Best mountain bike tires 2024 – top trail, XC and gravity options for ultimate grip and speed

A man riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail
(Image credit: Dan Griffiths / Moonhead Media)

The best mountain bike tires provide an optimum connection to the trail. Not only do they provide grip, but they also dampen vibrations and impacts. 

Tire choice plays a massive role in the way your mountain bike behaves and can be the difference between staying upright on the trail or bailing spectacularly. 

No different from choosing the best mountain bike wheels, it's vital that your tire choice matches your riding style and what types of trails you find yourself on. Cross-country tires prioritize less rolling resistance, while downhill, enduro and trail tires have bigger knobs and tougher casings. That's why we've split this best mountain bike tires guide into different sections for different riding disciplines. 

Read on to see our top picks of the best mountain bike tires for cross-country, trail, enduro, and downhill riding. Or read to the bottom to find Bike Perfect's guide on how to choose the best mountain bike tires. And if you fancy more on MTB tire tech, see our detailed guide on everything you need to know to choose the best tires for your riding.

Best mountain bike tires for trail

Specialized Butcher mountain bike tires with an editors choice badge

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best trail tire – unflappable in the corners, unstoppable on the downs

Specifications

Weight: 1,037g (29x2.30)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.3, 2.6
Protection: Grid

Reasons to buy

+
Great grip and damping
+
Well protected
+
Decent weight

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited options and availability 

Specialized has completely reworked its rubber compound on the Butcher for its latest release, and what they came up with is the T9 Grid Trail. Long story short, the T9 uses a slow rebound damping compound to provide predictable grip and handling in an impressive range of conditions. 

What does all of that mean on the trail? We found them to be extremely grippy and handle damping really well. The slow rebound almost feels as if we had dropped a couple of clicks of rebound/fitted a damper upgrade and gave the ride a heavily damped feel that's well suited to fast riding as it is to slow tech. The damped characteristic could dull the springy or poppy characteristics of a bike but start slamming through rocky or rooty sections and the high levels of grip, control and confidence become clear. 

They aren't too slow-rolling and not overly heavy either so they while they may suck some of the high-energy ride feel from your bike, we didn't find they punished us too much on climbs or flat sections. 

Not only that, but already keen global pricing has been dropped further in the UK recently too, making them a total bargain if you spell tire with a 'y'.

Find out why the Specialized Butcher is the best trail tire on the market. 

Maxxis Dissector mountain bike tires

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
If you liked the High Roller you’ll love the fast-and-drifty but still hard-braking Dissector

Specifications

Weight: 843g (29x2.4in WT 3C Exo)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.4, 2.6
Protection: Exo, DD, DH

Reasons to buy

+
Sweet spot medium aggro tire
+
Fast roll and relatively light
+
Predictable drift when pushed
+
Works either end

Reasons to avoid

-
High price
-
Intermediate grip gap

Maxxis is the generally accepted performance benchmark for aggro and trail tires and the Dissector sits very neatly into that crossover point. It’s lighter than a Minion DHF or DHR in a similar size and the ramped tread rolls faster. It's a good choice to add immediate pep to pedaling without having to resort to a lighter weight and more damage prone trail/XC Rekon, Forekaster, or Aggressor Maxxis tires too. 

The tire was designed by Australian Downhill racer Troy Brosnan so it's best suited to dry and dust conditions. The tire has a reassuring damped and stuck feel on the trail. If you have ridden a High Roller you will definitely recognize the jump between the center tread to the shoulders which can be a little unsettling. Make the leap of traction faith though and the cornering grip is decent with the tire gently initiating a drift rather than a dramatic snap out. 

The tire can be used both front and rear. As a rear tire, it adds more grip and control than a semi-slick and still rolls nicely. As a front tire, it's great for downcountry bikes or light trail riding. Check out our full thoughts on the Maxxis Dissector or browse the entire Maxxis MTB tires range. 

