small block 8 v speed king ????

plankatron
plankatron Posts: 12
edited February 2010 in MTB buying advice
chaps,

looking to get some faster rolling rubber than my nevegals. think i've narrowed it down to the kenda small block 8 or the continental speed king.

The speed kings are cheaper but i fear they puncture rather easily.

Any thoughts?

Comments

  • cavegiant
    cavegiant Posts: 1,546
    edited February 2010
    easiest choice in the world, kenda 8 all the way.

    Speed king does not speed you up as you spend most of your time repairing punctures, or in my case the side wall failing.


    A good mod to do on your nev is to remove every other transition knob (on the Nev), it makes it roll faster, grip better in UK conditions (especially sandy trails) and no longer clogs with mud.
    Why would I care about 150g of bike weight, I just ate 400g of cookies while reading this?
  • silveringsurfer
    silveringsurfer Posts: 225
    I use SB8 on the back during all but the muddiest weather and they rock. I'm using the 2.3 size and the grip and rolling speed is great. Having said that I keep a nevegal on the front for better cornering grip on the front. :wink:
    Scott Genius 08, Marin Rock Springs 08, Marin Pine Mountain 89
  • gezzza
    gezzza Posts: 324
    Hmm speedking yes they are fast and light.
    BUT they cant conner for sh*t and dont really have that much grip on any thing.

    RaceKings are a whole different kettle of fish fast grippy and pretty light
  • nonnac85
    nonnac85 Posts: 1,608
    Can't speak for the kings but I had sb8 on my hardrock and they were great. Rolling speed was a big improvement on my previous specialized tyres. I'd definately get some again.
    My Website - Trail Centre info for the UK: MTB Trail Time
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I have Speed King Pros - no probs with punctures, very fast rolling and seem fine cornering in most but the slimiest conditions.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

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  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    Have ridden the SB8s.Nice and fat for their size,very fast,but seemed to be overwhelmed by the local clay when wet.

    Speed Kings have a more open tread pattern so would have to assume would work clear better and be better in deep mud.......
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo
  • Petty Vagrant
    Petty Vagrant Posts: 96
    Small Block 8 - have taken them off for the winter as where I ride is very muddy but once it dries out a bit they'll be back on the bike.
    Trek Top Fuel 9 2010, Stumpy Pro 2009 ,Giant XTC3 2009, Qu-ax Penny Farthing,
    Elswick Hopper Model M delivery Bike 1960

    God Shave The Queen!
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    The Speed Kings are better in mud... Small Blocks are OK in mud for what they are, ie very fast summer tyres, but still not great. But in their proper environment the SBs are pretty amazing.
    Uncompromising extremist

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