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Submitted by
willatx
a Date Reviewed: May 12, 2012
Strengths: Keep them on the dry track. They'll hold up a little on moist track if air pressure is correct and running tubeless.Weaknesses: sidewalls feel thin but no problems yet riding rocky trails around austin.Bottom Line: Quick tire, possible race tire.
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Submitted by
TreeKiller
a Cross Country Rider
from Stokesdale, NCDate Reviewed: January 18, 2012
Strengths: FAAASSTTT - Fastest rolling tire I've ever ridden.Weaknesses: If there is wet mud anywhere near this tire you better be prepared to become a ice skater!Bottom Line: Will most likely be my new summer time rear tire. The jury is still out on it being my choice for a front. However, they are coming OFF the bike until late spring!!!! However, these are hardpack race tires and you cannot fault them too much for sucking in the sticky Carolina red clay.
Favorite Trail: Anything fast or technical
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: Came on bike
Similar Products Used: Specialized Captain's, WTB Weirwolf's & Velociraptors, Dart/Smoke Combo.
Bike Setup: Airborne Goblin
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
jeffbankman
a Cross Country Rider
from northampton, maDate Reviewed: September 29, 2011
Strengths: These tire rock!! Super fast rolling, corner like a champ, rail around the corners and keep you smiling. I just did the Vermont 50 with this tire on the rear and the Maxxis Ignitor on the front. Had no problems and blasted right through the mud which was quite deep at times. Obviously, if you try to stand up while climbing in areas that are wet they will spin on you. I normally ride them front and rear set up tubeless and love them. Just decided to put something with a bit more tred up front knowing that this race was going to be muddy.Weaknesses: None so farBottom Line: If it is not your first time on a bike and have some skills then these tires will do you justice. I have been riding for over 20 years and have dialed in my riding, hence I know when I can stand, where to place my weight and etc. when climbing. Perhaps they will work for riders at all skill levels but I can't say for sure. Like I said before, I ride these front and rear and ride them in most all conditions except mud and sand. (unless I have to) They have been great everywhere I have taken them I hope to get many miles out of them. This tire is perfect for the rear. If you have a 29er, run this tubeless and have some skills then this tire works great on the front as well. I run mine at 28 psi and have never had a problem.
Favorite Trail: Earl's trails
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At: Kenda
Similar Products Used: Nevegal, slant six, maxxis ignitor and many others
Bike Setup: Tall Boy 29er
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Submitted by
rufio
a Weekend Warrior
from woodbridge, vaDate Reviewed: September 14, 2011
Strengths: Fast. Very fast. Be prepared to be using a taller gear than usual because this tire flys. Super low rolling resistance.Weaknesses: I have flatted more times with this tire than any other tire I have ridden on. It has nothing for puncture protection. This could be remedied by going tubeless.Bottom Line: These tires gave my super heavy hardtail the giddy-up it was sorely lacking. As I stated above I have flatted quite a few times with these guys since installation, but the over all speed is so nice that I'll put up with it. I do not have any grip issues with these because I am running a pair of Velocity P-35s. The wide rim gives the tire an awesome boost in volume and a needy contact patch. After these guys are burnt up I'm going to give the Slant-Six a try.
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Similar Products Used: Kenda Karma, Specialized Fast Trak, Specialized Renegade.
Bike Setup: 34 lbs. hardtail brawler.
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Value Rating:
Submitted by
RatchAttack
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario CanadaDate Reviewed: July 28, 2011
Strengths: -Fast rolling
-Good on hardpackWeaknesses: -anything close to loose soil and these tires break outBottom Line: These tires came stock on my Cannondale, they work great on super hardpack, the kind thats almost pavement. Anything remotely loose and they send you all over the place. Not very confidence inspiring. If all you ride is dry hardpack then this is your tire..... if you mountain bike in the real world though then move onto something better. Lots of choices out there.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
The Trooper
a Racer
from Running Springs, CADate Reviewed: November 14, 2010
Strengths: Fast, supple, with suprising grip. Good price, particularly if you shop around.Weaknesses: NoneBottom Line: This tire is exactly what I was looking for (in a rear tire). It's fast, light, and with plenty of grip. Plus, the tire has a large volume. I run about 29 psi (with a tube), and find the tire rails corners while providing a supple ride. Dip below that pressure and the ride becomes a little squishy, particularly on pavement. Kenda hit a home run with the Small Block 8.
Favorite Trail: Rim Nordic
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Similar Products Used: Specialized Renegade
Bike Setup: Specialized carbon Stumpjumper HT. The Captain on the front, Small Block 8 on the rear.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
vack
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnstown, PADate Reviewed: August 4, 2010
Strengths: Surprisingly the Grip in all conditionsWeaknesses: They are not tubeless specific.....I know that's a misnomer these days, but......Bottom Line: I live in Western PA, so with that said, the weather here is pretty unpredicable at times. Trails that you ride one day are hard and smooth with nice logs, rocks, roots. Yet the next day after it rains, it all changes. However, these tires surprised me big time. Maybe it's the 29'er thing or maybe they are just that good. But I have to say, so far I've out gripped some other tires (On friends bikes) on steep loose climbs, over wet or damp rocks and logs, and at Raystown when (Super Hard Pack), they're like slicks on a race coarse. So after a short period of time with these I'm thoroughly impressed. I'm only going 4 Chilis for overall at this point because I haven't had them that long yet, and 5 for value because they came with my ride. A further review will come when I convert to tubeless, and get more mileage on them.
