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The new mediocrityWhat 2.6 tyres can do

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 01.10.2017

The new mediocrity: what 2.6 tyres can doPhoto: Georg Grieshaber
The new mediocrity: what 2.6 tyres can do
Plus tyres with a width of 2.8 and 3.0 inches are hardly popular with the masses. The industry is reacting by retreating to 2.6 inch tyres. What can the new intermediate size do and which tyres are available?

Another new tyre size? The bike community's astonished question is justified. The trend for wide plus-size tyres is only just beginning to die down and already the new miracle cure has been found: tyres with an "intermediate size" of 2.6 inches! In principle, the argument for wide tyres is obvious: lower air pressure, larger contact area, more grip! But what is the optimum tyre width? We have carried out extensive laboratory and practical tests to find out what 2.3, 2.6 and 2.8 tyres can do. You can find the complete test in BIKE 11/2017 - from 4 October at newsstands, in the DK-Onlineshop and as a digital edition for all end devices.

We pitted the three tyre sizes 2.3, 2.6 and 2.8 inches against each other in a direct comparison.Photo: Robert Niedring We pitted the three tyre sizes 2.3, 2.6 and 2.8 inches against each other in a direct comparison.

Thanks to the Boost standard, extra-wide tyres are also becoming increasingly interesting for the aftermarket, as tyres up to 2.6 inches fit in the vast majority of modern full-suspension bikes. And the range of corresponding tyres is huge in 2018. We have summarised the most exciting 2.6-inch models.

Model overview 2.6-inch tyres

Weights and prices are manufacturer's specifications



Trek - Bontrager

  • XR4 Team Issue TLR - 29 x 2.6 - Tour / All Mountain - from 945 grams - 49.99 euros
  • SE4 Team Issue TLR - 27.5 x 2.6 - Enduro - from 950 grams - 59.99 euros
Bontrager is also launching the XR4 all-round tyre for 29ers in a 2.6 inch width. The more robust enduro version SE4 is also available in wide, but only in 27.5 inches.Photo: Hersteller Bontrager is also launching the XR4 all-round tyre for 29ers in a 2.6 inch width. The more robust enduro version SE4 is also available in wide, but only in 27.5 inches.
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Continental

  • Baron Project - 27.5 x 2.6 - Freeride - from 930 grams - 79.90 euros
  • Trail King - 27.5 x 2.6 - Enduro - from 930 grams - 79.90 euros
  • Mountain King - 27.5 x 2.6 - All Mountain - from 815 grams - 79.90 euros
  • Cross King - 27.5 x 2.6 - Tour / All Mountain - from 815 grams - 79.90 euros
The Baron Project: flagship tyre in the enduro sector with a focus on downhill performance. Alongside it, there are now also well-known MTB classics from Continental in the 2.6 inch wide tyre format.Photo: Hersteller The Baron Project: flagship tyre in the enduro sector with a focus on downhill performance. Alongside it, there are now also well-known MTB classics from Continental in the 2.6 inch wide tyre format.



Kenda

  • Saber - 29 x 2.6 - XC / Marathon - 602 grams (also in 27.5 x 2.6 - from 547 grams)
  • Havok - 27.5 x 2.6 - All Mountain - from 812 grams
  • Nevegal² - 27.5 x 2.6 - Enduro / All Mountain (also in 29 x 2.6)
  • HellKat - 27.5 x 2.6 - Enduro / Freeride (also in 29 x 2.6)
Lots of choice in a new size: Kenda is offering numerous models in different versions in 2018. The legendary Nevegal² tyre is now also available in 2.6 inch and has been optimised for lower rolling resistance, higher puncture protection and more grip.Photo: Hersteller Lots of choice in a new size: Kenda is offering numerous models in different versions in 2018. The legendary Nevegal² tyre is now also available in 2.6 inch and has been optimised for lower rolling resistance, higher puncture protection and more grip.



