Inside KENDA: The Tire Giant Behind Mountain Biking's Most Iconic Rubber

James Moore · 2026-09-04

You probably don't think about KENDA when you're shopping for new mountain bike tires. But here's the thing: this Taiwanese company is one of the biggest tire manufacturers on the planet, and they've been quietly shaping the sport for decades. Together with MTB legend John Tomac, they created the Nevegal, a tire that became a true icon on trails worldwide. So when we got the chance to visit their headquarters, we jumped at it. ### A Factory That Doesn't Feel Like a Factory From the outside, the building in Yuanlin, just south of Taichung, doesn't scream "tire factory." It's quiet, spotless, and bathed in summer sunshine. But step inside KENDA Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd., and you're in one of the world's largest tire manufacturing operations. Here, high-quality tires for cars, commercial vehicles, and every kind of bicycle are made from rubber, carbon black, chemicals, and around 200 other raw materials. We were welcomed by four staff members who guided us through the facility, answering every question with remarkable openness. The moment we stepped onto the factory floor, the smell hit us—a mix of woody, earthy natural compounds and the sharp, smoky notes of industrial chemicals. It's the unmistakable scent of new tires. ### Where Craftsmanship Meets Automation Despite the high level of automation, people are still at the heart of production. Skilled workers handle raw materials and individual tire components by hand, with a level of care that's almost surprising. As we watched the process unfold, it was easy to forget we were inside a tire factory. Of course, there are areas that are loud, hot, and humid—after all, tires have to be cured. It's only under intense heat, high pressure, and precisely controlled curing times that the individual rubber components are transformed into a finished tire inside molds designed for each tread pattern. This vulcanization process is one of the most critical stages in the entire manufacturing process. ### Who Are KENDA and Where Did They Come From? Founded in 1962, KENDA started out making bicycle inner tubes and tires. Over the years, they expanded into tires for cars, agricultural and industrial machinery, vans, and light trucks. Today, KENDA is Taiwan's second-largest tire manufacturer, with almost 12,000 employees across the group. Globally, they rank as the world's 28th largest tire manufacturer. For comparison, Taiwan's largest tire manufacturer is Cheng Shin Rubber, known to cyclists through its MAXXIS brand, which employs over 30,000 people globally. Even so, KENDA is a major player, and their strong financial performance reflects that. > "We don't just make tires. We craft the connection between you and the trail." — A KENDA engineer ### The Nevegal Legacy and Beyond The Nevegal, developed with John Tomac, remains one of the most beloved mountain bike tires of all time. But KENDA isn't resting on its laurels. The entire tire range is produced here, including the new Double Black, a versatile gravity tire that's already turning heads. Long before a tire rolls down its first trail, the rubber compound moves through the factory as continuous sheets of raw material. The compound dictates how the tread grips, damps, and wears. It's a science that KENDA has perfected over more than 60 years. ### Why This Matters for Mountain Bikers - **Heritage:** KENDA has been in the game since 1962, and their experience shows in every tire. - **Innovation:** The Double Black and other new models prove they're still pushing boundaries. - **Craftsmanship:** Even with automation, human hands still play a crucial role. - **Global Reach:** As the 28th largest tire manufacturer worldwide, KENDA has the scale to compete with anyone. So next time you're in the market for mountain bike tires, don't overlook KENDA. They might not be the first name you think of, but they're certainly one of the most important.