Greatest mountain bike tyres: reviewed and rated

Selecting the very finest mountain bike tyres is a minefield. A minefield of widths, tread patterns, carcass constructions and rubber compounds. However we’ve sifted by the quite a few fashions in the marketplace to provide you with the definitive checklist of beneficial rubber. We’ve targeting path and enduro tyres, since they cowl the preferred types of using and assist you exploit the potential of a contemporary mountain bike on fashionable trails.

---

Greatest rear tyre for combined situations, but in addition nice up entrance

Weight: 1,010g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.4in | Precise dimension: 60.4mm | Ranking: 10/10

Causes to purchase: Glorious grip with out extra drag. It really works rather well on the entrance too!

Causes to keep away from: A number of variations will be complicated (get 3C MaxxTerra for rear tyre). Barely undersized in comparison with different beefier manufacturers

With its blocky tread slabs and pronounced shoulder channel, the Minion is a mountain bike traditional and common winner of our group check. The brand new EXO casing mannequin ought to assist forestall the form of small cuts and nicks we’ve suffered in EXO tyres in rocky areas (usually on the tread or tyre crown SilkShield now extends to) and the know-how provides lower than 100g, dependant on tyre dimension. The DHR II already delivered class-leading grip and a super-planted cornering sensation. This new EXO+ mannequin doesn’t really feel any much less snug or safe, making it a very good compromise for a minimal weight penalty. This strengthened mannequin isn’t a full-on Alpine-ready tyre, however will seemingly grow to be the brand new go-to UK selection for a lot of, particularly for those who’re using takes in something sharper than pure grime and loam the place you’ll profit from the additional safety.

Learn our full check evaluation of Maxxis Minion DHR II tyre

---

Greatest aggressive entrance tyre

Weight: 840g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.5in | Precise dimension: 62.6mm | Ranking: 10/10

Causes to purchase: The tyre that began all of it. A great deal of variations – so you could find the one finest suited.

Causes to keep away from: A great deal of variations – will be complicated to decide on finest one. You don’t have any excuses with this tyre!

With a 3C Maxx Terra Minion DHF slapped on the entrance wheel, steady predictable grip is nearly by no means ending proper as much as correctly moist situations. Maxxis’ sticky rubber feels reliable to lean, even on rocks and roots, however its put on life and sturdiness isn’t class main. The tyres do scrub off out at a gentle, uniform charge although, relatively than falling to items. The traditional ‘L’ formed lugs and lengthy rectangular, ramped centre knobs stay, however the tread sample is pumped as much as swimsuit the larger casing. The Minion has at all times been a quick favorite in unfastened and dry terrain, however within the moist, doesn’t fairly chunk as exhausting as extra splayed out treads in softer grime. With elevated air quantity, the two.5in will be run just a few psi decrease, upping consolation and conformity, and laying down extra rubber, so grip ranges have actually ramped up.

Learn our full check evaluation of Maxxis Minion DHF tyre

---

Greatest entrance tyre for combined situations

Weight: 928g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.35in | Precise dimension: 60mm | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Pure traction and predictability. Lasts longer than most softer compound tyre.

Causes to keep away from: A great deal of variations – search for Orange stripe. Barely undersized, so dimension up if you’d like huge quantity.

The two.35in Magic Mary blows up bang on dimension, with a really aggressive tread rocking pumped-up, strengthened edge blocks. The brand new 2.6in variations we’ve additionally tried are extra spaced out and seem like a tractor tyre. These are a little bit of a grip monster, particularly in winter within the Extremely Tender Purple model, however the very open tread blocks bobble extra and are much less assured and drifty on hardpack. The brand new Addix compound feels assured within the steeps on moist or dry rocks and roots, even when some testers reckoned there’s a slight sense it’s a tad springier and fewer glued to the bottom than the older Trailstar rubber. It’s a little bit of a toss up with the Maxxis Minions and Excessive Rollers for the crown of finest aggressive, combined situations performer. There’s a robust argument for both model, so it in the end comes down to non-public choice.

