Tyre Tech | Everything You Need To Know About Mountain Bike Tyres

In this video, we take a detailed look at everything that makes a mountain bike tire. We explain the basics, such as tyre size and width. But also nerd out things such as TPi (Threads Per Inch), ETRTO numbers, rubber compounds and even how Sipes can affect how it deforms on the trail on different terrain. 🤓🤘
In association with Vittoria.
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Brought to you by the Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN), GMBN Tech delves deeper into the bikes, kit and technology that powers your rides!
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[@gmbntech]

What type of tyre set up do you run? Let us know 👇

[@djsercy5879]

I commute only, but I run a Continental CrossKing 29×2.20 in the front and a WTB Bronson 29×2.20 rear. Because of my commutes, I run the tires at about 35-44psi and I've never felt any loss of grip in any of the conditions I've had to ride in. Here in SFL, the rainy season brings down a torrential downpour that leaves pretty deep puddles and minor flooding in the roads (despite the fact that the roads here are designed with a concave pattern to help prevent flooding) and I can just ride around like the road is completely dry without issues). I also like how the CrossKing leans into turns compared to the Bronson's stability. It's probably a decent (but a bit weighty) XC tire setup too

[@geemail369]

The setups i found working the best for me: *100mm/26" XC hardtail:* - a pair of 2.2 black chili RaceKings *130mm/650B trail fully:* - a pair of 2.4" exo Ardents *160mm/650B enduro fully:* - 2.4" High Roller II + 2.3" Minion DHR II (both 3C, maxx terra, exo) _or_ - 2.4" TrailKing + 2.3" MountainKing (black chili) ... depending on the conditions. Mostly settling for around 30psi/2bar of pressure. Tried different Schwalbes but they never made the cut.

[@Robinators]

Michelin force xc back, WildgripR front. 29x2.25. 1.8-1.9 bar. for everything everywhere. Hardfront hardtail.

[@joshporter5773]

Continental Trail king 29er both front and rear. Run 2.4 up front and 2.2 rear

[@pedrosolipa3701]

Hi guys First and foremost, great, I mean really great channel you´ve got. You address all the aspects of MTB, really well. I suppose no one could ask for more... well, maybe a chip or something for us do download and ride as you do :-) Could I count on your help regarding tyres? I ride mostly cross country and have been using X-King 26*2.2 and Race-King 26*2.2 all along. And I love them. I think they have good puncture resistance, last long and have good grip. But it's getting difficult to find tyres 26" and numbers not always correspond exactly from one brand to another. What options for identical tyres 26*(+/-2.2) do you suggest or recommend? Thanks a million and please keep up the wonderful reviews and tips and teachings.

[@ilikerealflight]

as a wise man once said "Thin rubber feels great, but offers minimal protection"

[@jshaw6600]

@@wojak2466 goes without saying…

[@hardtailrider4685]

lmao -seth’s bike hacks

[@petesmitt]

@@wojak2466 that was the implied joke..

[@wojak2466]

@@petesmitt oh....

[@alogcor]

Lol

[@rupedog]

Awesome vid Doddy...thorough, informative, accurate, interesting. Gmbm tech on top form. Recommended watch to any mtb'er

[@gmbntech]

Rad to hear that Rupert! 🙌

[@davidmorris8121]

I considered myself a borderline tyre nerd, yet I still learnt some stuff from this video! Awesome stuff, Doddy!!

[@gmbntech]

Thanks David!

[@m1chaelsc]

He got me with the 24.5in wheel lol

[@marksmith566]

Tyres are something I’ve always struggled with and this is the best and most informative video I’ve seen, thanks Doddy 👍

[@SuperJiggeryPokery]

That's is a great vid with so much detail, definitely worth a second watch and further research. Thanks very much folks!

[@michal8kowalik]

whenever I need some technical MTB info, I always end up on this channel, great work.

[@nerdexproject]

I love GMBN Tech! They present all the topics I always wanted to know more about! :)

[@gmbntech]

So good to hear that 🙂 Thanks! 🙌

[@irvsstella]

Still running TIOGAS factory DH 2.30 & 2.10 since the early 2000s! Great tyres. Got panaracer smoke and dart on the XC bike.

[@jonathanstone2754]

Panaracer smoke! Loved those things.

