Love gettin` dirty? Are you a mountain bike lover? Sure you are. You like discovering the toughest dirt tracks. You go for the roughest paths in the woods and grooves. You are maneuvering over roots, rocks, and ruts with ease. If all the above check out, we know that you know that you need the best bike tires on the market. That is because you are a mountain bike enthusiast who prefers uneven terrain to paved roads.
Excellent! You have great taste in the sports of your choosing. Mountain biking is one of the most enjoyable extreme sports out there. With plenty of mountain bikers around the world, it is one of those sports that do not miss to get a reaction out of anyone, be it good or bad.
We support your love for mountain biking. However, we have to say it: Unfortunately, the toll of rough riding on your bike can be catastrophic! Your bike may be unrecognizable after several tours through the forest. Moreover, the most damage is likely to happen in the place that makes direct contact with the soil: the mountain bike`s tires.
It is quite common to have shredded tires in this sport. However, this shouldn`t be the norm in your case. In other words, you can avoid mountain bike tire damage by buying tires that hold up to the worst type of terrain.
That is why we have identified the best tires on the market. In addition, you would not have to throw your money buying new tires after every biking adventure, anymore.
How to Choose The Best Mountain Bike Tire
Firstly, before we look into the best tires available, let’s have a look at how to refine your search for mountain bike tires. Let`s quickly walk through the main features to consider when you make your purchase.
Tread and Profile
The tread on your tire is important. More than you`s think. Not only it is something to consider for your safety, but also for your enjoyment, and performance when riding. Therefore, it’s essential that you understand the tread you’re looking for.
Importantly, the center zone of the tread is where you’ll apply the most pressure. For instance, this section is responsible for the rolling resistance on your bike. If a tire has closely-spaced center knobs, it has a lower rolling resistance making it easier to pedal, and more suitable if you’re traveling in snowy conditions. However, taller, widely-spaced knobs provide more traction and resistance and perform at their best when the surface is dry or soft.
The transition zone on a bike tire determines how responsive a tire is around angles and corners. For example, round tread profiles are versatile and ideal if you’re not yet comfortable with riding uphill or on tough terrain. Alternatively, square tread profiles shine best when riding through loose dirt as they can break through tough patches of mud. See? Plenty of choices to be made!
Tire Width
The width of your mountain bike tire is more important than you think.
The tires typically come in a range of sizes from 1.6 to 2.5 inches. How would you know what and how to pick? For that, you should approximate and estimate your riding style and abilities in handling your mountain bike. Tires with a narrow width will roll fast. That is because they are developed with the purpose of cross-country rides. But, if you are for example in a muddy environment you should definitely avoid using narrow tires.
Don`t get us wrong, they have their usage, but the wider tires are more stable and ideal for rough terrain. Above all, they also offer better grip and traction so you are still in control when traveling in mud, rain, or snow.
Don’t just consider your riding style and typical weather conditions. Also, take into consideration the maximum width your mountain bike will allow. If you opt for a tire that is too wide, it could put your safety at risk as well as rub against the suspension fork and cause this to wear down.
Rubber Compounds
There’s a variety of rubber compounds available, so don`t worry, there is something for everyone. Admittedly, it can be confusing to narrow down your search for the best manufacturer. For instance, the most important factor to remember is that rubber compounds have a different thickness to suit the pavements you ride on as well as offer specialized grips and traction.
For example, tires that are designed with soft rubber have an incredible grip. But they tend to wear out fast, particularly if you ride your bike on flat surfaces. For example, the pathway to your destination may be formed out of an immense amount of pavement, for which case a harder tire would be a greater choice than a soft tire.
There’s also the option of dual rubber compounds on the same tire. It solves your problems by offering two features in one single format. Generally, these have hard rubber in the middle and soft rubber on the outside to provide an even balance of grip and durability when riding.
Front and Rear Tires
You might be wondering why we’re splitting the front and rear tires into two sections. You might say that you can choose to match both wheels should you wish to. You would not be that far off the mark. However, today’s technology has advanced in such a manner that it has offered the front and the rear tire multiple new advantages.
The front tire takes the lead for taking corners and keeping the bike in a straight line. If you choose a wide front tire, you’ll be able to stay on course easily and not have to steer the bike as much. On the other hand, a narrow front tire improves your rolling resistance and helps you travel faster.
A rear tire tends to wear out quicker than a front one because it takes all the impact. If you use your bike for cross-country riding, then for sure you will need a rear tire capable to resist the unexpected. Rear tires usually have horizontal knobs across the tire to provide even traction and prevent the wheel from continually spinning as you pedal (a very handy feature for climbing up hills).
The Best Mountain Bike Tires | Review
The following bike tires are high-performing. They are durable and affordable. Tires are probably the most important part of your bike, so don’t rush the process! Don`t take the first and the cheapest product available. Be sure to carefully scroll through the list below (and enjoy the comprehensive review!).
The Best Mountain Bike Tires Comparison Table
Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating |
Maxxis Minion DHR Mountain Bike Tire | Minion DHR | $$$ | 4.8 | |
Maxxis ADvantage Mountain Bike Tire | Maxxis ADvantage | $$ | 4.6 | |
WTB Velociraptor Cross Country Mountain Bike Tire | WTB Velociraptor | $$ | 4.7 | |
Maxxis CrossMark Mountain Bike Tire | Maxxis CrossMark | $$$ | 4.7 | |
Maxxis Ignitor Mountain Bike Tire | Maxxis Ignitor | $$$ | 4.6 | |
Kenda Nevegal Mountain Bike Tire | Kenda Nevegal | $$$ | 4.6 | |
Maxxis Ardent Mountain Bike Tire | Maxxis Ardent | $$ | 4.6 | |
The Minion DHR tire has been designed with aggressive downhill mountain biking in mind and therefore incorporates ramped knobs and silkworm protection in its construction.