Learn our full check evaluation of the Schwalbe Magic Mary tyre

---

Conti again at its finest

Weight: 1,080g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.4in | Precise dimension: N/A | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Grip is great. Stiff casing helps you to run decrease pressures. First rate rolling velocity.

Causes to keep away from: Not obtainable in a lighter casing – but.

This Kryptotal is the principle do-it-all, combined situations tyre, and the one certainly one of Continental’s new vary of tyres that is available in end-specific fashions. The rear right here has fats ramped central lugs and is optimised for higher braking, and a entrance possibility with squarer central knobs ought to have a extra sure-footed really feel that lays down barely extra rubber. If you’d like the oddly-named Kryptotal within the stickiest rubber, you’ll presently must go together with the complete DH casing, so enduro riders craving most grip, however not max weight on the entrance should wait some time longer for the proper model. There’s a peaceful and planted journey the place the tyre traces and dulls edges rather well and rubs out small vibrations and chatter means higher than earlier Contis. Contemplating the damped really feel and critical tread, rolling velocity is ok too.

Learn our full check evaluation of Continental Kryptotal Enduro R Tender tyre

---

Greatest worth rear tyre

Weight: 955g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.3in | Sizes: 27.5/29in x 2.3/2.6in | Precise dimension: N/A | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Glorious worth. Quick rolling. Works nice as a rear tyre.

Causes to keep away from: Not the very best braking traction or cornering grip.

This Specialised Eliminator is actually half the worth of another manufacturers top-level fashions. Sure, it does value more cash within the more durable, twin ply Gravity casings or squidgier T9 rubber mix, however Spesh’s glorious value by no means exceeds £50 in any model. That wouldn’t imply a lot except it delivered, however this has an ideal inflated form, a lot more durable and extra supportive casing than beforehand and a wise tread sample that’s glorious on the again finish. The Eliminator works effectively as a entrance or rear path tyre however for e-bikes and enduro bikes we’d limit it to rear use and have a look at operating the extra aggressive Butcher up entrance. General, the Eliminator reminds us a number of a Maxxis Dissector, however with much less of a extreme on/off really feel to the cornering grip when leant over, which is able to arguably swimsuit extra riders.

Learn our full check evaluation of Specialised Eliminator Grid T7 tyre

---

Greatest entrance tyre for mud

Weight: 1,280g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.5in | Precise dimension: N/A | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Nice in something not-firm, whether or not mud or mud. Far more versatile than an all-out mud spike.

Causes to keep away from: A bit on the hefty facet. Tremendous slick roots and rocks require softer compound.

As a dry tyre the WTB Verdict is usable, if removed from optimum, with slight understeer compounded by hefty weight and gradual rolling. However as summer time turns to winter, the WTB Verdict actually comes into its personal. Sure, it’s draggy, however nothing feels quick on flat transitions when it’s this muddy, and if you do get to a descent, the grip it generates is pure black magic. Downsides? Effectively, except for the aforementioned further weight and drag, the rubber appears to ping off roots and rocks and may get fairly energetic if there’s no grime to sink its enamel into. Definitely it feels just like the blocks have a sooner rebound than Maxxis 3C Maxx Terra. Aside from that, we are able to safely say the Verdict is even happier than a pig in sh*t.

Learn our full check evaluation of WTB Verdict tyre

---

Greatest aggressive entrance tyre for dry situations

Weight: 1,330g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.5in | Precise dimension: N/A | Ranking: 10/10

Causes to purchase: The brand new Minion DHF? Notably good at exhausting cornering.

Causes to keep away from: Hefty. Might be draggy for those who get a softer compound model.