[@irvsstella]

@@jonathanstone2754 still available on fleabay my friend, but a little wider than the old 1.95

[@thenewbers3297]

Great video Doddy - I was wondering how you were going to be able to talk for that long on tyres but it just kept coming! I really appreciate that level of detail and analysis of the technology.

[@MTBMOR]

Everything mountain biking is getting more and more specialized.... I often try and figure stuff out, but usually I learn just enough to mess things up.

[@DoctorORBiT]

This was such a helpful video! I've been looking at different tyres for the past two weeks and can't really decide, but this changed everything! :)

[@sohaibyounus]

Been watching tire videos and this one is the most informative by far! Good job Doddy!

[@jmounce50]

Awesome video - perfect timing for getting new tires for the spring biking season, thank you.

[@sethfrankel3542]

Excellently informative video. High five! No wait...elbow bump, these days. Better yet, I’ll wave from across the parking lot.

[@severingrape1352]

I Really Love your Videos Thank's for all your Work and Knowledge

[@ds1755]

I feel like I just went to tire class.. Great video, thank you for the thorough explanations.👍👍👍👍

[@Geordo1960]

Oh Doddy such a hard topic. I don’t envy you having to write this set. Complicated! In any case thank you so much for taking the time and all the hard work putting this together and if you received any help kudos to that person or persons too!

[@donsmith2833]

Doddy always explains things well!

[@p199a]

10/10 video very thing was clear and explained in details

[@travellerseko]

I don't know why, but I love watching your videos. I am a fan of GCN and GMBN:) Doddy, you are wonderful as per MTC tech:)

[@joseph3628]

I just searched this up, thanks for the updated help!

[@gmbntech]

Glad you liked the video Joseph 👍

[@thomasvarner2685]

WTB Vigilante 29 x 2.6 up front with a WTB Trail Boss 29 x 2.6 in the rear. I have found this to be a great combo for most conditions I ride in. I dont ride a whole lot of mud but for hardpack or mixed/loose over hard, they work great!

[@jdavis417]

I "help myself out" and narrow my tire selection by only buying what's On Sale. ;) The Vittoria Morsa has been my "fast-rolling" rear for a few months and has performed very well and I've got a match for it to run this spring. Right now it's Mudsville around here and the Magic Mary's are coming out. On 2nd thought, I may stick with the Kenda Hellkat Pro on the front since I have no complaints with it either. Since I have been swapping tires long before their life is used, I think I'm pretty well set for this year (and hopefully longer)! Great video, Doddy! Thanks!

[@adammackenzie]

sweet vid, thanks !

[@user-lc2mu9jk2b]

Always a pleasure and quite a learning experience. Where were you 20 years ago...? Keep it up!

[@jdwells7233]

Fantastic Doddy...! Hammerhead

[@jamiemcdonald4880]

good job! I learned more than I thought i would!

[@gmbntech]

Great to hear Jamie!

[@dennisavilaugalde767]

Excelente explicacion.

[@timjohns3743]

Epic Job Doddy .photographing my Mavericks for rewind. I worked there with Paul Turner, Frank Scurlock, and Frank Vogel. Tim in Boulder, ColoRADo

[@brettneuberger6466]

Who knew? Impressive knowledge!

[@user-fz9nu7gr1m]

thenk you very much abuot this video

[@raydaggers5773]

Great video Doddy! I'm partial to Continental Cross King 27.5x2.3 black chilli front and back here in northern California.

[@nigelrandtoul8646]

Great video, now I get it, thanks Doddy

[@gmbntech]

Thanks Nigel!

[@rickymills8612]

Awesome vid! I run a Maxxis DHR 2 out back and as it’s the winter a Magic Mary at the front, which will get swapped out when/if it stops raining for a Nobby Nic.

[@noelfezza]

We love you Doddy 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@TrueElitegaming1]

Going out for my first ride tonight on my new Vittoria Martello 27.5x2.6 TNT!

[@vittoria]

Awesome!!

[@TrueElitegaming1]

vittoria It was quite windy and cold so my ride was only about 45 minutes, but the tires were great!

