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A trickle of water now flows along the steep trail and washes around the polished root nests, which cling to the ground like the tentacles of an octopus. The forecast for the next few hours also promises steady rain, albeit in good doses. Not very inviting, but all the better for our enduro tyre test. After all, the thermometer shows a cosy twelve degrees when we set up our three test eMTBs identically.
To find out which manufacturer makes the best enduro tyres or the best combination of tyres, three experienced testers took us to the Oberammergau bike park. A total of ten different tyre models from Continental, Kenda, Maxxis, Pirelli, Schwalbe and Specialized were tested. We also enquired about Michelin, but the manufacturer was unable to deliver. In addition to well-known models, there are also completely new developments at the start.
We tested these enduro tyres:
New enduro tyres from Maxxis, Kenda and Pirelli
The new Maxxis Highroller III, the Dissector II, the Kenda Double Black and the Pirelli Scorpion EN M are in a comparison test for the first time. However, well-known tyres such as the Continental Kryptotal have also been updated. For example, the Super Soft downhill rubber compound was previously not available in combination with the lighter enduro carcass. With Magic Mary and Albert, Schwalbe also relies on familiar profiles, but with the radial casing that is not visible from the outside, which has also not yet made it into our comparison test.
Robust enduro carcass and tough prices
With the exception of Specialized, all manufacturers sent tyres in the 1200 gram class to our test. They are foldable and lie below the even more stable downhill tyres. The majority of the field weighs between 1134 and 1307 grams. The wide Pirelli scatters upwards with a massive 1381 grams, while the Specialized combination with trail casing weighs only 1009 and 1071 grams, but also offers little puncture protection. In terms of price, the test field ranges between 77 and 90 euros per tyre, while Specialized is a positive exception with only 59 euros per tyre.
Mixed tyres and rubber compound
The front and rear wheels have to master different tasks. As an MTB is exclusively rear-wheel drive, traction is primarily required at the rear for travelling up and downhill - in other words: accelerating and braking. Most manufacturers therefore rely on wide rows of studs in the centre of the tread. Traction is also required at the front wheel for braking, but in particular also guidance quality for steering impulses. Treads with higher outer lugs and wider lug spacing are often used to ensure control and self-cleaning even on deep ground. Continental, Maxxis, Schwalbe and Specialized use different profiles for these two requirements. Kenda and Pirelli fulfil the job with a uniform profile and the same rubber compound for front and rear. To minimise wear and rolling resistance on the more heavily loaded rear wheel, Conti, Schwalbe and Specialized use a harder rubber compound on the rear wheel. This saves up to 17 watts and generally leads to significantly less wear compared to the softer front wheel.
Generalist or specialist
Preferences and the bike are decisive factors in the search for the best enduro tyre for you. E-bikers who want maximum traction and are willing to put up with higher wear can also opt for a softer tyre at the rear. Those who pedal themselves, on the other hand, are usually better off with the faster and more durable rubber compound on the rear wheel, while a tyre with better grip on the front won't leave you out in the rain even in moderate conditions.
What the BIKE testers say
The Schwalbe combination has completely convinced me. With no other tyre can you ride as thoughtlessly as with the radial models. Good-naturedness and safety feel are extremely high. The Schwalbe tyres also perform best on uphills. Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Weight is of secondary importance on the E-Enduro, where I would go for the fat Pirellis. The soft rubber compound in combination with the stable, puncture-proof carcass results in a controllable riding experience at all times, even at the limit. Max Fuchs, BIKE editor
If you ride your enduro bike without a climbing aid and prefer to pedal yourself, you should look for a good compromise between rolling and grip. The Conti Kryptotal is one of the best at achieving this balancing act. The lightweight Specialized combination is also interesting here, but with limitations in terms of puncture protection. Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
How Bike tests - the test details
In the practical test, all tyres were ridden with a uniform 1.3 bar at the front and 1.5 bar at the rear. With up to 20 watts per tyre, the rolling resistances vary widely. In order for the tyres to provide the best traction on roots, rocks and mud, the direction of travel and correct fit are important.
With a total of ten different tyres, we went to the laboratory of tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle, where we measured values for the Puncture protection, rolling resistance and weight determined. The practical test took place in the Oberammergau Bike Park on various routes.