Maxxis

  • Forekaster - 27.5 x 2.6 - Tour / All Mountain - from 785 grams - from 59.50 euros
  • Ardent Race - 27.5 x 2.6 - Trail / All Mountain - from 785 grams - from 64.50 euros
  • Minion DHF - 27.5 x 2.6 - All Mountain / Enduro - from 925 grams - from 69.50 euros (also in 29 x 2.5)
  • Minion DHR II - 27.5 x 2.6 - All Mountain / Enduro - from 910 grams - from 69.50 euros
  • Rekon - 27.5 x 2.6 - Tour / All Mountain - from 780 grams - 59.50 euros (also in 29 x 2.6)
2.8 and 3.0 inches were yesterday. Maxxis is taking a step back with the Plus format and is offering the fast Ardent Race and Forekaster as well as the Enduro range in a more moderate 2.6 inches in 2018. The Rekon will not only be available in 27.5 x 2.6, but the classic Plus tyre will also be available in a 2.6-inch width for 29ers.Photo: Georg Grieshaber 2.8 and 3.0 inches were yesterday. Maxxis is taking a step back with the Plus format and is offering the fast Ardent Race and Forekaster as well as the Enduro range in a more moderate 2.6 inches in 2018. The Rekon will not only be available in 27.5 x 2.6, but the classic Plus tyre will also be available in a 2.6-inch width for 29ers.



Michelin

  • Force AM - 27.5 x 2.6 - Trail / All Mountain - from 830 grams - from approx. 39.95 euros
According to the manufacturer, the Michelin Force AM with triple compound is the all-rounder for different surfaces. It is now also available in a 2.6 inch width.Photo: Hersteller According to the manufacturer, the Michelin Force AM with triple compound is the all-rounder for different surfaces. It is now also available in a 2.6 inch width.



Swallow

  • Nobby Nic - 27.5 x 2.6 - Tour / All Mountain - from 810 grams - 67.90 euros (also available in 29 x 2.6 from 950 grams)
  • Magic Mary - 27.5 x 2.6 - DH, Enduro, Freeride - from 1000 grams - from 63.90 euros (also in 26 x 2.6 DH version)
  • Rock Razor - 27.5 x 2.6 - dry trails - from 850 grams - 67.90 euros
  • Smart Sam - 27.5 x 2.6 - Tour - from 930 grams - 28.90 to 43.90 euros
  • Rocket Ron - 27.5 x 2.6 - XC / Marathon - from 735 grams - 64,90 Euro
  • Ice Spiker Pro - 27.5 x 2.6 - ice - from 1015 grams - 102.90 euros
Like the classic Nobby Nic, the wide Schwalbe tyres in the Evolution range come with an Addix Speedgrip compound. Exceptions: Magic Mary in soft and ultrasoft as well as the affordable Smart Sam. Speciality: the Ice Spiker Pro for hardcore winter bikers.Photo: Hersteller Like the classic Nobby Nic, the wide Schwalbe tyres in the Evolution range come with an Addix Speedgrip compound. Exceptions: Magic Mary in soft and ultrasoft as well as the affordable Smart Sam. Speciality: the Ice Spiker Pro for hardcore winter bikers.



Vee Tire

  • Crown Gem+ - 27.5 x 2.6 - All Mountain / Enduro - approx. 910 grams - 54.90 euros
The 2.6 version of the foldable all-round tyre from Vee Tire is also intended for slightly tougher riding.Photo: Hersteller The 2.6 version of the foldable all-round tyre from Vee Tire is also intended for slightly tougher riding.



Vittoria

  • Barzo - 27.5 x 2.6 - XC / Trail - from 805 grams - 27.95 to 62.95 euros
  • Mezcal - 27.5 x 2.6 - XC - from 830 grams - 27.95 to 62.95 euros (also 29 x 2.6)
The Vittoria Barzo should score particularly well in wet conditions. Like the <a href="https://www.vittoria.com/tire/mezcal-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Mezcal</a>, it is also available in an affordable clincher version in addition to the lightweight TNT version.Photo: Hersteller The Vittoria Barzo should score particularly well in wet conditions. Like the Mezcal, it is also available in an affordable clincher version in addition to the lightweight TNT version.


2.3 vs. 2.6 vs. 2.8 inches: Read the complete comparison test of the different tyre widths in BIKE 11/2017 - on newsstands from 4 October. You can also read the issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK shop order:


Read in the Apple App Store
Read in the Google Play Store
Order in the DK-Shop

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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