It is a so-called 100 per cent topic. 100 per cent interest and therefore 100 per cent relevance. Within the editorial team, this status is only given to issues that everyone really has to deal with. As the number one wear part and performance carrier, MTB tyres are right at the top of this list. Whether for cross-country use, touring or enduro use, anyone who rides for any length of time will inevitably need new tyres for their mountain bike at some point.
However, with prices ranging from 49 to a proud 80 euros (E13) each, the choice of the next MTB tyre should be carefully considered. For the new plus tyres with a width of 2.8 to 3 inches, the price range even reaches the sound barrier of 100 euros (Vittoria). However, lower quantities and higher material costs can only partly explain this additional price.
You can find these MTB tyres in the test:
CROSS COUNTRY TYRES 29 INCH:
- Bontrager XR0 29x2.0
- Continental Race King Race Sport 29x2.2 (BIKE Tip: Cross Country)
- Vredestein Black Panther Xtrac / Spotted Cat 29x2.2
- WTB Nine Line 29x2.25
ALL MOUNTAIN TYRES 27.5 INCH:
- Mavic Crossmax Quest XL 27.5x2.4
- Onza Ibex 27.5x2.25 (BIKE Tip: All Mountain)
- Schwalbe Hans Dampf 27.5x2.35
- Vittoria Morsa 27.5x2.3
- Vredestein Bobcat 27.5x2.35
ENDURO TYRES 27.5 INCH:
- E13 TRS Race / TRS Plus 27.5x2.35
- Kenda Honey Badger / Nevegal 27.5x2.4 / 2.35
- Michelin Wild Grip'r / Wild Race'r 27.5x2.35
- WTB Vigilante High Grip Tough / Fast Rolling Light 27.5x2.3
27.5 PLUS TYRES:
- Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5x2.8 (BIKE Tip: 27.5+)
- Vee tyre Crown GEM+ 27.5x3.0
- Vittoria Bomboloni 27.5x3.0
- WTB Trail Boss Fast Rolling 27.5x3.0
If you know exactly what you want to do with your bike, you can take a very targeted approach when looking for a new tyre. Depending on the intended use, the following things are important.
Cross Country/Marathon: In this category, rolling resistance and weight are the only things that count for many ambitious riders. With the current power density and the sometimes very long marathon distances, a tyre can definitely make the difference between victory and defeat. Rolling resistance is a constantly present opponent that steals its energy from the rider's glycogen stores kilometre after kilometre. A difference of twelve watts between the best (Continental Race King) and the worst in this test field leaves room for material tuning. Over 250 grams per tyre are also possible in terms of weight. However, no rider should completely lose sight of grip (at least on the front wheel) and puncture resistance, even in this class.
All Mountain/Tour: Tyres for this area of use are often referred to as all-rounders. If you are looking for a tyre for your 150-millimetre Fully, you don't want to be restricted and ideally want to ride well and safely in all conditions. The tyre must therefore offer a healthy compromise between traction, rolling behaviour and puncture protection. Depending on your preference (more uphill or downhill), you can find your favourite with the help of the test results in the table below. For example, if you don't care about rolling resistance and only care about grip on technical trails, you should take a closer look at the Mavic Crossmax Quest.
Enduro: Puncture resistance and traction in every situation are the top priorities in this category. Of course, long tours should also be possible and it should often be possible to pedal up to 1500 metres in altitude when racing. To meet both requirements, it makes sense to use different tyres on the front and rear wheels. Full grip at the front, easy rolling at the rear. We tested four enduro tyre combinations accordingly.
27,5+: extra wide, extra expensive and sometimes extra heavy. With a width of up to three inches, these tyres weigh in at around one kilo. In combination with wide rims, the tyre pressure can be lowered to around one bar. Schwalbe's 2.8 Nobby Nic tyres lead the way in terms of weight, but also bring up the rear in the puncture resistance test.
ALL THE FACTS FROM THE LAB
All tests were carried out by BIKE in Schwalbe's test laboratory. The Plus tyres were tested at 1.2 bar and the other tyres at 1.8 bar. Part 1 of the big tyre test is available in the Tyre special in BIKE 1/16.
...
