Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires: Our Top 9 Picks

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In the sport of mountain biking, nothing makes us want to pull out our hair more than having to deal with a punctured tire. The only thing that’s worse is having to deal with tires that cause slippage on muddy terrain or roll clunkily and slowly on loose trails. Thanks to tubeless mountain bike tires, we can avoid these scenarios and enjoy riding whatever the trail condition may be.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with tubeless mountain bike tires, they are low-pressure tires that are designed to absorb more impact and conform and wrap around the terrain and objects. With these tires, you can experience a smoother ride experience you can’t find with traditional mountain bike tires.In the following guide, we give you the scoop on 9 of the best tubeless mountain bike tires. Read on to find out our pick for the number one tire on the market today.

Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires FAQ

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1. What Are Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires?

Unlike traditional bike tires, tubeless mountain bike tires do not contain a tube so they work at a lower pressure than other tires.

2. What Do Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires Do?

Tubeless mountain bike tires work at lower pressures than traditional bike tires for a smoother ride.

3. How Do Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires Work?

Tubeless mountain bike tires are designed to handle tough terrain. Because they don’t have a tube, they practically eliminate the possibility of pinch flats, which means that they don’t puncture easily even on rocky surfaces. They also provide better traction, grip, and cornering capability than traditional bike tires.

4. Where Can You Buy Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires?

You can buy tubeless mountain bike tires at your local bike shop or online at Amazon.com.

Comparison Table

How We Reviewed

The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty. We were mainly concerned about how well the tires are able to handle different kinds of terrain, so we looked closely at traction, grip, cornering, and ease of control.

Overall Price Range Of This Product (And Similar Products)

Tubeless mountain bike tires range in price from around $33 to $103. Some of the tires cost more because they feature higher quality knobs, better traction, and grip, or are more lightweight or heavy duty.

What We Reviewed

  • Schwalbe Hans Dampf Snakeskin
  • Maxxis Minion FBF Dual Compound
  • MICHELIN Wild Grip
  • Maxxis Minion DHF Wide Trail
  • WTB Slick Comp Hybrid
  • Continental Trail King
  • Continental Mountain Bike ProTection Tire
  • SCHWALBE Jumbo Jim Evolution
  • Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire
  • WTB Warden 2.3 TCS Tough

1. Maxxis Minion FBF Dual Compound

Maxxis Minion FBF Folding Dual Compound Exo/tr Tyre - Black, 26 x...
  • Maxis Minion fbf 26 x 4.00 120 TPI folding dual compound exon/ TR tyre

Features

The Maxxis Minion FBF Black Fold Tire is a front specific tire that comes equipped with rectangular knobs for top-of-the-line cornering grip and tracking on a straight line. These tubeless mountain bike tires are made with dual compound tread technology for a decreased rolling resistance center. Meanwhile, this same technology allows the tires to tightly grip around corners for a smooth ride. Finally, this tire features a fat-tire volume for riding on uneven and loose gravel surfaces.

Pros

  • Lots of grip and rolling resistance
  • Great on loose and uneven surfaces
  • Fat-tire fill

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Too grippy for some users

Warranty

The Maxxis Minion FBF Black Fold Tire did not provide any warranty information.

2. MICHELIN Wild Grip

MICHELIN Wild Grip'R2 Mountain Tire
  • Tire for mixed terrain
  • Excellent compromise between grip and performance
  • Effective when leaning the bike and across slopes

Features

The Michelin WildROCK’R2 Advanced Mountain Bike Tire features downhill racing technology that is capable of efficient riding on hard-packed surfaces. These tubeless mountain bike tires are made with top quality construction gear for serious riders and mountain bike competitions. It also features a knob pattern to provide added grip and traction in the most extreme conditions. In addition, there is a groove down the middle of the tread, which creates a smooth straight-line traction. What’s more, this tire also features sizable traverse knobs designed to resist tire damage, even on the rockiest of terrains.