WTB Vigilante

(Image credit: Jim Bland)
Improved tire compound ensures the Vigilante is as grippy and surefooted as ever

Specifications

Weight: 900g (29x2.30)
Wheel size (inches): 26, 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.3, 2.5, 2.6
Protection: Slashguard

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Good grip
+
Brilliantly controlled feel

Reasons to avoid

-
Installation isn’t quite as smooth as simple as some
-
Thinner sidewalls may be suseptable to rock damage

Versatile in application, the WTB Vigilante is a great choice for riders looking to graduate to more advanced, feature-laden trails. That’s not to say it isn’t any good in the hands of the highly skilled — in fact, the Vigilante is still one of the most popular tire choices in the trail scene.

The tread pattern was recently updated to bring the tire up to modern standards, with prominent lugs defining the outer edges for enhanced traction.  A newly developed rubber technology called TriTec, using a combination of multi-density rubber compounds on the tread pattern to further bolster its grip proficiency and stability.

The Vigilante is a great fit and forget tire for those that just want to get out and ride and we found it worked well across a range of weather and trail conditions. There can be the occasional grip dead zone before the shoulders engage as you pitch into flat corners but overall the grip is very dependable. Rolling speed is decent and so are the wear rates so it should give you plenty of trail time before it needs to be replaced. The sidewalls aren't as tough as some other trail tires so if you are riding in particularly rocky terrain it's worth popping in fiew extra PSI to help avoid any slashes.

For full details, check out our full review of the WTB Vigilante.

Michelin Force am2 mountain bike tires with a best value badge

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best value trail tire – durable, well-priced all-rounders

Specifications

Weight: 1,110g (29x2.40)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.4, 2.6
Protection: Gravity Shield

Reasons to buy

+
Durable
+
Long-lasting
+
Good price

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited edge grip
-
Narrower than claimed
-
Loses grip in cold weather

The Wild and Force AM2 pairing is Michelin's latest offering. AM stands for All-Mountain, as opposed to the brand's enduro category, so that means it's meant for rigorous trail riding rather than super aggressive enduro riding. 

The tires are front and rear-specific with the Wild AM2 offering better traction and the Force AM2 rear putting more priority on rolling speed. The downhill evolved tread pattern of the Wild AM2 offers excellent straight-line control in soft or mixed conditions although the shoulder knobs aren't as aggressive as some of the other aggro trail/enduro tires on this list. The Force AM2 features a more condensed tread pattern for better rolling speeds although it still does a good job of holding the ground in a straight line when needed. The shoulders are the same as the Wild AM2 so we found they tended to break free a little more often than other tires we have used.

While grip might not be able to quite match some of the best mountain bike tires, the Michelin's have proven to be a durable and long-lasting tire which only further boosts its super-competitive pricing. With the extra durability does come a little extra weight, it's also on the slimmer side as a 2.4in blows up to a width that's more in line with 2.3-inches in our experience. 

For more details, we have a full review of the Michelin Force and Wild AM2.

Schwalbe Nobby Nic Super Trail tire

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
Nobby Nic's balance speed and grip to make excellent trail all-rounders

Specifications

Weight: 1094g (29x2.35in Super Trail)
Wheel size (inches): 26, 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.25, 2.4, 2.8
Protection: Super Trail, Super Ground, Super Race, DD Raceguard, Performance

Reasons to buy

+
Fast-rolling
+
Predictable grip
+
Fast-clearing
+
Soft compound available
+
Loads of sizes including 26in

Reasons to avoid

-
High official pricing

Schwalbes Nobby Nic tire has had a bit of a shaky past. Previously overshadowed by Schwalbe's other tires, the latest Nobby Nic has had a 'Super Trail' makeover and is finally the performance trail tire it was destined to be.

A new tread maintains the fast-rolling speed of the older tire but boosts grip across a wide range of conditions. The wide-spaced knobs offer useful traction in soft conditions and the spacing means it shakes off mud reasonably quickly too. If you are leaning towards grip, rather than lower rolling resistance, you may be better served by Schwalbe's own Magic Mary. That said the Nobby Nic is plenty grippy enough for the majority of trail work year-round.

