As we wait for cyclocross season to start and, at least in some locales, the inevitable rains and mud, we're taking a look at a new tubeless mud tire from Kenda Tires, the Cholla Pro. We first spotted the Cholla Pro at Interbike, and it's finally out. The Cholla Pro features Kenda’s KSCT, which is designed to reinforce the tire’s sidewalls and optimize the casing for tubeless conversion
The new mud tire takes its name from the cholla cactus, with the tire's tread inspired by the plant's hooks and barbs. Those features on the tread are meant to cut through the muck and hook up as best as one can in a bog. On the Cyclocross Magazine scales the Cholla Pro came in at 409 grams, while Kenda doesn't yet offer a claimed weight on this new offering.
We initially set up the Cholla Pro on a Bontrager Affinity Elite rim, which has an internal width of 17.5mm. While the Cholla Pro is a tubeless tire, the bead wasn't unreasonably tight and we were able to mount it without tools. The tire, with a claimed width of 33mm, measured out to 32.3mm when inflated to 30 psi. So for those looking at taking on a UCI race, this may be a good option, should the conditions require a mud tread.
The Cholla Pro joins other, recently released new tubeless tire offerings such as the Clement BOS, also a mud tire, and the Bontrager LT2. We're currious how the Cholla Pro performs, and will be out and about on it. Stay tuned for a full review.
More info: kendatire.com
The Kenda Cholla Pro came in at 409 grams on the Cyclocross Magazine scales. ©️ Cyclocross Magazine