CROSS COUNTRY:
Bontrager XR0 29x2.0
Price / Info 49,99 Euro www.trekbikes.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous 62/60 A-Shore hardness, also in 26 and 27.5", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 438 g
Wide carcass / lugs 48.6 mm / 48.4 mm
Rolling resistance 22.8 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 33.8 cm / 123 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 6 out of 12 points
Traction 6 out of 12 points
Area of application Dry
CONCLUSION Thin, extremely light and minimalist in profile, the Bontrager XR0 is only suitable for dry conditions and tends to be more suitable for use on the rear wheel. At 22.8 watts, it rolls very well, but is clearly undercut by a Conti Race King. Due to the low profile, the XR0 has a very narrow limit range.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Continental Race King Race Sport 29x2.2
Price / Info 56,90 Euro www.continental-reifen.de
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Single compound / 60 TPI
Miscellaneous Black Chili Compound, also in 26, 27.5 and 2.0", only tubeless-ready in the Protection version
LABORTEST
Weight 514 g
Wide carcass / lugs 55.4 mm / 51.5 mm
Rolling resistance 15.5 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 41.3 cm / 136 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 8 out of 12 points
Traction 8 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION With only 15.5 watts, the Race King is very frugal in terms of rolling resistance. No other cross-country tyre currently rolls better. The protection against punctures is impressive, the puncture protection is average. Due to the minimal tread pattern with less pronounced outer lugs, there are more forgiving tyres when cornering. Rather for dry conditions.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Vredestein Black Panther Xtrac / Spotted Cat 29x2.2
Price / Info 54.95 / 54.95 Euro www.paul-lange.de
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Triple / triple compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous TriCompX compound, also available in 26, 27.5" and 2.0" tubeless-ready versions
LABORTEST
Weight 651 / 693 g
Wide carcass / lugs 48.2 mm / 50.3 mm // 51.7 mm / 54.1 mm
Rolling resistance 27.4 watts / 25.8 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 38.8 cm / 119 Newton // 46.3 cm / 145 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 10 out of 12 points
Traction 8 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION The different Vredestein tread patterns work well together as a mixed pair. At the front, the Xtrac generates superior cornering grip, while the fine tread on the rear wheel is primarily intended to roll, but reaches its limits early on in wet conditions. Medium rolling resistance and high weight cost valuable points.
BIKE judgement² GOOD / GOOD
WTB Nine Line 29x2.25
Price / Info 59,90 Euro www.wtb.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual compound / 60 TPI
Miscellaneous Fast rolling compound, 60/50 A-Shore hardness also in 2.0", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 641 g
Wide carcass / lugs 53.3 mm / 48.9 mm
Rolling resistance 22.6 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 48.8 cm / 115 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 8 out of 12 points
Traction 6 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION The Nine Line is characterised by good rolling characteristics and relatively high protection against punctures. In terms of weight, the finely profiled tyre is one of the heavier ones and quickly clogs up in mud. The combination of rubber compound and carcass feels quite hard and offers little comfort when rolling.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
ALL MOUNTAIN:
Mavic Crossmax Quest XL 27.5x2.4
Price / Info 59 Euro www.mavic.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual compound / 66 TPI
Miscellaneous 50/40 A-Shore hardness, also in 26 and 29", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 896 g
Wide carcass / lugs 57 mm / 56.7 mm
Rolling resistance 42.6 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 78.8 cm / 132.5 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 10 out of 12 points
Traction 11 out of 12 points
Field of application Wet/mud
CONCLUSION At almost 900 grams, the Mavic Quest XL is the heaviest tyre, but also offers better puncture protection compared to its competitors. The soft rubber compound generates very good grip and therefore control, but the tyres roll extremely slowly, which is noticeable on longer tours.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Onza Ibex 27.5x2.25
Price / Info 64,90 Euro www.onzatires.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous 65/55 A-Shore hardness, also in 29" and 2.4", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 686 g
Wide carcass / lugs 55.6 mm / 54.4 mm
Rolling resistance 31.8 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 53.7 cm / 127 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 10 out of 12 points
Traction 9 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet/mud
CONCLUSION The Ibex tyre from Onza is relatively balanced and therefore versatile. In the laboratory, the Swiss tyre also delivers decent values without any major upward or downward deviations. Thanks to the open tread and good self-cleaning properties, the tyre can cope with many conditions and also has a very good-natured limit range.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Schwalbe Hans Dampf 27.5x2.35
Price / Info 57,90 Euro www.schwalbe.de
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Triple compound / 67 TPI
Miscellaneous Trailstar compound, snakeskin sidewall protection, also available in 26 and 29" and as a supergravity version, tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 797 g
