Unlike a road tyre, mountain bike tyres are flexible so that they can adapt to bumps and different types of terrain.
Choosing the right mountain bike tyre involves understanding your riding style, the terrain you’ll be tackling, and specific tyre characteristics. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
You should choose your mountain bike tyre based on three criteria: the terrain you’ll be riding on, the tyre's diameter and the tread.
You’ve probably chosen a mountain bike because you’ll be off-road most of the time, and thus, you’ll need to choose tyres with more bumpy bits on them – they’ll offer better traction on trails. Bikes that are mostly destined for the road need much smoother tyres.
Now, if you're a beginner you may not yet be familiar with your riding style, and that's okay, you may have an idea of the type of mountain biking adventures you aim to get involved in, and this should be helpful for this section as first you'll need to understand what riding style you want to adapt.
If you're an intermediate or pro rider then you may already be familiar with the following riding styles:
Cross-Country (XC): Lightweight tyres with low rolling resistance for speed and efficiency.
Trail: Versatile tyres that balance grip, quality, and rolling resistance.
Enduro/All-Mountain: Robust tyres with aggressive tread for rough, technical terrain.
Downhill: Heavily treaded, robust tyres designed for maximum grip and puncture resistance.
Hardpack: Tyres with smaller, closely spaced knobs for fast rolling.
Loose/Loamy: Larger, widely spaced knobs for better grip.
Mud: Deep, widely spaced knobs to shed mud and maintain traction.
Rocky: Durable tyres with reinforced sidewalls to prevent punctures and cuts.
Narrow (1.9” - 2.2”): Typically used for XC, offering lower rolling resistance and less weight.
Mid-Width (2.3” - 2.5”): Versatile for trail and all-mountain, providing a good balance of grip and rolling efficiency.
Wide (2.6” - 3.0”): Often used in enduro and downhill for maximum grip and stability, can also be used in some trail conditions for added comfort.
The tread pattern on a mountain bike tyre refers to the design and arrangement of the knobs (also called lugs) on the tyre surface. These knobs are the raised portions that come into contact with the ground and are crucial for providing traction, stability, and control on various types of terrain. Here’s a breakdown of different tread patterns and their characteristics:
Low-Profile Tread: Faster rolling on hardpack and smooth trails.
Aggressive Tread: Better for loose, muddy, or technical terrain.
Mixed Tread: Combination patterns can be great for varied trail conditions, offering a balance of grip and speed.
The Type Of Tread
Flex Bead: This tread type is lighter and easier to transport – you can even fold the tyre.
Stiff Bead: A stiff bead tyre will be heavier but easier to assemble and more robust.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the mountain bike tyre that best suits your riding style and terrain, enhancing your performance and overall riding experience.
Remember to inflate your inner tubes to the pressure recommended on the tyre at least once a month.
