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Best Mountain Bike Tires
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
No matter how ignorant you are when it comes to tires, you have most likely heard people refer to the tread on their tires. So, you should at least have a basic understanding of why they are on tires. But, what should you look for and are certain tread patterns better than others? It is not as if certain patterns are superior, it just depends on your preference. For example, tires with long and pointy knobs will deliver enhanced grip and traction if that is what you prefer. But, the spacing of the knobs is also important as it too can affect the grip.
Generally speaking, you will see tread patterns fall into basic categories. For starters, you have tread patterns that adapt to low rolling resistance for slicker tires. Then, you have tread patterns that are designed to adapt to all terrains and situations. Also, as mentioned earlier, you have tires with huge lugs that provide maximum grip and aggressive downhill riding. Just remember, the center knobs are going to take the most abuse on tires and the side knobs will mostly be used when you corner.
Durability
Durability is always going to be important but it deserves special recognition when you assess tires. Why? What is the nature of their design? If you answer this question, you will easily be able to answer the previous. Tires are going to take a ton of abuse, so the protection provided to the sidewall and overall durability is paramount. One of the key areas you want to analyze is the carcass on a tire, which is the fabric portion of the tire. Manufacturers, such as Maxxis with their EXO protection, sometimes integrate their own protective technology to add a great amount of tolerance to the unknown nature of the roads you traverse.
On bike trails, you never know what you are going to run into; jagged rocks, small pebbles, glass, etc. If the carcass is not made of high-quality material, or there is not proper casing protection for it and the sidewall, the tires will be more prone to punctures. In turn, this will lead to you repairing your flat tire over and over again. That seems like an unnecessary hassle that you should avoid.
Size
This one is a no-brainer so never forget to consider it. What good is a tire that will not fit on your current mountain bike? The most common sizes for mountain bike tires are 26-inches, 27.5-inches, and 29-inches. Make sure that you are knowledgeable about the current requirements of your bike and as long as you do that, you can pick the correct size. However, just as a side note, if you ever see a bike that is labeled in centimeters, it is probably not a coincidence and it is probably referring to a road bike and not a mountain bike.
But, you also have to pay attention to the width of the tire. This comes into play when you think about the performance of the tires. Generally speaking, tires that are skinnier in width will roll faster and have a lower resistance. On the other hand, wider tires can absorb more impact and probably have durability advantages. In addition to all of this, also note that your bike may not be able to handle a certain width of the tire. If the tire is too wide, it may not allow enough clearance and may not fit on your bike.
Terrain
If there is anything you can learn from mountain bike tires it is that not all are designed to handle the same terrain. Do not expect each tire to handle the same exact conditions because you will be disappointed. You should not ever need to worry about how a mountain bike performs on roads and clean pavement, it is more when they ride on bike trails and wet terrains. Given that these are mountain bike tires, they are designed to withstand more abuse than traditional tires. Still, some are not designed to handle wet and muddy conditions. Be sure that you know what you are buying and if you want to travel in all types of weather, ensure the mountain bike tire is suited for it.
Top Ten Mountain Bike Tires
1. Continental Trail King
Continental integrates their revolutionary Black Chili Compound into this tire. The result is a tire that has improved grip, enhanced durability and a reduction in the rolling resistance. Despite this, the sidewall tends to wear faster than elite tires and this holds it back a bit.
Read moreTread Pattern
Continental produced their unique rubber tread mixture in Germany and it possesses a multitude of small knobs that will virtually guarantee adequate traction on any bike trails.
Durability and Protection
By utilizing an improved compound, the casing is able to better withstand the abuse that tires endure. Also, it is topped off with added rubber at the bead. But, some users have noticed the sidewall wears down quicker than other mountain bike tires.
Width and Size
The basic tire sizes are present for you to select from including 26-inches, 27.5-inches, and 29-inches. Also, you can choose between widths of 2.2-inches and 2.4-inches.
