Kenda Small Block 8 700x32c tyre

Kenda’s Small Block 8 700x32 are a sprightly and durable tyre representing good value for riders of cross bikes and higher end hybrids liking a blend of asphalt and loose, dry singletrack. However, trade-off in terms of mud churning prowess prevents me recommending them as outright competition rubber for mid winter cross meets but this aside, they’re nigh on perfect for three season’s fun.

These fast rolling micro-grip tyres were designed by mtb champion John Tomac and its pedigree shows. Our folding bead means they pack down very small when not needed and save a few grams into the bargain. Given their relatively generous profiles, persuading them aboard common or garden Mavic rims demanded the services of my speed lever thanks largely to the super supple sidewalls. However, this is quickly forgotten once you've got them on and they certainly roll a lot faster than their 85psi maximum suggests, helped no doubt by 120tpi casings.

There’s no Kevlar puncture prevention strip but save for that particularly aggressive flint bearing your name, it resists most sharps remarkably well. Aggressive cornering on asphalt is predictable enough and better than many a worthy cross tyre but still requires slight adjustment if coming from slick road rubber-although this coupled with modest width makes for the right sort of excitement pushed hard through swooping woodland.

Passage over wet wooden bridges and smaller tree roots seems reassuringly sure- footed too, thanks largely to the supple dual tread compound but personally, I’m all for a few millimetres additional comfort. Front and rear specific treads are commonly accepted but it was nice to find unidirectional treads- one less thing to worry about should you flat during a race for instance. Giving change from £40 (pair) they’re remarkably good value to the point they’d be my default option-especially on older steel cross frames with marginally less generous clearances.

Shaun Audane

Verdict

Great generic cross rubber for firm circuits, a good tyre for hybrids too, but limited in the gloop