Schwalbe does a bunch of different carcass options whether you're looking for something lighter weight or enduro tough too. You're also in luck if you are still rocking 26in wheels as the new Nobby Nic is still available in the smaller wheel size. RRP is on the pricier end although they will likely see some savings by the time it hits your shopping basket.

Best mountain bike tires for cross-country

Specialized Fast Trak mountain bike tires with a editors choice badge

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best XC tire – versatile yet speed-enhancing XC all-arounder

Specifications

Weight: From 610g
Wheel size (inches): 29
Width (inches): 2.2, 2.35
Protection: Gripton T5, T7, or S-Works

Reasons to buy

+
Pricing is fantastic
+
Control is fast but flat-resistant
+
S-Works is crazy quick and lively
+
Fast Trak tread is a great XC all-arounder

Reasons to avoid

-
T7 is a bit sticky on the rear
-
T5 can be sketchy on the front

Specialized has an overhauled lineup of cross-country tires, and we're big fans. The Fast Trak is a great all-around option for XC riders, but with different treads and compounds, there's something for everyone from the casual rider to the pro racer. 

The Fast Trak featured here uses an alternating diagonal centerline tread with small center depressions. There are also closely spaced intermediate and lower shoulder tread for cornering support. 

There's a marked difference between the T7 and T5 rubber compounds that the Fast Trak is available in. The T7 compound is stickier so it works well as a front tire, while the fast-rolling attributes of the T5 are great for a rear tire. For the ultimate speed and grip combo, go with the S-Works version which isn't all that more expensive but drops around 100g. It uses a T5 center with a T7 shoulder so you have the best of both worlds.

Specialized UK have recently dropped pricing further, making it a total bargain for British racers.

Find out more about the Specialized Fast Trak as well as the Ground Control and Renegade cross-country/downcountry tires in our review. 

Pirelli Scorpion XC M Team tire mountain bike tires with a best value badge

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
A rapid, tough and trail-worthy front/rear Italian combo

Specifications

Weight: 718g (XC M), 653g (XC H)
Wheel size (inches): 29er
Width (inches): 2.2
Protection: ProWALL

Reasons to buy

+
Fast-rolling
+
Low and very low weight
+
Durable compounds
+
Usefully ‘trail’ tough
+
Stable at low pressures

Reasons to avoid

-
Damped rather than dynamic feel
-
Limited lean aggression
-
Slippery when wet

Pirelli's XC tire range comes in either a minimal Lite version or a reinforced sidewall version we tested called ProWALL. The XC M has a relatively larger tread compared to the XC H, which is the fastest rolling cross-country tire the brand offers. 

While the XC M doesn't offer as much support as a downcountry or trail tire, it still offers plenty of grip for classic fast-paced cross-country rides, especially if your terrain is rock-based man-made trails or summer singletrack. It seem to be tough as well, shrugging off plenty of rock scuffs and blunt edges.

The XC H is fast-rolling but unless you ride on a baked hard trail network it's best left off the front and instead used as a speed booster on the rear. The tread may be very shallow but it grips far better than you would expect when pedaling. 

The M and H are a good front-rear combination for summer riding in the UK/northern Europe so long as you don't lean into the corners too hard as the shoulders are fairly slimline. Good levels of toughness and durability also increase the value if you're covering a lot of miles day in and out, too. 

Read more of our thoughts on these solid all-around XC tires in our full review of the Pirelli Scorpion XC M and H Team tires. 

Vittoria Syerra downcountry tire

(Image credit: Graham Cottingham)
New and worthy entry into the downcountry market

Specifications

Weight: 850g (claimed)
Wheel size (inches): 29er
Width (inches): 2.5
Protection: Graphene

Reasons to buy

+
Noticeable ease in maintaining rolling speed compared to trail tires
+
Low pressures and 2.4in width add more float compared to XC tires
+
Low weight compared to trail-lite tires
+
Well priced

Reasons to avoid

-
More aggressive siping would improve wet root/rock grip

The Syerra is one of Vittoria's latest tires and the brand's entry into the downcountry market. They have even labeled it as a downcountry tire on the sidewall. And with downcountry's unique considerations compared to regular cross-country riding, Vittoria has developed a new construction, casing, and tread pattern for the Syerra. 

