Buying the best tires for your mountain bike involves questions you should know about. Which tires are best for my mountain bike? What size should I choose? Which are the most resistant? And the lightest? Whether it's a full suspension mountain bike or a hardtail mountain bike, to answer these questions, we offer you this practical buying guide.
MTB Tires: Key Concepts
What are the aspects that affect the performance of tires for your mountain bike?
Sizes (diameter and width)
Separated by an x, the sidewall or edge of the tires displays the figures corresponding to the diameter and width (or volume) of the tires, expressed in inches (27.5x2.25", 29x2.20", etc.). The diameter must match that of the wheel or rim. As for the width, you should choose it according to the maximum your bike allows, the type of riding you do, the kind of route, or your riding style.
The diameter and width are two values that appear engraved on the side of the tire.
What are the most common sizes depending on the MTB discipline you practice?
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XC/Marathon. Bikes for the cross country discipline are hardtail or have a 100 mm travel fork, although 120 mm is becoming more common. These are simple routes, with little elevation or short and explosive rides. Usual tire sizes: from 2" to 2.30".
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Trail/All Mountain. This is the habitat of semi-rigid or full suspension bikes, with suspensions from 120 to 150 mm, prepared for more technical routes, with greater elevation and rough terrain. Usual tire sizes in trail or all mountain: from 2.30" to 2.40".
- Enduro/Downhill. Here, the norm is full suspension bikes and long-travel suspensions (more than 150 mm) to tackle very technical routes with numerous descents and obstacles. Usual tire sizes in enduro or downhill: from 2.40" to 2.60".
Tread (knobs)
This is the outer layer of the tire that is in contact with the ground. Made from rubber and other chemicals, it features treads or knobs that provide grip and stability. The larger and more spaced out they are, the more traction and ability to clear sand or mud. On the other hand, it will be harder to move forward and gain speed.
Casing (TPI)
The type of tire casing is also important. It is its inner structure. It is made with a weave of nylon threads which determines the weight and puncture protection. To know if a casing is lighter or more resistant to punctures and wear, you just need to know its TPI. It is a numerical value that you can check on the sidewall of the tire itself. It refers to the density of the casing, expressed in threads per square inch (Threads Per Inch). It is easy to interpret. The higher the TPI, the more nylon threads the casing will have and the less rubber. Therefore, it will be a lighter tire, but it will also be less protected against punctures. A lower TPI, on the other hand, means more rubber and protection, but also more weight. Currently, the TPI of mountain bike tires ranges, approximately, between 30 (very resistant, for enduro or DH) and 120 (cross country).
Tubeless Ready
Tubeless Ready tires are those that can be used without an inner tube. Today it is the most widespread format in the MTB world. If you need to change tires and have never tried it, we recommend you do so thanks to its excellent puncture protection and lower weight. You can identify them by the TR marking on their sidewall, or in the product description.
Other factors for choosing new tires
In addition to what has been mentioned, there are more factors that can influence our purchasing decision. Do you want to know some of them?
Compounds
Within each brand, and also each tire model, there are different versions depending on the compound used to make the tread (rubber plus other substances and chemicals). There are tires with the same tread pattern that, however, have different compounds to enhance one quality over another: rolling resistance, flexibility, or grip... The same tire model can have different versions depending on the compound: more or less rolling, resistant, etc. In major brands, such as Maxxis or Schwalbe, the same tire model can offer different compounds. These are identified by numbers, specific names (as is the case with Maxxis, with the single, double, or triple), and even colors (for example, Schwalbe and its red Addix for rolling terrain, blue for mixed terrain, or orange for rough terrain).
Type of bead
This is a feature that may seem secondary, but is very useful. The bead provides rigidity to the lower edge or bead and is essential in the connection between tire and rim. There are two main types of bead:
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Rigid: these are the usual steel beads of the most conventional and economical tires. With them, mounting the tire on the wheel is a bit more complicated, as is transporting it. In addition, they weigh more than folding ones. In models for Trail or Enduro, they are used for a more solid fit on the rim.
- Flexible or folding: the inner bead is usually made of kevlar. This makes the tire foldable, lighter, easy to transport and install. It is included in competition or higher-end tires.
Any technical sheet of a tire includes information about its bead type. Also, it is easy to identify on the tire itself. If it is very hard to bend the bead, it is rigid.
Protections and reinforcements
Each brand adds various reinforcements to their tires on the sidewalls or on the casing. The goal is to add more protection and durability to the tire. For example: if you ride on dry or rocky terrain, you may need tires with specific protection on the sidewalls and bead, to prevent cuts and punctures. In this regard, the Maxxis EXO technology stands out. The EXO+ casing features a flexible reinforcement on the sides and a butyl (synthetic rubber) insert in the bead to protect the rim from impacts, cuts, and punctures. We could also mention the Michelin brand and its Cross Shield 2 casing protection. This is based on a high-density fiber layer and adds extra protection against pinch flats.
Frequently asked questions about mountain bike tires
Below are some common questions that arise when buying new tires for our mountain bike.
I'm a beginner in mountain biking, which tires should I choose?
It is recommended to opt for a conventional mixed-type tire that guarantees, above all, safety. As for the tread, ideally you want medium-high profile knobs that provide good grip without weighing down the bike too much. A standard width of 2.20" or 2.25" would be a good choice.
What can I do to get more grip?
If your tire frequently slips on technical sections or when climbing hills, the first recommendation is to slightly lower the pressure of the tires (between 0.1 and 0.3 bar per tire). This will increase the contact surface with the ground and the knobs will grip the terrain more firmly.
Slightly lower the pressure of your wheels and you will get more grip.
If you want to switch to a new model, choose a wider tire (from 2.3" the grip is already noticeable), as well as a medium or high-profile tread pattern, with spacing between the knobs.
What pressure should I inflate them to?
The ideal pressure depends on several factors: the size of the tire, the weight of the bike, the rider, the route, the condition of the terrain, and the position of the tire (it is advisable to inflate the front wheel less than the rear, to achieve better traction). Each tire has a recommended pressure range that you can check on its sidewall or technical sheet. But this is only a reference point, which you can adjust to your needs. There is no standard ideal pressure.
How can I reduce weight on the tires?
If you want to adjust the weight of your bike in an economical way, changing the tires can be a good idea. Reducing their width is a quick and effective solution. But if you don't want to lose grip or stability, we recommend installing tubeless ready tires. . Dispensing with inner tubes can save up to 300 grams. In addition, you will forget about punctures thanks to the protection of the sealant liquid inside.
How long do MTB tires last?
👉 Recommended: How often should you change your bike tires?
There is no single answer. It will depend on the frequency of use, the type of tire, the compound, etc. But if we had to estimate the approximate lifespan, a biker who rides frequently could make their tires last about two years.
Tuvalum Team
