MTB Tire Comparison:
Kenda Small Block Eight 2015 vs
Maxxis Ikon eXCeption Silkworm 2014 vs
Schwalbe Racing Ralph TL-E PaceStar 2015




Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specifications
Brand KendaMaxxisSchwalbe
Model Small Block EightIkon eXCeption SilkwormRacing Ralph TL-E PaceStar
Year 201520142015
Supplied By Bought in storeBought in storeBought in store
Full Review Full ReviewFull ReviewFull Review
New or Used NewNewNew
Mileage 0 km0 km0 km
Price Range HighHighHigh
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Manufacturer Part Number K1047 212509TB9675340011600251.02
EAN
TPI 12012067
Compound DTCExceptionPaceStar
Bead FoldingFoldingFolding
ETRTO 54-62257-62257-622
Size Inch 29"29"29"
Width Inch 2.102.202.25
Specified Weight 580 grams560 grams605 grams
Min Air Pressure 35 psi psi26 psi
Max Air Pressure 80 psi65 psi54 psi
Made In Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Available Sizes 29x2.1029x2.20
26x2.20
29x2.35
29x2.25
29x2.10
27.5x2.25
27.5x2.10
26x2.25
Image 1
Kenda Small Block Eight 2015
Maxxis Ikon eXCeption Silkworm 2014
Schwalbe Racing Ralph TL-E PaceStar 2015
Image 2
Kenda Small Block Eight 2015
Maxxis Ikon eXCeption Silkworm 2014
Schwalbe Racing Ralph TL-E PaceStar 2015
Image 3
Kenda Small Block Eight 2015
Maxxis Ikon eXCeption Silkworm 2014
Schwalbe Racing Ralph TL-E PaceStar 2015
Image 4 Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Available

Size and Weight Measurements


Size and Weight Measurements
Model Small Block EightIkon eXCeption SilkwormRacing Ralph TL-E PaceStar
Specified Weight 580 grams560 grams605 grams
Measured Weight 589 grams583 grams602 grams
Measured Width Carcass 50 mm (un-round)52 mm (un-round)54 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread 50 mm51 mm55 mm
Measured Height 50 mm (un-round)53 mm (un-round)52 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center 2.5 mm2.5 mm2.5 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 4.0 mm3.8 mm4.0 mm
Measured Casing Thickness Center 1.40 mmNo DataNo Data
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall Members OnlyNo DataNo Data
All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 35 psi / 2.4 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results


Rolling Resistance Test Results
Model Small Block EightIkon eXCeption SilkwormRacing Ralph TL-E PaceStar
Spin Up Video No VideoNo VideoNo Video
Inner Tube Conti MTB 29 (225 gr butyl)Conti MTB 29 (225 gr butyl)None (40 ml sealant)
Rolling Resistance
55 PSI / 3.8 Bar
Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Rolling Resistance
45 PSI / 3.1 Bar
Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Rolling Resistance
35 PSI / 2.4 Bar
30.2 Watts
CRR: 0.00905
33.5 Watts
CRR: 0.01004
17.3 Watts
CRR: 0.00519
Rolling Resistance
25 PSI / 1.7 Bar
35.6 Watts
CRR: 0.01067
38.2 Watts
CRR: 0.01145
19.5 Watts
CRR: 0.00585
All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs.

Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results


Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Model Small Block EightIkon eXCeption SilkwormRacing Ralph TL-E PaceStar
Total Puncture Score Tread 23 PointsNo DataNo Data
Total Puncture Score Sidewall Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness 1.4 mmNo DataNo Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only

Static Grip Test Results


Static Grip Test Results (higher is better)
Model Small Block EightIkon eXCeption SilkwormRacing Ralph TL-E PaceStar
Wet Grip Average No DataNo DataNo Data
Wet Grip Center Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Wet Grip Edge Members OnlyMembers OnlyMembers Only
Measured Knob Height Center 2.5 mm2.5 mm2.5 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 4.0 mm3.8 mm4.0 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100
MTB grip test rim width = 30.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion


Conclusion
Model Small Block EightIkon eXCeption SilkwormRacing Ralph TL-E PaceStar
Full Review Full ReviewFull ReviewFull Review
Verdict Not RecommendedNot RecommendedHighly Recommended
Rating 2.0 / 51.0 / 55.0 / 5
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  • Kenda Small Block Eight *
* Grip test data not available
Performance compared to all other MTB tires
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)

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