[@rupedog]

That tyre at 0:58 gonna need a lot of sealant to plug it!😂

[@wojak2466]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@michaelbraden4875]

Doddy, Thank you for this detailed review of tires - with all the new compounds and specific bike types, the rubber on the wheels was getting a bit lost on me. Thanks to you, I now have a great foundation to make an informed decision on which tires I should be running for a given riding condition. What are the differences in tires when using an E-bike??? I would think the added weight and torc would impact tire design and application. Could you do a primer on E-bike tires as well? Thanks!

[@RickReynoldsLive]

Thank you mate! Do you (or anyone!) have any videos about what tyre wear tells you about your technique??

[@chidiyaudi2474]

Doddy just categorised Blake as a type of people! Hahahah. Blake is a such a. Gangster mate!

[@evo5349]

I have never stuck to rotation as when the edge is worn just turn the tyre round and get some more time out off it. Used to do it all the time in Motocross, also used to sipe the tyre on motocross as well and worked very well, but the rubber nobs where bigger so its a bit difficult on mtb tyres. I have a few 42A tyres from maxxis and use them in the wet but there slow but on roots so much grip.

[@shapezmotronicaudio1332]

Minion dhf 29x3.0 up front and a Minion DHR2 27,5x2.8 at the back, best tires i ever tried.

[@weathdone]

Hello ... love ur vids ur the best... quick question i am on Vittorias since for while and love them but been noticing the side wall is really soft and not very stable im thinkin in corners.. any thoughts or tips ??? Thanx in advance if u get to answer...Again i love ur channel and so lucky to have access to them

[@TheProjectX3]

I love my Mezcal but when I had them in -3C temp ride they are way stiffer and roll harder, slower. I guess it cannot be perfect everywhere.

[@roichir7699]

Great video. Now I am even more confused what to buy. How do I know which tyre I need?

[@scottw4538]

Hi Doddy, great video. I have a cross country bike. What's the difference between Tubeless TLR and Tubeless TNT tyres?

[@robalexander7348]

Thank you, a very interesting MTB tyre video. I am riding a TREK 6000 MTB and currently running Schwalbe 26" x 2.25" 'Table Top ' tyres which have given marvelous grip, and free rolling tyres, they are getting thin and i need to replace them soon, which Schwalbe model tyre would you suggest for mainly sealed cycle ways, and around town on sealed roads. I am thinking of the Random Rob tyre ? Thank You 👍 Au

[@dadventuretv2538]

Best vid on tires (the proper spelling :) I’ve seen.

[@CrazyBikerGuy]

I'll keep my dh minions for winter time and my speed kings for the rest. Nearly time to swap back to my speed kings but the rain is making my paths and trail under water so for now I'm keeping to my minions.

[@loungemen662]

Doddy for president!!!

[@irvsstella]

Us old DH monkeys used to run a fat tyre, with an old scrubbed slick tyre, beading removed, and under inflated, good for snake bites and heavy enough to plough the mountains!!!

[@ratoneJR]

this is a good video.

[@gmbntech]

Cheers!

[@andycjohnston]

Hey Doddy, I'd love #GMBNTech to take a look at the Tannus Armour tyre inserts? I've been running one on the back of my 29, and they although heavier, they seem very good. But I'm only a beginner, so I don't really know what it would feel like to someone who's used tubeless for a long time. This is a fantastic video too, I've also realised that I'll probably get a LESS knobbly tyre for where I predominantly ride, which is hard packed and granitic, and mostly dry.

[@arjane29tan80]

Thanks for this video,i have a question it is ok for my wheel set 29er rim 40mm width in 29x3.0 tire Surly dirt wizard?

[@hellcat320]

i race cars and obvious tires the most important part the same goes for bikes in much of the same way. definately looking at vittoria tires

[@Nicky458itl]

Made in thailand always good stuff.

Can you help with choosing tyres? If I want to buyMaxxis minion tyres for my trail/enduro 29' bike for riding in the woods wich with tyre need to buy? Now I got reakon 29' 2.6 at both tyres ad dissector and these kind of sucks in the cornering etc. Did I need narrower tire at the front?

[@MTBMOR]

Wow, I'm on my way out to the garage to see if my 29er is really a 24.5 er....WEIRD...That's as good as when you add rebound to your fork it bounce back less.....

[@AppleJack76]

#askgmbntech I researched this subject on GMBN videos, but could not find it. Regarding, tire sipeing, why has the MTB community not accepted self sipeing, when tires get older? Doddy is all about helping the environment. I have done some self sipeing with a razor blade on older tires to make them last a little longer, and I can report, it does work. Maybe a good subject for a future video.

