Kenda Partners with Lea Davison

Lea Davison’s influence on the cycling world is inspirational and ongoing. Lea is not only a two-time Olympian and eight-time National Champion, she is also a Co-Founder of the Little Bella girl’s mentoring program whose goal is to help young women reach their fullest potential by creating a community to empower women through cycling. Kenda is proud to partner with Lea Davison for the 2022 season.


How do you feel about partnering with KENDA tires?

I am so excited to be partnering with Kenda for the 2022 season as I race the Lifetime Grand Prix, an off road domestic race series of mountain bike and gravel races. Kenda has put a lot of resources into researching and developing new tires and tire technology, and all of their hard work has paid off. Kenda has achieved an incredible balance of tire characteristics that few companies are able to achieve. Their mountain bike and gravel tires are fast rolling, light, have great puncture protection, and provide great traction and bike handling. I am incredibly grateful to be working with a company that aligns with my values and provides a great selection of tires for every race scenario. Tires are one of the most important aspects of bike racing, and Kenda has exactly what I need for success.

What Kenda tires you will be using this season, where and why?

You will most likely find a set of Alluvium Pro tires on my gravel bike. I love their all-around capabilities. The Alluviums are fast rolling enough for pavement or hard packed dirt roads, and they also have enough flat protection, side knobs, and center tread to absolutely rip through any single-track or chunky gravel. I raced on Alluvium Pros for Unbound 200 and, in a race that is defined by not one but multiple flat tires for each racer, I had zero flat tires and zero mechanicals. This is incredible.

For the mountain bike races, my favorite Kenda tire is the Booster Pro. Its knob profile provides traction on the most technical, demanding trails AND it's one of the fastest XC tires out there. This is an incredible balance of tire qualities. This tire delivers for me and my aggressive riding style.


Can you tell us what’s in store for the rest of 2022?

Crushar in the Tushar- Lifetime Grand Prix race #3: I will be using the same set up as Unbound, Alluvium Pros with Cushcore because I had so much success with this at Unbound in the gnarliest of conditions.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival - Lifetime Grand Prix race #5: This is a very high speed mountain bike race mostly on double track so I will most likely use the fastest rolling tire of the bunch, Saber Pro, at the very least on the rear. I might reach for a Booster on the front for a bit more traction in the front or a Saber Pro

Vermont 50: 50 mile mountain bike race, Booster Pro front and rear. This is a lot of technical Vermont single-track that can often be wet

USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships: This is one of the most rocky, technical courses I have ever ridden in Maryland. I will also choose the Booster Pro SCT front and rear. It's better to choose a tire with sidewall protection on a course like this and for such a long race.