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Continental has massively restructured its mountain bike portfolio in recent years. While the Cryptotal forms the centrepiece of the Gravity series (Enduro/Downhill), the Magnotal introduced in 2025 as a link between cross-country and trail use.
Continental Crypto Valley
The Cryptotal is the "specialist for mixed terrain". It is characterised by a clear tread pattern that has been optimised for maximum braking and cornering traction on firm to loose surfaces. It is the only tyre in the range that is available in specific versions for the Front (Fr) and Rear wheel (Re) is available.
- Field of application: Trail, enduro and downhill.
- Alignment: A versatile all-rounder for technically demanding descents and changeable conditions (dry to slightly wet).
- Carcasses:
- Trail (easy)
- Enduro (robust with Apex)
- Downhill (maximum protection, 6 layers)
- Mixtures:
- Endurance: Focus on mileage and rolling resistance (mostly with trail casing).
- Soft: Balance of grip and durability (ideal for Enduro front/rear).
- SuperSoft: Maximum sticky grip (primarily for downhill or extreme enduro use on the front wheel).
Continental Magnotal
The Magnotal was introduced in 2025 as a modern successor to classics such as the Mountain King or Trail King. It closes the gap between the XC series and the heavy Gravity range. Its tread is more open and chunkier than that of XC tyres in order to withstand muddy forest ground and technical alpine terrain.
- Field of application: Trail, all-mountain and aggressive down-country.
- Alignment: An agile tyre for riders who are looking for more grip than an XC but don't want to carry the heavy weight of a thoroughbred enduro tyre. It is equally suitable as a front and rear tyre.
- Carcasses: So far primarily with the Trail carcass (single-layer, weight-optimised, but robust enough for rocky trails).
- Mixtures:
- Grip Compound: A new compound for high mileage and good cushioning for all-round use.
- Soft Compound: For downhill-orientated trail bikers looking for additional safety on the front wheel.
Continental Kryptotal Fr/Magnotal - Facts & Prices
| Continental Kryptotal FR | Continental Magnotal | |
| Price | 69,95 Euro >> available here | 68,95 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Soft / 180 | Soft / n. A. |
| Carcass / size | Trail / 29 x 2.4 | Trail / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1061 g / 32.5 watts | 858 g / 24.6 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 60.8 / 59.4 mm | 58.3 / 56.6 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 320 mm / 125; 591; 393 N | 250 mm / 143; 689; 508 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,47 | 2,47 |
Conclusion: Continental Kryptotal Fr/Magnotal
With a combined weight of 1919 grams, Conti's trail combination ranks in the midfield and, with the Magnotal, is the lightest rear tyre. Both the front and rear tyres come with a soft rubber compound and trail casing. If you want even more speed, you can also order the Magnotal in the faster Grip compound, which reduces rolling resistance by an impressive 6.7 watts (BIKE measured value). While the Kryptotal with its grippy Enduro tread on the front wheel provides a very high level of grip and exemplary control, the Magnotal with its much finer tread falls significantly short. The low lug height and narrow lug spacing already reveal major differences visually. Although the rubber compound offers the best wet grip, it quickly reaches its limits on loose soils and slopes due to the low lugs and moderate self-cleaning properties. Smooth rolling behaviour and puncture protection, but little puncture resistance at the rear.
Stefan Frey
Editor