[@TheDiablo6661]

What do you think? 2.3 DHF in front, 2.25 Ikon rear?

[@braunbaermann]

If you compare Vittoria tires with Maxxis they are much heavier, what is the advantage of Vittoria that justifies this difference? Is it conceivable or useful to have a trail version in front and an enduro version in the rear to save weight? What do you think about Mazza in the front and Martello in the rear?

[@GigiUK]

What would you recommend as a hybrid? I frequently switch between riding off-road and on-road (chasing down pro-cyclists, haha!), but quite obviously the tread wears down more on tarmac. I was using XR4 and went back to XR2, but I am realising there must be better options. I will also move away from using inner tubes, and so will transition over to tubeless. Thanks 😊

[@simonm1447]

Even if the comment is already old - Schwalbe offers a hybrid tire, the Smart Sam. It has relatively close nobbs in the middle (to run better on asphalt) and is also capable for off-road (of course not on the same level as a spalecialized off road tire). You get it in many sizes. For 26 inch they also offer the Black Jack (which is a typical tire for older teenager bikes), which is similar but not available in other sizes than 26 inch

[@denzelponce6784]

Are skinwall tires less durable than black sidewalls for xc?

[@charlesb7831]

What's ticking me off is I have a set on Mavic Crossmax STs 29ers, they have a 19mm width. I'm having a hard time finding tires now that fit because all the manufacturers have gone to crazy fat tires. The absolute largest tire I can squeeze on is a 2.20. It's on a crosscountry Giant XTC 29er. Currently I run the Maxxis Ardent race. I like a slightly more aggressive tire as my bike is set up as a crosscountry trail bike if that makes sense. Stuff manufacturers are doing to these new bikes, I've had mine set up this way since 2013 lol. I still run a 3x10 drivetrain, still works better for me then a single ring for long distance rides.

[@Eddiethehatebreeder]

#askgmbntech hi guys, can you put tubeless sealant on tire tubes? Will it seal properly in case of a puncture?

[@andrewhunter5254]

No quite all we need to know you mist out options for fat bike tyres please. 🤗👍♥️

[@gmbntech]

This video should be applicable to any off-road bike tyre. Fat bike tyres are the same but a lot wider and a lot heavier due to the sheer amount of material in them!

[@andrewbeech6690]

Magic Mary up front and mountain king out back. For me tyres are quite expensive to buy and swap for different seasons. One set , fit and forget.

[@leeeeni]

I upgraded to Continental Baron 2.4 (Front) and Continental Mountain King 2.4 (Back), but I can't get the rear tire to fit. The bead won't pop in place. I already tried soap water and inflating it to 4-5 bar, but it still does not pop. Any tips how to fix this?

[@nigel-b]

Where do you get the 58-622 from on that tyre?

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

I dropped my Graphene on the carpet and am having a heck of a time finding it.

[@BassSwirls]

We need more front specific tyres .

[@tigerbalm666]

I just got WTB Trail Boss for my San Quentin 2 cuz they were on sale. Didn't want to spend $55/tire so I spent $66 for 2.

[@badlarry172]

interesting ta

[@tommills7075]

What's the difference in diameter of a 2.6" tyre and a 2.3"?

[@delyrium_]

17:14 what's that other tyre..the left one??

[@thenobleone-3384]

I'm mainly on the side walk but I do drive on the side of the road with my Bike. It only travels 22 mph. I need a more comfortable seat for my groin. The smaller the tires the the faster the ride.

[@cove6433]

I run maxxis dhf 2

[@pyramidion5911]

Tires are one of those subjects best avoided in conversation it's like religion and politics.

[@TheDiablo6661]

Ian 🤣

[@raymondscott2114]

Can I put a 27 inch mountain bike tire on a 27.5 rim yes or no

[@fetB]

3:55 why sealant. Isnt a patch doing the same and even easier to apply than on a tube?

[@garygilbert1127]

anybody had a front tubeless roll round the rim......instant human catapult

[@justjordan8018]

14:00 I hope all the idiots that reverse their rear tire rotation to get "better breaking" are watching this.

