Kenda’s New Dagger XC Race-Day Speed, Trail Control & Comes In 32″

Kenda has unveiled its new Dagger XC tire, showcased recently at the Sea Otter Classic. Billed as a race-day option balancing speed and trail control, the Dagger notably introduces a 32-inch diameter alongside more conventional sizes. This launch signifies Kenda's renewed focus on the competitive cross-country market, aiming to equip modern XC bikes with a tire designed for increasingly technical courses.

This release arrives as the XC racing landscape continues its evolution, demanding tires that can handle both outright speed on climbs and reliable grip on challenging descents. The inclusion of a 32-inch option, while niche, reflects an industry trend towards larger wheel diameters and tire volumes for enhanced stability and rollover. Kenda, a long-standing player, is clearly positioning the Dagger to compete with established offerings from Maxxis, Schwalbe, and Pirelli in a highly competitive segment.

Another new tire, another claim of optimal speed and control. One hopes the Dagger lives up to its name, rather than merely adding another option to an already crowded field of "fast" XC rubber.