Favorite Trail: Colorodo Trail
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: Came with Bike
Similar Products Used: First 29'er Tire used
Bike Setup: Sette Razzo 29'er, Factory set up, save for my Ergo Grips, and my Crank Bros Pedals
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
q
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna, VADate Reviewed: July 26, 2010
Strengths: Fast rolling. The tire walls are thin and the rubber is super soft. This provides soft cushioney ride and great grip.Weaknesses: Slippery when wet, The tire walls are thin and the rubber is super soft. Although it hasn't happened yet, I can foresee fast wear and possible tearing.Bottom Line: After trying out SB8, I realize what a trash Bontrager XDX was.
SB8 is much lighter, faster, has much more grip on hard pack (which is mostly what I ride), climbs better, Leaps over tall buildings in a single bound... you get the idea.
I never realized how much difference tire selection would make on your overall speed. I was on higher gear throughout my entire ride compared to Bontrager XDX. SB8 is like riding a road bike on trails!
PS: Stay off the wet stuff.
Favorite Trail: Wakefield
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Similar Products Used: Bontrager XDX, 29x2.1
Bike Setup: Gary Fisher Superfly hardtail, SB8(Small Block8) 2.1 (30psi) on front and rear
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
trapperK2
a Cross Country Rider
from WIDate Reviewed: June 15, 2010
Strengths: Fast Rolling - Light - I love how they roll w/29er attributes and in the right conditions they corner very well.Weaknesses: Thin sidewalls - Must run higher pressure to avoid pinch flats (heavier riders) - Poor traction/grip when you really need it.Bottom Line: Nobody will buy these as an all around tire - However, I have done 4 races and a whole lot of technical trails with them. One flat, due to my under inflating ignorance. I have
"grown" with these tires. It has made me a better technical rider - I really pushed these tires early on to see what they could take. Yes, I dumped out a few times in some fast turns but once you know your limits on the pitfalls of this tire - the benefits far outweigh the bad. Hang on tight and crank!
Favorite Trail: Underdown
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: Came w/ike
Similar Products Used: IRC Mythos
Bike Setup: 29er Motobecane Ti
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Value Rating:
Submitted by
teen rider
a Racer
from WashingtonDate Reviewed: June 10, 2010
Strengths: this tire is light and works well in no rain conditions.Weaknesses: No grip in wet condtionons and will slip out from under youBottom Line: i would recomend this to someone that rides in dry and comapct conditions
Favorite Trail: The Exterminator
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: came with bike
Bike Setup: motobecane 29er ppro sl
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
ez5
a Weekend Warrior
from kitchener on canadaDate Reviewed: June 7, 2010
Strengths: low rolling resistance
great traction even in light mud
lightweight
cheap
Weaknesses: kinda small but dont really notice with a rear suspensionBottom Line: these things roll forever, dropped at least 3 gears now i ride middle of my cassette and never need my granny gear.
great traction even in light mud and roots, rolls so fast i have to pay attention and brake where i never had to before. even with a tube these are as light as it gets.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At: pricepoint
Similar Products Used: weirwolf
racing ralph
rampage
exiwolf
klaw
Bike Setup: khs flagstaff w/ am classics
ragley carnegie bar
remote front lockout
ww lt 2.55 front sb8 rear
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Submitted by
preparation_h
a Cross Country Rider
from littleton Co.Date Reviewed: January 26, 2010
Strengths: good rolling tireWeaknesses: running tubeless, I get a sidewall tear about once every 2 weeks.Bottom Line: would not recommend if running tubeless......
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Similar Products Used: rubber tires
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
jeffreyjhsu
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MADate Reviewed: December 2, 2009
Strengths: Very fast tire. Best as a rear tire. Climbs hills really well, especially with low tire pressure. This tire usually weighs in at around 600 grams.Weaknesses: Packs up in the mud, is then very slippery.Bottom Line: I like this tire except when it's muddy. I wonder, is anyone running it tubeless?
This tire is good for racers and people wanting a very fast rear tire which climbs and corners well. It's not good for muddy conditions.
Favorite Trail: Wompatuck State Park
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At: JRA Cycles
Similar Products Used: Specialized El Captain, Stan's Raven
Bike Setup: Use Kenda Nevgal on front of my Pivot 429.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
dru
a Cross Country Rider
from canadaDate Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Strengths: Rolls great. Light. Grips OK on the backWeaknesses: Really sketchy as a front tire unless hardpack. I crashed twice in one night with trails that were barely greasy clay/sand. The front gave me zero warning that it was sliding.Bottom Line: I just got a maxxis ardent for the front. People recommended the SB8 rear/ Ardent front combo. I'm trying it out this weekend!
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At: lbs
Similar Products Used: Hutchison Pythons
Bike Setup: Salsa El Mar. Rigid, IGH
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Flat Ark
a Racer
from RogersDate Reviewed: May 18, 2009
Strengths: Great traction in the dry. Really light and very low rolling resistance.Weaknesses: Can be a pain to set up tubeless. Sidewalls tear easily but if you want light weight that is a risk you have to take. Not good in mud. Not a great front tire on anything other than smooth hard pack.Bottom Line: I really like this tire a lot on the rear. Pretty much useless on the front in loose terrain. Sidewalls do tear easily but they had to take weight out somewhere. Great traction in the dry and very low rolling resistance. Fast tire!
Favorite Trail: Attila the Hun
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At: Mojo Bike Shop
Similar Products Used: Maxxis Crossmark
Bike Setup: 2009 Salsa Mamasita, WB rigid fork, A/C wheels, SB8 rear WTB Weirwolf 2.55 front, Formula brakes. Switch between SS and 1X9 drive train.
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