The test in the laboratory
How well do the tyres roll and how good is the puncture protection? We used Schwalbe's test laboratory to clarify these questions. The fast Specialized Eliminator rear tyre and the Maxxis Highroller are separated by over 21 watts at a speed of 20 km/h, 50 kg load and 1.7 bar tyre pressure. There are also clear differences in terms of snakebite protection. While the lightweight Specialized Butcher deflates at a drop height of 310 millimetres, the thick Pirelli Scorpion can withstand a 70 percent higher impact before failing. We test how sensitive the tyres are to foreign objects such as thorns or sharp stones with a triple puncture test. A round spike with a diameter of 1.5 millimetres and a five-millimetre blade are pierced through the tread. The test is also carried out on the side wall with the blade. There are differences of up to 70 per cent in the penetration.
The practical test in Oberammergau
We organised three identical Canyon Neuon:On AL 8 tyres so that we could ride them directly against each other. The test took place in the Oberammergau bike park in rainy weather and with an outside temperature of twelve degrees. We were able to perfectly compare the tyres with three test riders on small laps and sections. Traction for uphill riding and braking, cornering grip and self-cleaning were evaluated for each individual tyre. Riding stability and damping behaviour also played a part in the overall score. The practical impressions make up 50 per cent of the final score. A further 30 per cent is accounted for by puncture protection, while weight and rolling resistance together contribute 20 per cent to the final score.
These special features caught our eye
Round, black and with lots of knobs on them. At first glance, all tyres are the same. Driving experience and features differ enormously, however.
1 Tooth profile
The size, height and spacing of the tread blocks already give an indication of the riding characteristics of a tyre. While most manufacturers rely on a lug height of 4.5 millimetres in the tread centre, there are outliers at the top (Schwalbe Magic Mary) and bottom (Kenda Double Black). Especially on deep, loose ground, higher lugs can interlock better and provide more damping because more rubber is available as suspension travel. However, the high lugs, especially the outer lugs, must be well supported so that there is not too much flex under high loads, resulting in a spongy ride. The greater the space between the lugs, the better the self-cleaning effect. There are also clear differences here.
2 Battle axe or scalpel
The difference between the widest (Pirelli) and the narrowest tyre (Maxxis Dissector) in the test is 6.3 millimetres. The Pirelli therefore has a much larger volume and can be ridden with less air pressure without sacrificing puncture protection, which improves traction. In purely nominal terms, the tyre widths only differ from 2.4 to 2.5 inches, i.e. by 2.5 millimetres.
3 Crazy
What use is the best grip if you're already standing on the rim after the first rocky patch? With differences of over 70 per cent, the test field is far apart. The widest and at the same time heaviest tyre (Pirelli) provides the best protection. The much lighter Specialized combination (almost 700 grams lighter) brings up the rear. Kenda and Schwalbe also achieve very good values.
4 Grip Monster
With identical tyre pressure, the Schwalbe tyres deliver a real aha effect in terms of comfort and adaptation to the terrain. The changed angle of the carcass alone (radial tyres) results in greater flexibility, allowing the tyres to deform more easily at certain points and apply more rubber to the ground. This increases grip.
An overview of the test results for all tyres
Continental Kryptotal Fr/Re Enduro - Facts & Price
| Continental Kryptotal Fr | Continental Cryptotal Re | |
| Price | 76,95 Euro >> available here | 76,95 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Super Soft / 110 | Soft / 110 |
| Carcass / size | Enduro / 29 x 2.4 | Enduro / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1193 g / 40.1 watts | 1134 g / 30.9 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 60.4 / 59 mm | 58.3 / 58.4 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 390 mm / 109; 582; 392 N | 380 mm / 143; 651; 408 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,12 | 2,12 |
Conclusion: Continental Kryptotal Fr/Re Enduro
The Cryptotal combination (Here in the test) is a safe bet in a variety of conditions and delivers a very successful compromise between grip and good rolling behaviour. No other tyre combination rolls faster in this comparison. Thanks to the closely spaced lugs, the Kryptotal is very stable and predictable, which is also noticeable when cornering. In terms of puncture protection, the Contis deliver average values. The sidewall offers only limited protection against foreign objects. Self-cleaning on deep surfaces suffers from the somewhat narrow lugs.
Kenda Double Black Pro AEC - Facts & Price
| Kenda Double Black Pro AEC | |
| Price | 82,90 Euro |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Dual compound / 60 |
| Carcass / size | AEC / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | |
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1174 g / 37.3 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 61 / 59.7 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 510 mm / 118; 566; 683 N |
| Practical test | |
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,60 |
Conclusion: Kenda Double Black Pro AEC
The new Double Black from Kenda (Here in the test) is used for both the front and rear wheel. At just 37.3 watts, the new enduro tyre rolls very easily and also delivers top values in terms of puncture protection. The snakebite and sidewall protection are exemplary, and the tyre weighs quite a bit. In wet conditions, however, the Kenda tyre reaches its limits early on. The lug height is low and the rubber compound offers little wet grip and damping. As a result, traction and controllability suffer. More suitable for dry conditions.
