made it.
It’s not reasonable to expect our tires to work in all conditions, so for slippery and or rocky terrain, Kenda recommends their Flintridge model, which breaks up the smooth center rib for additional grip.
If you find yourself riding on pavement primarily, with bits of off-road, the fast, smooth tread on the Crusher is a great tire option. I finished 30 miles of riding feeling like I could go much longer, and I haven’t been putting in that many miles this year. The only time I didn’t feel like I was on pace was the last five miles of the ride, which was all on pavement. I have a dedicated drop bar gravel build dedicated to 95% pavement rides, it would be interesting to try the 700×40 iteration of the tire on that bike. That said, my Santa Cruz Carbon ATB build has been such a fun all arounder, I don’t know how much time I’d actually log on it.
Overall, it’s a great gravel tire option that’s a great choice for many, and worth trying out a set.
Learn more at kendatire.com