Wide carcass / lugs 57 mm / 58.7 mm
Rolling resistance 41.0 Watt
Carbon copy / Puncture 60 cm / 143 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 10 out of 12 points
Traction 9 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION The classic tyre weighs quite a lot and rolls relatively slowly in the Trailstar compound tested. Thanks to the closed profile, it is very good-natured and controllable in every situation, but does not build up the grip that you would expect with this rolling resistance on the front wheel. The better rolling Pacestar compound is ideal for the rear wheel.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Vittoria Morsa 27.5x2.3
Price / Info 59,95 Euro www.vittoria.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ quadruple compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous Graphene compound, also in 29", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 860 g
Wide carcass / lugs 57.7 mm / 59.3 mm
Rolling resistance 22.8 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 53.7 cm / 123 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 8 out of 12 points
Traction 7 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION A lot of weight but very low rolling resistance characterise the Morsa with its exclusive graphene compound. Similar to the Hans Dampf, it is very good-natured and also has an early-onset limit range. The downside of the fast-rolling rubber compound is the limited grip, especially in the wet. Just about very good.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Vredestein Bobcat 27.5x2.35
Price / Info 54,95 Euro www.paul-lange.de
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Triple compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous TriCompX compound, also available in 26, 29 and 2.2", tubeless-ready version also available
LABORTEST
Weight 820 g
Wide carcass / lugs 56.6 mm / 58 mm
Rolling resistance 27.5 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 47.5 cm / 126 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 4 out of 12 points
Traction 6 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION At 820 grams, the Bobcat is one of the lighter tyres in the enduro field and also rolls the best. Despite its decent width, the Vredestein tyre has little to offer against punctures. The rubber compound feels very hard and offers little traction. The Bobcat can't keep up when cornering either, skidding early and abruptly.
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
E13 TRS Race / TRS Plus 27.5x2.35
Price / Info 80 Euro / 65 Euro www.bythehive.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Triple / double compound / 60 TPI
Miscellaneous 40/42 A- / 50/61 A-Shore hardness, also in 29", with puncture protection, tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 899 g / 817 g
Wide carcass / lugs 57.7 mm / 58.5 mm // 57.8 mm / 58.5 mm
Rolling resistance over 45 watts / 42.2 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 66.3 cm / 126 Newton // 65 cm / 169 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 11 out of 12 points
Traction 10 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION The new tyres from E13 were specially designed for wide rims with a rim width of over 24 millimetres, but still have a very angular tread pattern. A sticky triple compound is used on the front wheel (Race) and a dual compound on the rear. Overall, the combination rolls tough (also at the rear), but damps well and generates a lot of grip. The puncture protection is low.
BIKE judgement² GOOD / VERY GOOD
Kenda Honey Badger / Nevegal 27.5x2.4 / 2.35
Price / Info 49,90 Euro / 49,90 Euro www.kendatire.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Double / double compound/120 TPI
Miscellaneous 42/50 A- / 50/60 A-Shore hardness, also in 26 and 29" (Nevegal), tubeless-ready, with puncture protection
LABORTEST
Weight 1049 g / 816 g
Wide carcass / lugs 53.9 mm / 58.2 mm // 54.2 mm / 58.9 mm
Rolling resistance over 45 watts / 3.6 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 93.8 cm / 140 Newton // 52.5 cm / 158 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 11 out of 12 points
Traction 9 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet/mud
CONCLUSION At well over a kilo, the Honey Badger is a real calibre and ranks in the league of reinforced enduro tyres with DH potential. Considering the weight, the puncture protection is also impressive. We were very impressed with the grip generated by the front wheel. The puncture protection of the Nevegal rear tyre is extremely weak. Both roll sluggishly.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD / SATISFACTORY
Michelin Wild Grip'r / Wild Race'r 27.5x2.35
Price / Info approx. 60 Euro / approx. 60 Euro www.michelin.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Single / double compound / 33 TPI
Miscellaneous 55 A- / 70/59 A-Shore hardness (Wild Race'r), also in 26 (Wild Grip'r), 27.5 and 29", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 1086 g / 967 g
Wide carcass / lugs 55.1 mm / 57.0 mm // 56.6 mm / 56.8 mm
Rolling resistance 43.7 watts / 33.1 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 83.8 cm / 153 Newton // 83.8 cm / 183.6 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 8 out of 12 points
Traction 9 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION The Wild Race'r is the latest development from Michelin and is regularly ridden on the rear wheel by enduro star Jérôme Clementz. Despite its fine tread and light rolling behaviour, it offers good grip and solid puncture protection. Even with additional weight, the Grip'r on the front wheel cannot improve on puncture protection. The cornering grip could be better.