A 60tpi nylon casing is combined with an Anti-Pinch flat insert, which also helps support the sidewall. The brand's Graphene compound rubber is used, combining a fast-rolling XC compound in the center with a more grippy and supportive trail compound on the sides. The open tread uses a fast-rolling center section with more aggressive shoulders to give a good balance of grip and speed.

The tire rolls fast on flat sections compared to trail orientated options as well as on climbs and rolling terrain. A wider profile and more aggressive tread help with grip and cornering support compared to a standard cross-country tire too. The Syerra is best in dry, intermediate or loamy conditions; maybe choose something different if you regularly ride wet rocks and roots. They are certainly lean more to cross-country but despite being much lighter than the trail tires around they don't seem to sacrifice rock and pinch-flat protection.

In our Vittoria Syerra review,  we found that it is a worthy contender in the downcountry discipline.

Maxxis Ikon

(Image credit: Maxxis)

Maxxis Ikon

Versatile cross-country tire that's tougher than you expect

Specifications

Weight: 739g (claimed, 29x2.35)
Wheel size (inches): 26, 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.0, 2.2, 2.35
Protection: EXO

Reasons to buy

+
Predictable tread pattern
+
Versatile across trail conditions (for an XC tire)
+
Good stability
+
Comes in 26, 27.5, and 29er wheel sizes

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey compared to Specialized and Vittoria offerings

The Ikon is a grippy, fast-rolling, and comfortable cross-country tire. The tread pattern is pretty shallow and heavily chamfered to help rolling speed however the grip is still impressive considering such unassuming knobbles. In fact, when riding them in fast dry conditions it was very easy to get carried away and begin barreling down trails with trail bike exuberance. 

Luckily they are also fairly tough and despite some pinballing and loose rock we rolled out the other side relatively unscathed. As with any cross-country tire, they are going to start to struggle when things become wet or greasy but the predictable tread pattern and good-sized footprint in the larger 2.35-inch size helps with trail adhesion.

Weight is on par rather than spectacular but this is often a trade-off for cross-country tires and they are on the pricier end, especially when compared to Specialized's range.

Best mountain bike tires for enduro and downhill

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Best mountain bike tires for enduro and downhill

Pirelli Scorpion XC M Team tire mountain bike tires with an editors choice badge

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best gravity tire – an aggressive, super-grippy tire for downhill and enduro use

Specifications

Weight: 1,254g (2.4, 29er)
Wheel size (inches): 26, 27.5, 29er
Width (inches): 2.25, 2.35, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8
Protection: Snakeskin

Reasons to buy

+
Strong performance
+
Great grip
+
Excellent protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the cheapest
-
The new model is heavier than the outgoing version

Schwalbe’s Magic Mary has changed very little since being introduced to the market five years ago. While the tread pattern remains the same, the compound received an update in 2018 in the form of Addix — a mixture Schwalbe claims has increased rolling speed and durability over its TrailStar predecessor.

For this year, Schwalbe has introduced a new class of carcasses for its tires called Super Trail. Super Trail is basically intended for enduro use, which admittedly is a little confusing especially as the older Magic Mary had a lighter trail carcass. 

This new model gets increased protection, which also means that the weight has increased by about 300g. This tire is a good option for aggressive enduro riders who don't mind carrying a little extra weight uphill. 

While the Magic Mary is carrying a little more heft now, it still has the same great ride feel and tread pattern for grip in a wide range of trail conditions. That means it's still a firm favorite of ours, albeit the ones which work with gravity rather than against it.

Find out why we rated it 4.5/5 stars by reading the Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Trail review. On a budget? We've found the best Schwalbe Magic Mary deals currently available on the internet. 