Ideal Riding Conditions
For the most part, the design of the Trail King allows it to hold up to many land types. Because it has a light and agile footprint, in conjunction with its minimal weight, it is able to achieve this.
Tubeless or Tubed
Besides the fact that this is another tubeless-ready design, it is also very easy to set it up.
Overall
With its great combination of the Black Chili Compound, for improved grip and a reduction in rolling resistance, and small knobs for great traction on difficult terrains, this is a suitable tire for anyone who calls themselves a bicyclist.
2. Maxxis Aggressor
This solution is about as good as it gets for dry terrain with its amazing combination of durability, rolling resistance and weight. But, you will want to forego riding these tires in wet or muddy conditions and the tight knob spacing does not properly accommodate it.
Read moreTread Pattern
Due to the advanced knob shaping, you are delivered a terrific amount of grip. Plus, the channel that is located in-between the side knobs and center is not too wide resulting in easier finesse when turning.
Durability and Protection
Again, Maxxis utilizes an EXO casing to prolong the lifespan of the tire and to protect it from jagged rocks on the trails. Past this, the side knobs have been reinforced.
Width and Size
Two sizes are available for you to choose from, either 27.5-inches or 29-inches, but only one width of 2.3-inches.
Ideal Riding Conditions
While this tire can handle all sorts of terrains from heavy riding to simple cross-country courses, it is limited in this respect. Thanks to the tight knob spacing, this is not the best option for riding in wet and muddy conditions.
Tubeless or Tubed
Right from the word go, this is tubeless-ready and can be utilized as such. Thus, you receive the advantages of puncture resistance, speed, and grip.
Overall
Honestly, the only reason to be disinterested in the Aggressor is if you regularly plan to ride in wet conditions. This is truly the only caveat as everything else is nearly perfect and above and beyond what you would expect.
3. Maxxis Minion Front Exo
If you are looking for an aggressive tire that is suitable for nearly any terrain you can think of, then the Minion Front Exo Tire from Maxxis immediately comes to mind. In addition, its EXO protection is a highly flexible fabric that offers great sidewall protection.
Read moreTread Pattern
For increased grip and a low rolling resistance, Maxxis incorporates ramped knobs and channel-cut knobs into the tire. This will also give you straight-line control and precise turning when cornering.
Durability and Protection
To enhance the longevity, the Minion features the 3C Maxx Terra compound and this uses three separate compounds in the outer layer. In addition, the tire has EXO protection that offers superb sidewall protection and prevents cuts and abrasions.
Width and Size
The width and size that are available on Amazon are 2.3-inches and 27.5-inches, respectively.
Ideal Riding Conditions
It really does not matter what terrain you ride this tire on, loose or hard or dry or wet, it holds up well. In fact, this tire is actually designed for loose and muddy conditions.
Tubeless or Tubed
The Minion does have a tubeless set-up and does require the use of a liquid sealant. But, this delivers the benefits of a tubeless tire without sacrificing weight in any way.
Overall
Some users may feel that this tire is overly aggressive and not smooth enough but really, the Minion is utterly fantastic and nearly perfect. Without question, its durability and ridiculous grip should be enough to sell you.
4. Continental GatorSkin DuraSkin Tire
As a starting tire to explore different terrains and to get your feet wet a little, the Continental GatorSkin tires are a great option that doesn't disappoint. With revolutionary technologies like the Vectran Breaker Anti-Puncture technology, these tires are in a league of their own.
Read moreTread Pattern
The tread is moderately spaced throughout the tire which will allow it to cling to the surface and the outside knobs enable it to shred corners with ease.
Durability and Protection
The Continental GatorSkin tires are truly in a league of their own. with the Duraskin polyamide fabric, this ultra-tough material enables it to roll on the harshest, roughest conditions without wearing out. The PolyX Breaker technology also allows the extremely high-density fabric to resist sharp and foreign objects but resist puncture attempts.