Pros

  • Sturdy and durable material
  • Excellent traction and grip
  • Designed for riding on hard-packed terrain

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not enough corner grip for some riders

Warranty

The Michelin WildROCK’R2 Advanced Mountain Bike Tire did not provide any warranty information.

3. Maxxis Minion DHF Wide Trail

Maxxis Minion DHF Wide Trail 3C/EXO/TR Tire - 27.5in 3C Maxx...
  • Compound: 3C Maxx Grip
  • Size: 27.5 x 2.5 in
  • Type: tubeless, clincher

Features

The Maxxis Minion DHF EXO/TR Tire is designed to be more nimble and durable than its predecessor Highroller II Sibling. These tubeless mountain bike tires come built with a dual compound construction for improved traction and a dependable grip that you can rely on. When the terrain becomes tough, you can depend on this model of the Maxxis tire to protect you from uneven and loose surfaces. In addition, with ramped knobs, this tire not only grips the trail but digs in and gives you the ability to track straightaways and downhill rides.

Pros

  • Excellent grip and traction
  • List EleGreat for rocky and hard-packed terrainment
  • Beef tire; heavy duty

Cons

  • Difficult to install for some users
  • Blew out during installation for some users
  • Warp occurred in the tire for some users

Warranty

The Maxxis Minion DHF EXO/TR Tire did not provide any warranty information.

4. WTB Slick Comp Hybrid

WTB Slick Comp Wire (26 X 1.5)
  • Made using the highest quality materials
  • Tested for durability
  • Used by professioanl riders

Features

The WTB Wolverine 2.2 TCS Tough/Fast Rolling Tire is designed to tackle downhill riding and steep climbs. These tubeless mountain bike tires feature tough and durable materials and a moderately spaced tread pattern to provide plenty of traction and grip. For hard-packed surfaces, this tire is designed to provide an excellent ride, allowing you to turn corners and handle switchbacks swiftly.

Pros

  • Great traction and grip
  • Excellent turning ability on switchbacks
  • Lightweight and durable construction

Cons

  • Difficult to install for some users
  • Did not work well on loose surfaces for some riders

Warranty

The WTB Wolverine 2.2 TCS Tough/Fast Rolling Tire did not provide any warranty information.

5. Continental Trail King

Continental Trail King Fold ProTection/Apex, Black Chili, Mountain...
  • BLACK CHILI- Features Continental’s revolutionary Black Chili Compound which reduces rolling...
  • PROTECTION APEX- Floating ply on top of the 3:2 overlap, apex insert and an improved Continental...
  • HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the...

Features

The Continental Trail King Fold ProTection Bike Tire features Continental’s Black Chili Compound that is designed to decrease rolling resistance and improve grip, traction, and mileage for your tire. These tubeless mountain bike tires also feature a casing rubber that is durable and capable of enduring intensive riding. Handmade in Germany, this tire is both lightweight and agile. In addition, the improved casing helps to support retention while, at the same time, eliminating tire burping.

Pros

  • Durable and high-quality material
  • Excellent grip and traction
  • Great cornering ability

Cons

  • Sidewall leaked for some riders
  • Grip could be tacky for some riders
  • Not great for wider rims

Warranty

The Continental Trail King Fold ProTection Bike Tire did not provide any warranty information.

6. Continental Mountain Bike ProTection Tire

Continental Mountain Bike ProTection Tire - Black Chili, Tubeless,...
  • Versatile and easy-rolling profile which adapts perfectly to any surface
  • Excellent puncture resistance thanks to continuous ProTection Tubeless Ready insert from end to end
  • Outstanding grip and efficient rolling thanks to Black Chili Compound; pure competition tyre with...

Features

The Continental Der Baron Projekt 2.4 Mountain Bike Tire features a Black Chili Compound for improved traction and grip on almost all types of terrains. These tubeless mountain bike tires are built with folding beads to give you just the right amount of grip. Featuring a versatile profile design and puncture protection, this baron is designed to handle intensive mountain biking. Like the other Continental model, this tire is also handmade in Germany and comes equipped with ProTection technology for an added layer of protection against puncturing.