Kenda Pinner Pro mountain bike tires with best value badge

(Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best value gravity tire – a solid, durable and superbly grippy hard-charger

Specifications

Weight: 1,322g (AGC 29x2.4)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29er
Width (inches): 2.4in
Protection: AGC and ATC

Reasons to buy

+
‘On-rails’ levels of cornering traction
+
Exceptional casing feel

Reasons to avoid

-
Occasional drift before bite feel won’t suit everyone
-
Additional weight and dull feeling casing might not be to everyone’s tastes

Kenda's Pinners carry a bit of weight but after back-to-back runs, the Pinner Pro does seem to roll faster than other aggro tires on the market; it might not be a lightweight trail tire sort of speed but the Pinner certainly holds an impressive on-trail pace. The additional weight is noticeable when climbing but it also doesn’t feel as much a chore as some other tough DH-focused options. 

If you’re regularly finding the limits of your current tire’s tread pattern or carcass, the Pinner tire from Kenda is a fantastic, solid, durable, and grippy hard-charging option. The Pinner Pro offers predictable levels of grip with a tenacious cornering hold. It may skip or slip before the shoulder knobs engage as you initiate a turn but this is well communicated. 

The grip is good but the sublime damped trail feel of the Pinner Pro is its best characteristic. The calming feeling means it feels very sure-footed and controlled by filtering out trail chatter whilst still without dulling communication between rider and traction.

Find out our full thoughts on the Kenda Pinner Pro in our review.

Maxxis Minion DHF

(Image credit: GuyKes)
The classic hard cornering aggro tire

Specifications

Weight: 1,015g (claimed, 29x2.5WT 3C/EXO/TR)
Wheel size (inches): 26, 27.5, 29er
Width (inches): 2.3, 2.5 WT (wide trail), 2.6 WT (wide trail)
Protection: EXO, Double Down

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent cornering speeds
+
Versatile grip in most trail conditions
+
Good rolling speed

Reasons to avoid

-
Riders looking for braking performance better served with the Minion DHR II 

Since its inception decades ago, the Minion DHF has been the go-to for ultimate cornering performance. The Minion was originally designed as a DHF front and DHR rear specific tires and while they worked well as a pairing, many riders began experimenting with the setup. As a rear tire, the DHR brings great braking and steep terrain performance and has its own loyal following, however it was the DHF front and rear combo which quickly gained massive popularity.

The cornering confidence of the DHF is clear straight away too and it's hard to not describe it as feeling like you are 'on rails'. Confidence and predictability is excellent as well and backed up by the Minion DHF's uncanny ability to grip in a huge range of trail conditions. This is lucky as the cornering focused tread isn't the greatest at slowing you down when the brakes are applied, it still does a decent job although you're best opting for a DHR rear if braking is an important consideration for your trails.

The Minion DHF rolls remarkably quickly too so you can take full advantage of that cornering speed. Maxxis also offers a wide range of casings for the Minion DHF, so while it's aimed at gravity riding there are lighter options to bolster trail bike grip without too much extra weight.

Check out our full review of the Maxxis Minion DHF tire for more.

Continental Kryptotal tire

(Image credit: Dan Griffiths / Moonhead Media)
The latest gravity tires from Continental

Specifications

Weight: 1.290g (claimed, 2.4in, downhill casing)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.4
Protection: Downhill, Enduro and Trail casings

Reasons to buy

+
Predictable grip
+
Stable even at low pressures
+
Decent weight for a full downhill tire

Reasons to avoid

-
Can become clogged when conditions get soft

Designed in partnership with the Atherton Racing Team, Continental has completely redesigned its gravity tire range. At the forefront of this range is the Kryptotal, a mixed-terrain tire that comes in front and rear specific designs.

The two tires are focused on specific tasks, namely turning upfront and braking and acceleration traction at the rear. They can of course used separately, however, when we rode them the front-rear pairing felt very complementary to each other. In terms of handling, the front is very predictable and can be pushed into corners without too much worry that it's going to unexpectedly snap free. The corresponding rear digs in deep too, giving sharp braking and precise speed checks. Despite dropping down to low pressures the Kryptotal remained stable with very little awkward squirming and no hint of burping.

