I just ordered my second set of Kenda Big Blocks. I got Big Blocks in Minnesota last year and they performed pretty well on gravel and road although as 4evr says they don't last all that long. I was replacing Continental TKC-80 tires that cost much more but don't last any longer. Performance is pretty similar.
Right now I have Heinedau K60 Scout tires. They are hard and long-lasting but the trade-off is low traction on wet rocks or wet pavement. I have not had actual trouble with the K60 Scout, but in rain I'd rather be on a softer tread. I can easily spin the K60 on wet pavement where softer tires stick better. The tread pattern is fine for most of the gravel roads and trails I've used. I think a softer rubber can be the difference between "go" and "no go" for wet rocky trails. At about 6k miles the tread is OK except not enough for an upcoming 2k-mile trip.
I REALLY like the Kenda 761 tire and have had several pair. The reason I don't have them now is that I'm riding with a former-trials-riding neighbor on his DRZ400 and I want a tire that will let me go anywhere that he goes. The gaps/blocks on the K761 are just too smooth to let me go anywhere. While 80/20 may describe my pavement/dirt ratio, the deciding factor is what tread will get me through that 20%.
So my plan is to replace my square rear Scout tire for an upcoming trip to Canadian maritimes, then put on the Big Blocks for putting around for the summer. By 4 or 5 thousand miles I'll need to put on the Heinedau Scout tires to go to the Great Lakes. I ordered 1 Heinedau Scout for the same price as the pair of Kenda Big Blocks.
