MTB

Learn more about MTB tyres specific questions and how to improve your personal riding experience here. 

Tyre size is usually written with the wheel diameter first, followed by the tyre width. For example - 29 x 2.2. This refers to a 29” wheel diameter and a 2.2” tyre width.

First, you need to know which wheel size (diameter) you are using. The most common sizes are 29”, 27.5” and 26”, although some bikes, especially youth and junior sizes, may use 24”, 20” and 16”. Your tyre size must match the wheel size. 

Tyre width refers to the measurement across the widest part of the tyre once inflated and will vary depending on the type and purpose. Tyre width will be determined by your choice of discipline, the internal rim width of the wheel and the clearance of the bicycle frame. In general, hardpack or all-round riding will tend to use a slightly narrower tyre than gravity. Use the filters in the product page to search for your perfect tyre option. 

Several factors should be considered when inflating your mountain bike tyres. The right pressure is dependent on some key variables - the weight of the rider and the terrain being ridden on. In general, the less you weigh, the less pressure is required in the tyres. After riding your new tyres for a while it’s easier to get a ‘feel’ for the right pressure based on how the bicycle handles. Pressure that is too low will feel bouncy or unstable, and can also risk pinching the tyre against sharp edges causing punctures. Too much pressure will lack traction and will feel less comfortable. Always refer to the recommended pressure range printed on the side of the tire and never exceed the maximum. Tyres are tested to perform safely within the pressures indicated on them.

There is a degree of personal preference with regards to the ideal tyre pressure, but if the conditions on the trails change then it is recommended to alter your tyre pressure accordingly. Wet, muddy conditions normally require less pressure in order to deliver better traction. Likewise, when the trails are dry and dusty adding slightly more pressure will help tyres roll faster and hold speed.

Tyre pressure is an important safety factor, so should be checked before every ride. Since the pressure in a tyre is directly related to the air temperature and conditions around, all bicycle tyre systems are subject to continuous fluctuation and pressure loss. Check the tyre pressure using a pump with an accurate gauge (display) when the valve is at 12 o’clock. Also, check that the tyre is correctly seated within the rim by looking at the all-round tire line to see that it aligns accurately with the edge of the wheel rim. If the tyre does not spin smoothly, or wobbles when the wheel is turned, this is often a sign that the tyre is not fitted correctly.

Continental Tubeless Ready tyres can either be used with a tube or without and instead filling sealant in. We recommend the use of ContiRevo Sealant.
By using sealant in the event of punctures the tyre does close smaller damages very immediately itself and without significant air loss.
Tubeless Ready setups are tentatively ligther since the addtional weight through the tube does not apply. 

This will depend on usage and, to a degree, local climate. For maximum protection keep your sealant fresh by cleaning and replenishing every three months. This also provides a good opportunity to check for adverse wear and damage to the tyres. Sealant that is left for long periods will stagnate in the tyre. Although this won’t impact the health of the compound, it will reduce how effective the sealant is at protecting against punctures.

The first and most important thing right at the start: Nobody rides like you. Riding behaviours differ, and so do riding conditions and personal preferences. Our tyre finder guides you through the process of finding your personal setup tailored to your needs. 
Generally speaking the application field (XC, Trail, Enduro, Downhill) and your bike type is a good point to start from. With a range of dimensions and widths you can narrow down the tyre range to your individual setup. 

The pattern and size of the tread depends on the purpose that tyre is designed for and the grip required. For soft, muddy conditions the Hydrotal features large lugs that are designed to bite into the surface and offer superior traction. Whereas the tread used on the Race King is less pronounced, favoring dry, fast trails. 
By picking the right tyre pattern you can significantly optimize your personal riding experience. All Continental MTB tyres are specifically designed along Mountainbike application fields, in order to support you in grip and cornering as well as speed. Continental MTB tyres can be used in both front and rear as well as in an individual combinations. 

As a general rule Continental MTB tyres with ProTection and Shieldwall technology can be used on pedelecs with a maximum speed of 25km/h. The sidewalls are specifically designed to resist against the additional forces. 
For S-pedelecs for up to 45 km/h we have SUV allrounder specialists in our range, equipped with exactly the right technologies to support you in both reliability as well as puncture protection. 

Continental’s new MTB models probably are the most exciting tyre approach you might have seen in a while. We are literally redefining mountainbiking and making it as easy as never before to find the right tyre tailored to your individual needs and preferences. We have listened carefully, tested intensely with our teams and concluded the feedback into our new Gravity range.  

For your own safety, badly damaged tyres should be replaced. Check your tyres for damage before and after every ride. It is not always possible to tell during a ride whether a piece of debris has damaged your tire. Check if foreign objects (stone, glass, wood) are embedded in the tyre. Sharp objects can cause damage that might not result in a puncture, but could weaken the carcass of the tyre. In general, small or superficial damage to the rubber that does not penetrate into the supporting carcass can continue to be ridden. Tyres that have not been ridden for a long time or left in storage should also be checked carefully for cracks and degradation.