Pros

  • Great for muddy seasons
  • Excellent grip
  • Straight fit and seal

Cons

  • Not great for dry terrains
  • Pricey

Warranty

The Continental Der Baron Projekt 2.4 Mountain Bike Tire did not provide any warranty information.

7. SCHWALBE Jumbo Jim Evolution

SCHWALBE Jumbo Jim Evolution TL Easy Folding Tire, 4.8 x 26
  • Tubeless Easy
  • PaceStar compound
  • Weighs less than 1000g

Features

The Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evolution TL Easy Folding Tire features LiteSkin construction for improved durability at a lighter weight than traditional tubeless mountain bike tires. This tire also features PaceStar Compound for improved traction and grip. Evenly spaced knobs on this tire are designed to ensure an all-season ride. Weighing in at less than 1000 grams, this tire is extremely lightweight compared to other models. Whether you are riding in mud or loose gravel, you can rely on this tire to get you to your destination.

Pros

  • Great for hard-packed terrain
  • High-quality durable material
  • Well-built and lightweight

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Too soft for riding on paved roads

Warranty

The Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evolution TL Easy Folding Tire did not provide any warranty information.

8. Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire

Maxxis - Ardent | 29 x 2.25 | Dual, EXO | Black
  • ARDENT: An aggressive tread in high-volume casing, designed with great traction in mind. The Ardent...
  • DO-IT-ALL TRAIL TIRE: The Ardent welcomes all mountain bike trail types from hard pack, loose dirt,...
  • EXO: An extremely cut-resistant and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of select...

Features

The Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire features an aggressive tread pattern and high-volume casing for an improved ride experience. These tubeless mountain bike tires are great for riding on muddy trails, as they feature a center tread and ramped knobs to increase traction and reduce rolling resistance. This tire also features a dual compound tread for improved cornering capability. Equipped with Maxxis’ EXO sidewall protection, this tire is designed to handle rocky surfaces and prevent puncturing.

Pros

  • Great rolling resistance
  • Long lasting
  • Great for rocky terrain
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Deformed after short use
  • Causes slippage for some riders

Warranty

The Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire did not provide any warranty information.

9. WTB Warden 2.3 TCS Tough

WTB Warden 2.3 TCS Tough/High Grip Tire, Black, 26-Inch
  • Usage: All Mountain / Enduro / Gravity
  • Conditions: Wet / Mud
  • WTB's TCS tubeless technology

Features

The WTB Warden 2.3 TCS Tough/High Grip Tire is a multi-functional all-condition tire. This tubeless mountain bike tire features dedicated mud spikes for tackling slipping and muddy trails. It also features tall, narrow knobs that allow the tire to dig into the terrain for improved traction and grips that are unmatched with other tubeless mountain bike tires. Ideal for loose and wet conditions, this tire is equipped with deep grooves that make the tire conform perfectly to the trail.

Pros

  • Heavy duty and durable
  • Excellent grip and traction
  • Aggressive treads
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Too heavy for some users
  • Not good for dry and loose trails

Warranty

The WTB Warden 2.3 TCS Tough/High Grip Tire did not provide any warranty information.

The Verdict

After reviewing all 10 products based on the five parameters, we present our verdict for the best tubeless mountain bike tire that you can buy today: the Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire. Unlike other tubeless mountain bike tires on the market, these tires are designed to handle tough terrains and intensive riding. Featuring ramped center knobs, these tires bring top-of-the-line traction and grip while minimizing rolling resistance.

In addition, the large block side knobs on the tires deliver top-notch cornering ability. Designed to be ridden in a variety of conditions, these tires can handle loose, wet, hard-packed, and muddy conditions with ease and dependability you can trust.

Last update on 2023-07-30 at 10:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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