They can start to feel a little overwhelmed when conditions become soft due to the tight tread pattern however if you are predominantly riding in these conditions you will be better served by the Continental's Argotal which is targeted at loamy conditions.

For more information, check out our first look at Continental's new gravity tire range.

Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+

(Image credit: Paul Burwell)
Best front tire for gravity-orientated trails

Specifications

Weight: 1,129g (2.6, 29in)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29er
Width (inches): 2.5, 2.6
Protection: 3CT/EXO+/TR

Reasons to buy

+
Loads of grip
+
Good protection
+
Predictable ride feel
+
Various sidewall options

Reasons to avoid

-
Not cheap

The Maxxis Assegai was developed by downhill racer Greg Minnaar, so naturally, it’s available with a reinforced Double Down casing but there are lighter Exo and Exo+ versions available for trail riding. The plus tire gets an extra layer of lightweight reinforced nylon called Silkshield. It adds weight but the nylon has a sort of lattice work construction that adds casing stability (you can run lower pressure without the tire folding), thorn-type puncture protection and pinchflat resistance, which is really handy if you’re riding in the desert or rocky terrain. 

Like most of the Maxxis flagship tires, the Assegai comes with either MaxxTerra (medium) or MaxxGrip (soft) triple rubber compounds. What you’re looking at here is a hard stable rubber base, a quick-rolling center section, and then a soft rubber on the edge for grip. MaxxGrip tires don’t keep their sharp edge for long but a good call is to run a MaxxGrip up front with the hardwearing MaxxTerra on the rear. 

For trail use, the Assegai is one of the best all-rounders. It can handle hardpack and loose conditions as well as wet rocks and, with its open spacing, even deep mud. You can easily ride this tire throughout the year, and it works just as well on the front as on the rear.

For more, see our full Maxxis Assagai review.

Hillbilly T9

(Image credit: GuyKesTV)
The best tire for sloppy winter conditions

Specifications

Weight: 1074g (29 x 2.4)
Wheel size (inches): 27.5, 29
Width (inches): 2.4
Protection: Grid Trail. Gravity Grid

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent grip in filth
+
Excellent carcass damping
+
Bargain UK pricing
+
Easy tubeless setup

Reasons to avoid

-
Bit slower than a standard trail tire
-
Nearer 2.3 than 2.4in

If you're after a tire that will give you grip in the worst of wet muds, then look no further than the Specialized Hillbilly. The tire uses the same excellent Gripton T9 60TPI compound as the Specialized Butcher (more on that tire later in this article).

The center/shoulder tread pattern is very different though, following the classic ‘square studs with plenty of space around them’ format of most good soft condition tires. The Hillbilly runs alternating pairs of knobs close together for a slight paddle effect and the knob tops are siped (slotted) to help them to reshape and spread under load.

Weight is average for a modern 2.4in ‘trail tire’ at 1074g, but at 59mm across, they’re actually closer to 2.3 than 2.4in wide. There’s also a Gravity Grid version but that takes weight beyond 1300g, which is a hefty pedaling punishment for bombproof survival.

Prices for the Hillbilly and the rest of Specialized's tire range are extremely competitive, which makes the Hillbilly an even better choice.

For more info, check out our full Specialized Hillbilly tire review.

Meet the testers

A man washing himself in a muddy puddle
Guy Kesteven

Guy's been testing and writing about mountain bikes since the 90's, he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. We are willing to bet that there aren't many tires Guy hasn't ridden over the last decade.

Paul Burwell bio
Paul Burwell

It feels like Paul has been testing bikes and products since the stone age, before suspension, disc brakes, dropper posts, and even the internet. He raced elite-level Cross Country back in the 1990s but now spends most of his time roosting trails instead. 

How to choose the best mountain bike tires

Not all mountain bike tires are created equal and there are a number of different factors that will determine the way they perform. These include such specifics as rubber compound, durability, puncture protection, tread pattern, tire width, and tubeless compatibility. As such you’ll find that a cross-country-specific tire is lighter, narrower, and less aggressive than a trail or enduro equivalent, owing to differences in bike geometry, terrain, and riding discipline.