BIKE judgement² GOOD / VERY GOOD
WTB Vigilante High Grip Tough / Fast Rolling Light 27.5x2.3
Price / Info 64.90 / 59.90 Euro www.wtb.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual / double compound / 60 TPI
Miscellaneous 60/45 A- / 60/50 A-Shore hardness, also in 26 and 29", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 1194 g / 809 g
Wide carcass / lugs 55.3 mm / 56.3 mm // 56.8 mm / 56.1 mm
Rolling resistance 43.8 watts / 29.1 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 91.3 cm / 109 Newton // 51.3 cm / 122 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 10 out of 12 points
Traction 7 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION The two versions of the Vigilante are worlds apart. Almost 400 grams and 15 watts of rolling resistance separate the two. The heavy version of the High Grip offers significantly more traction and cornering control than its fast counterpart on the rear wheel. The puncture protection is weak in the light version and is not overwhelming on the Tough either.
BIKE judgement² GOOD / GOOD
Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5x2.8
Price / Info 64,90 Euro / 64,90 Euro www.schwalbe.de
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Triple / triple compound / 67 TPI
Miscellaneous Trailstar / Pacestar compound, tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 769 g / 794 g
Wide carcass / lugs 69.7 mm / 69.5 mm // 68.2 mm / 69.2 mm
Rolling resistance 41.6 watts / 22.4 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 56.3 cm / 126 Newton / 53.8 cm / 119 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 8 out of 12 points
Traction 10 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet/mud
CONCLUSION The grippy Trailstar compound at the front and the fast-rolling Pacestar compound at the rear are a very good compromise for making progress and still having reserves on descents. The differences are clearly noticeable. Despite the width, the weight and puncture protection are quite low. At the limits of cornering, the tyre skids very controlled but relatively early.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD / VERY GOOD
Vee Tire Crown GEM+ 27.5x3.0
Price / Info 94,90 Euro www.veetireco.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Single compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous 57 A-Shore hardness, tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 992 g
Wide carcass / lugs 72.1 mm / 72.6 mm
Rolling resistance 43.7 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 65 cm / 97 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 11 out of 12 points
Traction 12 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet/mud
CONCLUSION The Crown GEM+ offers the best grip in the comparison and interlocks very well with any surface. Whether up, down or in curves, you can absolutely rely on the Vee Tire. The disadvantage of the adhesive compound is the very high rolling resistance, which you feel with every turn of the cranks. The tyre has little to offer against thorns.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Vittoria Bomboloni 27.5x3.0
Price / Info 99,90 Euro www.vittoria.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual compound / 120 TPI
Miscellaneous Also in 26x4.0 and 29x3.0", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 1014 g
Wide carcass / lugs 69.8 mm / 72.5 mm
Rolling resistance 36.4 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 61.3 cm / 117 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 8 out of 12 points
Traction 9 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION At just over a kilo, the expensive Bomboloni is one of the heavier models and has average rolling properties. Similar to the WTB, it has a fine tread pattern that rolls smoothly but clogs up quickly in wet conditions. There were also grippier tyres in the comparison in terms of rubber compound. The cornering behaviour is good-natured.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
WTB Trail Boss Fast Rolling 27.5x3.0
Price / Info 64,90 Euro www.wtb.com
Rubber compound / TPI¹ Dual compound / 60 TPI
Miscellaneous 60/50 A-Shore hardness, also in 2.4", tubeless-ready
LABORTEST
Weight 1141 g
Wide carcass / lugs 70.1 mm / 72.7 mm
Rolling resistance 29.8 watts
Carbon copy / Puncture 61.3 cm / 105 Newton
PRACTICAL TEST
Cornering grip 9 out of 12 points
Traction 9 out of 12 points
Field of application Dry/wet
CONCLUSION None of the other plus tyres weigh as much as the Trail Boss in a three-inch width. Nevertheless, the WTB rolls surprisingly well in the hard fast-rolling compound and therefore cuts a fine figure even on long rides. However, it should not get too wet and muddy due to the fine tread. Best value for money in comparison with the Schwalbe.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
¹TPI: Threats per Inch, see lexicon ²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