Maxxis Highroller III / Dissector II DD - Facts & Price
| Maxxis Highroller III | Maxxis Dissector II | |
| Price | 84,90 Euro >> available here | 84,90 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | MaxxGrip / 120 | MaxxGrip / 120 |
| Carcass / size | Double Down / 29 x 2.4 | Double Down / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1278 g / 50.4 watts | 1148 g / 44.2 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 57.6 / 57.8 mm | 56.9 / 55.7 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 430 mm / 140; 630; 456 N | 350 mm / 137; 542; 471 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,59 | 2,59 |
Conclusion: Maxxis Highroller III / Dissector II DD
With the Highroller and the Dissector, Maxxis sends (Here in the test) well-known names, but with completely new tread patterns in the test. Both tyres are quite narrow in comparison and have a rather low lug height. The proven MaxxGrip compound also provides reliable traction in the wet, but only rolls moderately. Due to the low volume and little rubber on the tread, the tyres feel somewhat hard and provide little cushioning. Precision is therefore required when riding. The Dissector reaches its limit much earlier than the Highroller and has little reserves of puncture resistance.
Pirelli Scorpion Race EN M - Facts & Price
| Pirelli Scorpion Race EN M | |
| Price | 89.90 >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Smart Evo DH (40 A) / 120 |
| Carcass / size | Dual Wall / 29 x 2.5 |
| Laboratory test | |
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1381 g / 46.3 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 63.2 / 58.9 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 520 mm / 115; 595; 510 N |
| Practical test | |
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| BIKE grade | 2,07 |
Conclusion: Pirelli Scorpion Race EN M
Where the Maxxis combination is the scalpel, the Pirelli (Here in the test) more like a battle axe. The heaviest tyre in the test is also the widest. The large volume, stable carcass and soft rubber compound create a full ride feel with high traction and confidence. The Scorpion is made for holding on and also achieved the highest puncture resistance values in the lab. The high weight stabilises downhill, but also ensures very sluggish acceleration. Due to its width, the Pirelli is only suitable for rear triangles with sufficient tyre clearance. Very expensive at 90 euros >> available here.
Schwalbe Magic Mary / Albert Radial - Facts & Price
| Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Radial | Schwalbe Albert Gravity Radial | |
| Price | 79,90 Euro >> available here | 79,90 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Ultra Soft / 67 | Soft / 67 |
| Carcass / size | Gravity / 29 x 2.5 | Gravity / 29 x 2.5 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1307 g / 50.1 watts | 1280 g / 33.6 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 60.5 / 63.8 mm | 60 / 62.2 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 460 mm / 114; 530; 430 N | 470 mm / 120; 531; 538 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,02 | 2,02 |
Conclusion: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Albert Radial
With Magic Mary and Albert sends Schwalbe two radial tyres (here in the test) into the race. With identical tyre pressure, grip and comfort are a real revelation in direct comparison to the competition. Despite the rather fast soft compound on the rear wheel, the Albert delivers the best uphill performance even in wet conditions. The puncture protection is also impressive. In fast corners, the tyres feel a little spongier and less defined at the usual pressure. The Magic Mary is ideal for wet conditions and offers excellent self-cleaning properties.
Specialised Butcher / Eliminator Trail - Facts & Price
| Specialised Butcher Grid Trail T9 | Specialised Eliminator Grid Trail T7 | |
| Price | 59 Euro >> available here | 59 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | T9 / 60 | T7 / 60 |
| Carcass / size | Grid Trail / 29 x 2.4 | Grid Trail / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1071 g / 46.2 watts | 1009 g / 29 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 58 / 55.9 mm | 58.4 / 54.9 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 310 mm / 151; 614; 537 N | 320 mm / 139; 592; 505 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,20 | 2,20 |
Conclusion: Specialised Butcher / Eliminator Trail
The Butcher/Eliminator combination (here in the test) with Grid Trail casing weighs by far the least and also rolls quite well. However, the lightweight tyres have little to offer against punctures. Here, the heavy Gravity version (around 1350 grams) would have more reserves and riding stability to offer. The T9 rubber compound impresses with remarkably good wet grip. However, you have to accept compromises when it comes to self-cleaning: Due to the small lug spacing, the rear wheel clogs up quickly and is slow to clear. At just 59 euros, these are the cheapest tyres in the comparison >> available here.
Stefan Frey
Editor