[@coosatennis]

I have the following what is the largest tire I can use for climbing . 26x2.1 is on there can I go to 26 .2.25??? Front wheel . . . . . . Bontrager Race Lite ATB, tubeless compatible, 24° 539mm E.R.D. 252 mm radial spokes, tubeless rim strip Rear wheel . . . . . . . Bontrager Race Lite ATB, tubeless compatible, 28° 541 mm E.R.D. 265/268 mm 3x rear spokes, tubeless assymetric rim strip Spokes . . . . . . . . . . DT 14/15G butted stainless, ProLock alloy nipples Front tire . . . . . . . . IRC Serac XC, folding, 127tpi 26 x 2.1 Rear tire . . . . . . . . . IRC Serac XC, folding, 127tpi 26 x 2.1 Inner tubes . . . . . . . Presta valve, ultra light

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

I'm still having those Harry Enfield flashbacks Doddy, how do you get a helmet to fit over that Barnet? Is it specifically made?

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

@Andrew Dodd it does look robust, perhaps if you put gell underneath with hairspray over the top you could have a MIPS standard too 😂 Fair play for being a good egg, I do hope you and your family are well and you are dealing with the boredom at home ok during the present nightmare we are all suffering with. bikin with bobo just released a new video taking the Mickey out of Niel and Blake, it's worth a look

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

@Andrew Dodd kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6OWZKOJjbignZY

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

@Andrew Dodd keep up the great work,I do love the channel, I used to work in the industry, if you had your marzocchi z1's serviced between 1996-1998, they were definitely serviced by myself, worked as a DH team mechanic too, back in the day, national xc racer too, got back into the sport after a 15 year break and your tech videos have really helped to re-spark some of those old memories and help with setting up newer systems now I'm back riding properly, thanks, be safe out there and I definitely don't advise sneaking out for a local night ride on your own at 3am for personal fitness.........who would do that? 😂

[@mellissanash7517]

Would 90tpi tire be a good balance between 60 & 120tpi?

[@jonathanzappala]

Mellissa Nash I think it’s 60 or 120 (or 180) because they are using two or 3 layers of 60 tpi. It’s also a way to market one tire as better than another, higher sounds better of course. But they could be using two layers of thick cords, when the thickness of the cord is what actually counts in performance.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@jonathanzappala Thank you.

[@philflip1963]

I found this video quite, 'tyring', Groan!

[@billhackley3540]

in regards to 'sipes' you guys never mention the fact they will are quite short lived. for me basically just a gimic. i have yet to just park my bike and see how they hold up.

[@_DD2024]

What happened with Continental????

[@tobis3687]

Hey, can I fit a Maxxis 2.5 WT tire on my 25mm rim?

[@davidmorris8121]

My guess is, that WT Maxxis would need a 30mm rim to perform optimally.

[@tobis3687]

OK, because I can only find the DHF 2.5 in WT...

[@davidmorris8121]

@@tobis3687 The 2.5 is only available in the Wide Trail format(the tread pattern is optimised for the larger size). The 2.3 MIGHT be more suitable for you. Bike Radar just did a very good group test of trail/enduro rubber, could be worth a look!

[@revvin_7779]

Sign me up!!

[@randyh7945]

How about for me uni cycle!

[@gmbntech]

Something with good grip

[@ukaszmigda7225]

Mota and magic mary is different type of tire

[@nohandle257]

So basically this was an ad for Vittoria tires.

[@evantansimore7634]

is it one layer of graphene? If theres more than one layer bonded together, its graphite :D your daily dose of o-chem

[@Mr.Sheffield75]

Have you done a gravity ride down that bad boy out your window yet Doddy?

[@davidcart28]

I still have two bikes with 26” wheels I’m very disappointed the tyre manufacturers have stoped making tyres for the 26” I don’t even understand y as there must be millions of bikes out there

[@icesystem7]

ads are getting smarter :)

[@plinogromagic3412]

Anybody here who has an impression on how the Magic Mary rides compared to an Assegai?

[@BassSwirls]

16:55 #tannusarmour

[@cristobalmunoz9222]

Like to new video of #GMBN guy Doddy in thes so thes news tyres for tods thes disiplins in #GMBNTech Everything to you need know about for to #Moutainbiking tyres. Thanks of Chile 🇨🇱 🤘😀🚴🚵🗣️