To help mountain bikers specifically and road generally, along with suggesting bikes, I also keep reviewing brands to create brand awareness about whether one should buy bikes from a said brand or not. Today, I have selected a query, Is Kent a Good Bike Brand?
Kent offers a vast range of bikes for all ages and all genders with all types. Even each kind includes various models.
Their mountain bikes are sturdy and robust, perfect for beginners and hobby riders, and give affordable models to all people.
You cannot use them for professional MT cycling.
Being more than 100 years old, I expect Kent to start producing professional cycles that we can use in races and competitions.
I will be revealing some nameless, anonymous, and secret things about Kent international, so this guide will remain interesting and will help you decide whether you should purchase bikes from this brand or not.
Doubtlessly, Kent offers a huge range of bikes for all ages and all genders with all types. Even each kind includes various models. So there is so much to discuss.
First of all, I will talk about the brand’s reputation and the products they offer (I am not discussing individual products here or models but different types of bikes Kent offers). Then I will reveal some studies from the reviews on Kent bikes from their start until now.
Then you and I will decide together if one should buy bikes from Kent brand or not.
Is Kent a Good Bike Brand?
For this, I would like to take you 100 years back when the Kent bike started. In 1909, Abraham Kamler, an immigrant, began manufacturing bicycles in a small kiosk in New York.
For around 40 years, Abraham worked as an unknown, unregistered brand, but later, in 1947, he registered the company under the name of Philkam Cycle in 1947 (including initials of his son’s name, Phil and Kam).
So, Kent wasn’t the original name of the brand. However, later in 1958, they changed their name to Kent International Inc.
For more than 100 years, Kent bikes maintained its reputation and remained the ownership of one family. Even now, the company is working under the same name and same family.
This shows they have not only maintained their reputation but the business also by evolving themselves according to the need of time, unlike Hiland bikes.
This shows that Kent International has not only maintained its reputation but has also evolved its business to keep up with the changing times. Unlike Hiland Bikes, which has not adapted to the changing market
My Verdict: A company that has stayed, managed, and evolved itself for around one hundred and thirteen years, they have absolutely done an excellent job with its bicycles. So, Is Kent A Good Bike Brand? Yes!
Kent bikes also did some experiments with its manufacturing units. In 1990, they outsourced their bike-making to other countries with cheaper labor forces.
However, being a brand in the USA, Kent bike came back in 2014 and built a facility in Clarendon County, South Carolina.
Kent Bike Range
You can find every type of bike and numerous types of mountain bikes under the Kent logo. You can find everything here.
1. Kent Mountain Bikes
I have ridden bikes and checked Kent mountain bike reviews from 1958 to 2023. Is Kent A Good Bike Brand? Looking at their mountain biking range, Kent builds mountain bikes for the general public.
Their mountain bikes are sturdy and robust, perfect for beginners and hobby riders, and are affordable models for all people. However, you cannot use them for professional MT cycling.
2. Kent BMX Bikes
Kent offers BMX bike models specific to age, gender, and price. To learn stunt biking, kids and adults can utilize Kent BMX bikes. However, if you are a professional, these bikes are not for you.
3. Kent Fat Bikes
Fat bikes are also like mountain bikes, but these are able to maneuver soft snow and deep sands. Kent also offers Fat bikes. Kent fat bikes come at affordable rates with a maximum of 32″ tires.
4. Kent 7 Speed Bikes
Almost all bikes at Kent are 7-speed. This means you can change the gear and adjust speed in 7 modes while cruising your cycle on the roads, hills, and in deep snow.
5. Kent Tandem Bicycle
Not all brands offer the latest Tandem cycles, but Kent offers this two. Tandem bikes come with a twin system where you find dual pedals, dual handles, and dual saddles.
Are Kent Bikes Good?
I said yes when you asked is Kent a good bike brand. However, if you will ask me about Kent bikes, my opinion is mixed. Although it is a good brand, being a professional mountain biker, I felt the need for some improvements in Kent bikes.
So, before giving a verdict, I want to share with you things I liked in the Kent International Bikes and points where I felt these require improvement.
The Pros
Some things on which Kent didn’t compromise.
1. A Brand for Everyone
This is, so far, the best I love about Kent bikes. They offer bikes for all ages and genders. You can find the tiniest baby-to-teen and adult bikes here.
Besides, if you are a big and tall person, you can find bikes for yourself here too. So, as an American, I love the convenience that I can find stuff for my entire family at one shop.
2. Affordability
Kent bikes, despite being one of the oldest and most mature bike brands, offer super affordable two-wheelers in all categories.
You can find Kent mountain bikes at as low as $269.99 price.
They have maintained their name, the super cool prices, and the low maintenance cost in their cycles that make a yes for is Kent a good bike brand.
3. Built to Last
When looking for low-priced stuffed, you have to compromise the lasting feature. However, not here. Kent bikes are so sturdy and robust.
Not only the frame but all kits and gear of your bikes are engineered by professionals using high-quality materials. The maintenance cost for the cycle is low.
4. Kits and Gear
The kits and gears you find in Kent bikes are decent to drive in the comfort of everyone. You can find mountain biking gears like suspensions, mountain bikes with speedy tires, and BMX with pegs.
For someone who is a hobby rider and looking for an excellent bike for occasional use, the gears, and pieces adjusted in Kent cycles, are super decent.
The Cons
Things in which Kent requires improvement:
Not Making Professional Bikes
Well, I loved riding Kent bikes when I was a young boy for occasional riding. The comfort and ease of use these cycles provide are matchless.
Although the brand has tried to build bikes according to market demand, so far, I couldn’t find any model as super and great as suitable for my professional mountain biking or road racing.
Being more than 100 years old, I expect Kent to start producing professional cycles that we can use in races and competitions. As an experienced biker, my other biker friends and I are ready to pay reasonable prices.
Brakes, Suspensions, and Shifting Gears
I know Kent offers bikes for the general public. Still, for brakes, suspensions, and shifting gears, I would prefer a local bike over Kent because these are not as smooth as they should be.
Maybe I am feeling it because I have driven the comfiest professional bikes. But, now more people are into biking, and they expect better from such a mature brand.
To stay in the lead, these gears and kits should be improved. However, this doesn’t mean I won’t recommend it as a good brand.
Kent Bike Reviews: My Verdict
Before giving my recommendations regarding is Kent a good bike brand, I went through numerous Kent Bikes Reviews from other professional mountain bikers. Here is what you need to know:
Kent Bikes Expensive? No!
Not at all! Their prices are quite reasonable and affordable, given the quality of the gears, pieces, and components used in the models. These are super affordable!
Kent Bikes Good for Beginners? Absolutely, Yes!
Kent bikes are offered for those who tend to be professional bikers but yet learning the skills and drifts. These bikes offer some handy kits for beginners so they can learn better.
You get the best learning of maneuvering with Kent bikes!
Kent Bikes to be Bought! Without a Second, though!
Along with being super affordable, using high-quality components, and offering excellent learning opportunities, each model comes with accessories. Making the purchase even cooler!
Kent Bikes for Commuting? Regular!
You can travel to work or expedite longer rides to enjoy riding your bike. Lose weight or go to your work. Kent bikes are super exclusive and versatile for trialing!
Bottom Line
Is Kent a good bike brand? When it comes to regular commuting, general biking, and learning about biking and stunting skills, Kent is an excellent brand. However, I didn’t find any bike from Kent for professional bike riding.
For professional biking suggestions, check out my blog.