Overall
Overall these tires are worth every penny. Between the extreme durability and the option to come in both folding and wire bead versions, you will definitely find a tire that fits your needs at an affordable price.
5. Schwalbe Hans Dampf
While not Schwalbe’s most impressive creation, their Hans Dampf tire is still great in its own right. With all-out grip around corners, a tubeless design and several different sizes available, this is still a worthy tire.
Read moreTread Pattern
Overall, this is a very balanced tread pattern; providing you with a strong flow on single tracks and full control on rough and jagged terrain.
Durability and Protection
The Apex protection integrated on this tire does add stability and puncture resistance over the long haul. But, some reviewers have questioned its durability and claimed it wears faster than other tires.
Width and Size
You do have the option to choose the size, with selections of 26-inches, 27.5-inches, and 29-inches, but the default width is 2.35-inches.
Ideal Riding Conditions
Over a wide variety of terrain, the Hans Dampf tends to hold up sufficiently. But, it is worth noting that when you ride over softer surfaces, this tire tends to dig rather quickly.
Tubeless or Tubed
To keep with the theme, this is indeed tubeless.
Overall
No doubt, there are some legitimate concerns that you must assess with the Hans Dampf. However, do not let those overshadow the fact that this tire still deserves recognition for its impressive tread pattern and tubeless design.
6. Michelin Wildrock'R2
Michelin knows a thing a two about the tire manufacturing business and their WildROCK’R2 could be the best tire they have ever produced. For a long-lasting lifetime, Michelin implements its reinforced technology into this tire that improves casing protection.
Read moreTread Pattern
To create high-pressure areas and improve the overall grip, there are numerous sipes that have been comprised in the tread. Also, the immense lateral blocks create a ridge for great gripping.
Durability and Protection
Michelin implements their genius here and they improve the casing protection by adding an additional layer from bead to bead.
Width and Size
The three most common tire sizes are all available and this includes 26-inches, 27.5-inches, and 29-inches. Each one comes with the option for a 2.35-inch width.
Ideal Riding Conditions
No matter the terrain you plan on riding on, rocky, dirt, sand, and even wet, this tire perform admirably in all of them. Heck, even in trails that are covered with wet leaves, they still hold up well.
Tubeless or Tubed
Much like all the other elite mountain bike tires, these are tubeless-ready and offering all the advantages that have been previously mentioned in other tires.
Overall
At this point, you are probably wondering how this is not number one on this list. Everything is practically flawless but, and you knew this was coming, they are quite a heavy tire. Perhaps, too large in mass for some riders.
7. Schwalbe Racing Ralph
So many of these mountain bike tires are eerily close in quality and such is the case for the Racing Ralph Tire. Despite the fact the sealant you apply oozes out everywhere and that they may not be suitable for all terrains, the tire rolls smooth and the SnakeSkin reduces flats.
Read moreTread Pattern
As the name of the tire implies, Racing Ralph, this is a great tire for speed. Thus, the tread is very low in-depth and is able to accommodate speed with a low weight.
Durability and Protection
Once again, Schwalbe utilizes its SnakeSkin casing to provide enhanced durability. This provides you with a tire that has exceptionally strong sidewalls and an overall high-tolerance to punctures.
Width and Size
Variety is the spice of life and you are provided with three different sizes and widths. The sizes range from 26-inches, 27.5-inches, and 29-inches. Meanwhile, widths are available from 2.1-inches, 2.25-inches, and 2.35-inches.
Ideal Riding Conditions
The tread pattern, while adapting for high speeds, is also responsible for the limited amount of terrain that this tire is suitable for. Granted the trails you are riding on are halfway decent, in terms of its condition, you should be fine.
Tubeless or Tubed
Indeed, the Racing Ralph is another tire in the near-infinite line of tires that incorporate a tubeless design.
Overall
While not the best for people who enjoy riding on rough and rugged terrain, it certainly adapts for those looking for a high-quality build with exceptional speed.