The directional ramped knobs can be found in both the front and rear tires, which minimize rolling resistance and allow for optimum braking and accelerating. The silkworm protection also adds to the longevity of your tires, ensuring that you will be riding for a long time to come.
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Some of its features include:
- Large volume for aggressive riding
- Silkworm protection
- Directional ramped knob design – front or rear
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American professional cyclist Alison Dunlap came up with the design of the ADvantage tire, with aggressive cross country biking in mind.
This front and rear tire can, therefore, tackle challenging trails, through the use of large side knobs that will make mincemeat out of corners.
Additionally, the tire can climb inclines and brake with unparalleled ease due to its contrasting parallelogram center tread design. The ADvantage also has spaced-out lugs for traction in mud and ramped center knobs for diminished rolling resistance.
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Some of its features include:
- High volume aggressive cross country tire
- Wide lug spacing sheds mud easily
- Front or rear
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The legendary Velociraptor from WTB is a cross-country marvel that weighs only 700 grams. This amazing 26 inches by 2.1 inches tire achieves this feat through the use of lightweight casing, DNA rubber, and Aramid bead construction.
The popularity of this tire also lies in its amazing front tire steering control, which allows you to handle all types of terrain with supreme ease.
Additionally, this large tire has deep directional treads that allow you to climb inclines and cut through corners easily. Apart from the amazing traction of the Velociraptor, the cross country rear tire is precise and powerful when climbing and braking, allowing you to tear through any obstacle in your path.
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Some of its features include:
- Legendary tires weighing 700g
- Lightweight casing
- Renowned for its steering control, 35-65 psi
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The 29-inch CrossMark clincher tire is a foldable and lightweight tire created for use on hard-packed dirt.
The 605 grams tire is created with a continuous center ridge and a tread pattern that works well on high-speed hardpack, and when you factor in the low-profile knobs, you have a tire that will plow through buff trails.
When it comes to riding in wet and loose conditions, the raised side knobs and the spacing in between the center lugs provide sufficient traction.
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Some of its features include:
- Fast rolling center ridge
- Durometer – 60a (26×2.25), 70a (26×2.1 and 29×2.1)
- Front or rear raised side knobs for better cornering
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The Ignitor bike tire from Maxxis comes in 26-inch and 29-inch options, both of them giving you an opportunity to experience fantastic performance in an array of riding conditions.
These folding tires are popular for their versatile construction compounds, which include the durable 70a, the race-proven 62a, and the urban-ready 60a.
You have the option of selecting which compound you want on your tires depending on where you want to ride your bike.
Additionally, the well-spaced tread pattern on the tire allows for minimized rolling resistance and speed on light gravel trails, asphalt roads, and hard-pack single tracks. The knobs on the tires will also ensure that you receive a great grip in all weather.
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Some of its features include:
- Long-lasting 70a or race-proven eXCeption Series 62a compounds
- Excellent multi-condition performance
- Designed to roll fast and hook up in medium to loose conditions
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The Kenda Nevegal is part of the John Tomac signature series, which is exceptionally popular in the MTB world. The beauty of this tire can be witnessed in loose and muddy conditions, where it provides incredible grip and control.
There are several wires beaded and folding tire options when it comes to the Nevegal, each of them having a different tire construction for varied grip in loose and hard conditions. The Dual Tread Compound (DTC) construction, for example, is great in steep situations, as it is made of soft rubber that provides great grip in such instances.
One thing that is common among all the Nevegal tires is the long-wearing rubber that they are made from, which gives the tires durability even when faced with constant rough terrain and cross-country trails.
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Some of its features include:
- The 2.35″ version uses Kenda’s DTC
- This is a super soft rubber that yields an excellent grip
- 2.1 ” tires use the same firmer rubber compound over the entirety of the tread
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The Ardent bike tire comes in three options, mainly the folding 60a, the wire beaded 60a, and the wire beaded 3C. These tires do great over rough trails, as well as over loose soil and hard ground. More specifically the Maxxis tires have been designed with traction in mind, and therefore have several components which will ensure that you have the optimum grip on your mountain ride.
Firstly, the tire is equipped with large side knobs which have numerous advantages when riding through corners at high speeds.
Furthermore, the Ardent product has a center tread that provides traction during acceleration and deceleration, as well as ramped knobs that reduce rolling resistance.
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Some of its features include:
- Designed for traction
- High volume casing
Discount Link – Buy Maxxis Bike Tire on Amazon, Now!
The Winning Mountain Bike Tire
As you can see, the Maxxis, Continental, WTB, and Kenda tires mentioned above are the best of the best. These extremely popular tires are guaranteed to provide you with an excellent grip in all conditions, as well as a smooth ride and durability during your biking adventures.
So if you own a mountain bike and lack quality tires, the performers given above will make your time much easier. But if I had to limit this article to one only bike tire, the winner would be the Maxxis Arden. This isn’t one of the heaviest bike tires available, which makes it ideal for traveling uphill and also for pushing your bike through wet and windy conditions.
The dual-compound tread is flat for excellent rolling resistance, but the tire also provides enough power and traction to make it ideal all year round. The height is also ideal for keeping the bike stable at all pressures, and the tread isn’t so aggressive that it can’t handle smooth pavements.
You have many options with this tire as you can push hard on it, or take it easy on long roads. Finally, the tire is completed with an EXO casing to add additional protections to the sidewall.
What are your thoughts on your list of the best mountain bike tires? Share your feedback in the comments, as well as any recommendations to other brands. And check out the other pages on our site to be sure that you are ready and steady for the road!