The Assegai is, if push involves shove, our present favorite entrance tyre, particularly in 3C Maxx Terra, EXO+ model examined right here that makes use of a strengthened, single-ply, building, and barely more durable rubber compound. The Assegai fills in some blanks on its grip channel with further toothy knobs, so there’s much less lifeless area than most Maxxis patterns. All over the place non-muddy – whether or not unfastened soil or hardpack, mud or grease – traction is class-leading. Jutting out at sharp angles, the tall edge blocks are very aggressive, and closely siped just like the central tread. They dig in and don’t let go, and there’s an especially constant really feel all the way in which onto the facet knobs, which implies grip is very easy to guage, to the extent we’re struggling to think about a single event in a whole bunch of rides the place the tyre has allow us to down unexpectedly.

Learn our full check evaluation of Maxxis Assegai tyre

---

Quickest rear tyre for dry situations

Weight: 920g | Dimension examined: 27.5 x 2.6in | Precise dimension: 65.5mm | Ranking: 9/10

Causes to purchase: Quick curler however not sketchy any extra. Pairs brilliantly with Schwalbe Magic Mary up entrance.

Causes to keep away from: Might be exhausting to seek out your Goldilocks casing. Can get away when issues get dusty dry.

One huge advantage of Schwalbe’s newest Addix rubber formulation is speedy rolling velocity and an lively, zingy, sensation, so that you don’t ever really feel such as you’re dragging your bike round all day with the brakes on. Addix blends at the moment are so sturdy, the truth is, that they last more than most different rival equivalents. One other bonus of the brand new edge blocks being chunkier, and donning outer reinforcing struts – just like the Magic Mary – is being significantly better at resisting squirm and folding. So the Hans feels extra steady underneath load at excessive lean angles. This implies it’s now not vulnerable to sudden grip loss with small edge blocks buckling, however nonetheless doesn’t fairly pack the punch of flatter-topped tyres when slicing into unfastened turns or holding moist cambers. And with a really rounded profile, it shows a extra constant grip, than transitioning from slip to grip.

Learn our full check evaluation of Schwalbe Hans Dampf II tyre

---

Greatest worth all-rounder

Weight: 1,040g | Dimension examined: 29 x 2.4in (additionally obtainable in 27.5 x 2.5in) | Precise dimension: N/A | Ranking: 10/10

Causes to purchase: Glorious sticky compound, nice grip, spectacular damping

Causes to keep away from: Er, do we now have to place one thing right here? It’s mainly faultless.

We’ve examined this E*13 gravity tyre twice now and it’s blown us away with its efficiency on each events. The Grappler is out there in two casing and compound choices, together with a thick twin ply model designed for DH and enduro racing on the toughest tracks on this planet. On alpine trails, even in moist situations, the grip and conformity from the additional sticky MoPo mix is superb. The tyre squelches in opposition to the bottom with an excellent calm and composed journey that tracks each bump and dulls vibrations and chatter. Plus the rubber has very good friction so it sticks to any and each floor from greasy grime to roots and rocks.

Learn our full check evaluation of the E*13 Grappler Enduro MoPo tyre

---

How we examined the very best mountain bike tyres:

For back-to-back testing, all tyres had been arrange tubeless on fashionable, wider rims and hammered exhausting at numerous spots, each within the UK and overseas. The identical bike was used for comparability laps on the identical hill, giving direct closing evaluation between manufacturers. Air pressures had been set dependant on casing thickness and suppleness for optimum journey really feel for every model and tyre – principally round 28psi rear, and 25psi entrance. Because of latest scorching spell of climate, we had been within the uncommon place of not using one of many latest tyres within the moist, however rain on the earlier than our check completion meant we had been capable of perform some eleventh hour moist climate testing too.

What do I must search for in the very best mountain bike tyres?

Tyres are a significant piece of package that join your bike to the paths. They management all the things from cornering grip to braking traction, and rolling velocity to cushioning and luxury. These a number of elements can completely remodel your journey expertise, and may actively hold you safer on a wide range of trails and assist forestall crashes..

