Gravity innovations 2022: Continental MTB tyres at a glance

Continental last made a name for itself in 2019, when the Kaiser received an update. Since then, things have been quiet for the tyre manufacturer from Hesse. But after a three-year lull in new products, Conti is finally back. And with five completely newly developed gravity tyres and three different rubber compounds as well as three different carcasses. The new Continental MTB tyres have the unusual names Kryptotal, Argotal, Xynotal and Hydrotal.

Kryptotal - the all-rounder among the gravity tyres from Continental

The different tread patterns for the front and rear wheels (Fr and Re) of the all-rounder Kryptotal share a name. Whether mud, rocks, gravel or a little bit of everything - the new Conti line-up (see below) should offer the right tyre for all conditions. The first step is to find the right tread, after which Continental offers a choice of three different carcasses. For downhillers - for whom weight and rolling resistance are not important - the developers recommend the appropriately named downhill casing. It consists of six carcass plies on the tread, four plies on the side and a reinforced apex bead for optimum protection against punctures. If you want to sacrifice some of the extreme puncture protection of downhill tyres in favour of a lighter weight, you can opt for the enduro casing. Three layers of lighter carcass material, cross-weave and the Apex bead still provide sufficient puncture protection for tough enduro use.

Option three: The even slimmer trail casing of the MTB tyre is almost identical to the enduro version and differs only in the lack of an apex bead. This means that some of the puncture protection is lost, but trail and touring bikers will be pleased with the lowest weights in the range. In terms of rubber compounds, Continental's Gravity tyres with the so-called Endurance Compound are said to be particularly durable and roll easily. However, this option is only available in combination with the lightweight trail casing. The soft compound should strike the right balance between grip and easy rolling behaviour for enduro riders. If, on the other hand, you don't want to compromise on traction at all, it's better to go for the super grippy Super Soft compound.

This is how the Kryptotal rides:

We have already been able to cover a few trail kilometres on the all-rounder from the new model range with trail casing and endurance compound. The first impression: even the lightest version is not lacking in puncture resistance. The cornering control is impressive thanks to the massive outer lugs. On long tours with a high proportion of gravel, however, even the lightest version rolls sluggishly.

The facts about the Continental MTB tyre Argotal

Argotal*: Reinforced side lugs for more cornering stability and top self-cleaning - making the Argotal perfect for loose and deep ground. Price from 60 euros - Size: 29 x 2.4 / 27.5 x 2.4 and 29 x 2.6 / 27.5 x 2.6 - Weight from 1100 grams

The facts about the Continental Xynotal gravity tyre

Xynotal* : The Xynotal is used on dry ground with very hard surfaces. The flat tread pattern offers a large contact surface and low rolling resistance. Price from 60 euros - Size: 29 x 2.4 / 27.5 x 2.4 - Weight from 1000 grams

The facts about the Continental Hydrotal tyre

Hydrotal: As the name suggests, the Hydrotal with its extremely open tread and studs garnished with small knobs should score particularly well in wet conditions. Price from 60 euros - Size: 29 x 2.4 / 27.5 x 2.4 - Weight from 1290 grams

Further information on Continental Gravity tyres ->