Bikes & Gear

Reviews

Bike Features

Workshops

Buyers Guides

Gear Browser

Kenda Small Block Eight DTC SWS 2.1 (09) | $55.75
Change Currency What's this?

Kenda Small Block Eight DTC SWS 2.1in tyre

BikeRadar verdict

45 out of 5 stars

"An outstanding mix of speed, grip and durability makes the SB8 SWS our ultimate summer rubber"

By Guy Kesteven & Steve Worland

It’s a curious looking tyre, but the Small Block Eight has proved itself the ultimate summer trail tread time and time again.

By using so many small knobs with ramped front faces (like a miniature version of the Kenda Nevegal tread), the SB8 rolls really quickly on hard surfaces,and it’s impressively light so acceleration is excellent too.

The unrelenting adhesion of the dual tread compound (DTC) is outstanding. It can occasionally clog in damp conditions or slip off its small shoulder tread in loose terrain, but otherwise you can use it front or rear without any compromise of cornering speed or ferocity – which is just as well considering how fast it charges down the trail.

This 2.1in carcass is as wide as most 2.2inchers so it floats well, and the new SWS (sidewall shield) strip is not only impressively rock- and rip-proof, it’s also reflective for a comedy glitter effect on night rides.

All those knobs form a really good protective layer against pinch flats and thorn punctures and they spread the wear widely: we’ve got two-year-old tyres that look almost new.

The price is below average considering the above-average performance and there are options for all occasions, with most tyres costing around £30.

User Reviews

Post your review

  • User review of Kenda Small Block Eight DTC SWS 2.1 (09)

    These really have to be tried to be believed - I mean it's never going to be as grippy as something like a Nevegal but it really will surprise you - it's probably grippier than something like a Mountain King! Even wet Afan trips, it's always found grip on those slick rocks and you really appreciate it's fast rolling nature. I'm still cautious about running a front one but all my bikes have one on the rear!

    It will drift in the loose stuff but it's really predictable, especially if coupled with something big and chunky upfront. I run 2.1s SMB8s on the rear with 2.35 Blue Grooves on the front - a very wrong looking combo but works really well at Welsh Trail centres all year round and in the summer on more natural stuff.

    0.3
  • User review of Kenda Small Block Eight DTC SWS 2.1 (09)

    I second the above!

    I have them front and back wheels, so can say that the front may want to slide if the surface is loose and gravely, but you can tell when it will, put your weight on the front and let the back wheel slip, all is well, they do grip.

    Also, great if you use the mtb as the commuter as well as for fun in the woods/hills/etc... these tyres run really well on tarmac. Thats why I got them, nice round profile for reliable corners.

    0.3
  • User review of Kenda Small Block Eight DTC SWS 2.1 (09)

    I find these tyres are very good for commuting, the low rolling resistance makes them fast rollers. I use them on a 40 mile commute and I do 30m on road and 10m on fire tracks, woods and some slightly muddy tracks. On the road, on the fire tracks and in the woods these the are quick and grip well. Even in the mud they are not to slippery as long as your going at a good speed.

    My only gripe with them is that they seem to pick up an awful lot of punctures. I used Highrollers for over a year, no punctures at all. I have used these for 2 months and have gone through 2 boxes of of 10 tubes, yes 20 tubes in 2 months (I dont puncture repair ever). Thorns seem to penetrate these tyres with ease.

    0.3

You need to login or register to post comments.


Bad Good    

Specification

Name:
Small Block Eight DTC SWS 2.1 (09)
Built by:
Kenda
Price:
$55.75

Weight (g):
544 g
Rubber Compound:
Dual Tread Compound
Tyre Width Sizes Available:
1.9 In, 2.1 In, 2.35 In

Related links

BikeRadar is not responsible for the content of external websites

Also on BikeRadar