8. Schwalbe Rock Razor
While the Rock Razor tire is a little bit limited in terms of the terrain you can ride on, it is tubeless-ready given it all the advantages that this possess. This includes clear enhancements in puncture resistance, comfort, and grip.
Read moreTread Pattern
The combination of the fast and flat studs with the sturdy lugs is enough to provide you with excellent cornering grip and traction overall.
Durability and Protection
Schwalbe adds its own unique protection technology: SnakeSkin fabric. Not only does this only add around 40 grams in weight but it is practical for protecting the tire from sharp rocks and potential abrasions.
Width and Size
The choice is yours from either a 26-inch tire or a 27.5-inch tire. However, the width remains 2.35-inches for both variations.
Ideal Riding Conditions
Against rugged and jagged terrain, the Rock Razor does hold up fairly well. However, if you plan on riding on this type of terrain regularly then you may want to look elsewhere as it may not have enough bite for you.
Tubeless or Tubed
To offer enhancements in grip, speed, comfort, and durability, this tire is tubeless-ready and ready to go.
Overall
Due to the lack of bite, this is limited in the type of terrain it is suitable for. With that being said, the SnakeSkin protection enables the Rock Razor to hold up to sharp rocks or any object that can potentially penetrate the tire.
9. Michelin Wild Race'R
Being a part of the Fast Terrain line-up of tires, you can bet that the Wild Racer is ready for speed and racing. However, it can also survive in wet conditions and the tire may get covered in gunk, but it still delivers enough grip to brake and turns normally.
Read moreTread Pattern
There is only a minimal amount of tread in the center of the tire. What this means for you is when you reach a tight corner, the tread and tire will stick fast to the ground and you will need to properly adapt to it.
Durability and Protection
If you veer off the intended path and encounter some rough and rugged terrain, this tire should provide ample protection. With a reinforced edge to edge layer of the material, it will do a superb job of shrugging off impacts and rocks.
Width and Size
This is a 29-inch tire but for the first time on this list, you can choose from two different widths. Either select 2.1-inches or 2.25-inches in width.
Ideal Riding Conditions
Of all the design features, this may be where the Wild Race’r shines the brightest. It performs well on rugged terrain with roots and rocks or even in areas where it rained the night before. Even though it may be soaked in mud, it still provides the grip and traction you need.
Tubeless or Tubed
If you are starting to get the gist of things, the best tires are tubeless. Michelin follows in the footsteps of all the other high-quality mountain bike tires and provides a tubeless-ready set-up.
Overall
Just like their previous tire that made its way on this list, the Wild Race’r is a heavy tire and may be too immense for some. Despite this, the quality and workmanship can’t be denied and everyone can appreciate this.
10. Maxxis Mammoth
If you can live with the fact that the Mammoth requires a healthy dose of self-steering on your part, you can enjoy the tire for what it is. And that is an extremely puncture-resistant tire that is feasible to use in nearly all conditions (even light snowfall).
Read moreTread Pattern
To meet the requirements of a fat bike, the tread pattern has been modified and widened from that of the Maxxis Ardent. In addition, the low-center tread will minimize the rolling resistance.
Durability and Protection
With Maxxis tires, you are almost guaranteed a tire that is built-to-last. Of course, this is thanks to the EXO protection carcass that will prolong the shelf life of the tire itself.
Width and Size
The Mammoth is a 26-inch tire and its 4-inch width easily classifies it as a fat bike tire.
Ideal Riding Conditions
Because of the relatively open tread pattern, when you encounter wet terrain the grip will not be compromised too much. As such, this tire is feasible for use in all four seasons and even during a moderate snowfall (not heavy snow).
Tubeless or Tubed
Now, this is not a tubeless-ready tire. However, that does not mean it can’t be used as a tubeless tire. Just know, it will not be so upon arrival.
Overall
Unlike the other tires on this list, the Mammoth is quite different as it has a 4-inch width (which is nearly double most of the others). While this requires a lot of self-steering on your part, it is a brilliant all-year tire.
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