Generally, more cross-country-focused tires will have smaller knobs with less rolling resistance. They're also lightweight, which comes at the expense of puncture and sidewall protection. Tires meant for more aggressive trail and enduro riding will have bigger knobs, with the biggest chunks of rubber being on the shoulder of the tire. This allows riders to dig into loose terrain and maintain the maximum amount of grip. 

Each manufacturer has its own rubber formulations and technologies. The most popular brands will offer their models in a broad array of widths, wheel sizes, and even carcass or casing technologies. This is good news, as riders can choose what works best for them and their local trails. 

Are wider mountain bike tires better?

It might seem logical that bigger tires will offer more grip it's not always the case though. In many circumstances a wider tire will offer more grip as the tire's contact with the ground is increased. However, in soft or muddy conditions where grip is achieved by the tread digging into the surface, a narrower tire may provide better grip as it's able to cut through the soft surface to find better purchase. 

Most mountain bike tires will measure between 2.35 and 2.6 inches, however, the best MTB tires for mud and cross-country tires that prioritize rolling speed will often measure 2.2 inches and lower. You do get larger tires with 2.8 inches becoming a popular size for the rear wheel of the best electric mountain bikes and the now lesser popular Plus tired mountain bike.

There is more to grip than the size of the tire as the tread pattern plays a far more significant role in a tire's characteristics and performance.

What tire tread should I choose?

A tire's performance is directly related to the tread pattern, the shape, spacing, and size of the tread, which will all determine the conditions and style of riding that it will excel at. 

Smoother low profile tread patterns will roll quickly in dry conditions whereas wider spaced spiked style tread will dig into muddy trails for wet weather grip. Some tires will even come in front and rear-specific patterns with angled front knobs offering better cornering and block knobs for braking or climbing.

Some tires will feature cuts on the treads called sipping. This helps large tread features to be more malleable to the trail surface as well as adding another edge to create more grip

Ultimately the tire tread that works best for you will be determined by the trail conditions when riding, as well as personal preference.

How does sidewall strength effect a tire?

While tread will dictate a tire's grip performance and intended riding conditions, the sidewalls play a key role in allowing the tread to perform well. When a tire is described as supple this refers to the sidewall's ability to conform to the terrain as you ride a trail. A supple sidewall allows the tread to deform to the ground as well as absorb vibrations and deflections from rough sections.

However, this comes at a trade-off against a tire's ability to withstand pinch flats and cuts caused by hard landings, rocks, and roots. Most brands will offer a range of different sidewall options that are suited to general cross-country, trail, enduro, or downhill riding.

Does tire pressure matter?

There is also an invisible element that has a direct bearing on the way your tires react to the terrain — tire pressure. Depending on which type of riding you prefer, tinkering with your mountain bike tire pressures might yield greater traction gains on one hand but better rolling resistance and speed on the other; it all depends on how hard or how soft you’re willing to go. 

However too high and the tire won't conform to the ground, losing grip and transferring more trail feedback through the handlebars. Drop pressures too low and the tire will be more susceptible to punctures, rim damage and will feel unsupported in corners giving a squirming feeling. 

Generally, riders will run the front tire a few PSI softer than the rear for better front tire grip and less puncture risk at the back. Many brands will offer a tire pressure calculator on their website which will account for the tire, spec, rider weight, and riding style in order to determine your optimal pressures. These are always a good starting point although it's worth experimenting to find the optimal PSI for you. We recommend sessioning a typical trail for your area to dial in the right pressures.

Are mountain bike tires tubeless?

These days tubeless mountain bike tires are now the norm with tubeless compatible rims and tires being standard on all but the cheapest mountain bikes. Due to there being so many advantages to a tubeless setup when mountain biking all tires that are worth buying are available as tubeless compatible.

Graham Cottingham
Senior reviews writer, Bike Perfect

Graham is all about riding bikes off-road. Based in Edinburgh he has some of the best mountain biking and gravel riding in the UK right on his doorstep. With almost 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for Bike Perfect.


Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller

Height: 177cm

Weight: 71kg

With contributions from