Fashionable tyres are frequently bettering, so compound blends, tread patterns, and building applied sciences are higher than ever, permitting more durable using with much less downtime. In reality, for those who arrange the fitting tyre tubeless, and also you’re ready to compromise just a little on weight, it will possibly ship big ranges of grip and nearly eradicate cuts or punctures.

How a lot distinction does the rubber compound make?

Rubber hardness is measured by a durometer on the shore scale. Larger numbers signify firmer compounds: 60a is more durable and longer lasting than 50a rubber. The key components and rubber chemistry tyre manufacturers use are one thing of a thriller and may make an enormous distinction to grip, rebound damping and rolling velocity. So the reply is that rubber compounds make a major distinction, and it’s worthwhile to resolve whether or not you’re prioritising final grip (in moist or dry) or low rolling resistance, together with different elements corresponding to weight, casing stiffness and width.

What do variations in tyre tread sample make to efficiency?

Broadly-spaced treads chunk higher in looser surfaces and clear mud extra successfully, however may enhance rolling resistance. Sipes and cuts assist braking and the way in which the tyre deforms to obstacles. A extra pronounced channel between shoulder and centre knobs can ship higher off-camber chunk and a sensation of ‘railing’ turns, however some riders desire a extra steady, rounded really feel than the on/off grip generated by such a tread hole.

What air strain ought to I run in my tyres?

Completely different tyres require particular air pressures. A tough rule of thumb is: the thicker the casing, the decrease the air strain you will get away with. Equally, the larger the tyre quantity, the decrease the strain you’ll be able to run, and vice versa. For max consolation and grip, goal for the minimal strain that retains the casing from twisting an excessive amount of and nonetheless prevents rim strikes underneath impacts. Experiment with decrease pressures for those who usually run over 30psi.

What about casing building?

Casing thickness and exact ply lay-up has a huge impact on journey high quality and impacts conformity, rolling velocity and sturdiness. More durable charging riders may need to just accept the additional weight of meatier casings to stop punctures and cease sidewalls folding underneath cornering forces. Heavier tyres speed up extra slower, however really feel extra planted and steady as soon as momentum takes maintain. Tubeless is at all times the way in which to go – interior tubes really feel lifeless and lifeless, and trigger extra points in our expertise.

Ought to I select a wider or narrower width tyre?

Utilizing wider tyres up entrance for further grip and luxury makes good sense. Arms get extra cushioning and luxury, and, like skis, narrower rears might help provoke sooner turning. Tyre width is straight relative to air quantity, and bigger volumes present extra isolation, damping and management, up to some extent. Wider tyres add weight for climbing and acceleration, however rolling velocity between completely different widths must be so shut off-road, it’s not such a difficulty.

What sort of weight are fashionable MTB path tyres?

Wider, extra aggressive tyres want numerous help to maintain tread blocks steady and use extra casing materials and rubber, which all provides weight. Larger, heavier tyres can stabilise the bike by being more durable to deflect at velocity and bigger air volumes provide extra isolation from the bottom too – particularly helpful to clean out rougher terrain on shorter journey rigs. Now, something underneath 1,000g is taken into account comparatively gentle, whereas over 1,200g is heavy for enduro/path use.

Are entrance particular mountain bike tyres value contemplating?

Utilizing wider tyres up entrance for further grip and luxury makes a number of sense. Arms get further cushioning, and barely narrower rear tyres may assist provoke sooner turning. Tyre width is straight relative to air quantity, although, and a bigger air quantity supplies extra isolation, damping and management.

Are rear particular mountain bike tyres value contemplating?

With a sooner rolling, decrease profile centre strip and pronounced edge blocks for leant-over grip, semi-slick tyres generally is a nice UK possibility. That is why we’ve largely resigned full-on XC tyres to historical past for path using. The additional bonus of the slip-to-grip angle of semi slicks makes them an actual hoot in greasier situations.