The Best Mountain Bike Tyre Brands in 2024: The Top 8
In this Article
Published on 16 October 2024
Are you looking for your next bike and wondering which is currently the best mountain bike tyre brand? To help you, we offer you an overview of the 8 most popular mountain bike tyre brands in the UK. Whether you are interested in buying your first pair of tyres or renewing the ones you have, you will find in this article all the information you need to help you choose your next pair of mountain bike tyres, whatever your riding style.
The best mountain bike tyre brands in 2024
This ranking is based on the volume of internet searches for mountain bike tyre brands in the UK. Here is the top 8 best mountain bike tyre brands in 2024:
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Schwalbe
- Hutchinson
- Continental
- Pirelli
- Vittoria
- WTB
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Michelin: French expertise
The Michelin Jet XC2 is used by athletes from the Lapierre Mavic Unity team.
Michelin is a world-renowned French brand known for its expertise in tyre manufacturing. Founded in 1889, Michelin is a pioneer in the tyre industry and has distinguished itself in the mountain biking world. With its dedicated range, the brand offers tyres that adapt to all types of terrain, whether it’s cross-country, enduro or downhill. Their models, such as the Wild Enduro or Force XC, are known for their robustness, grip and durability. In 2024, athletes from the Lapierre Mavic Unity MTB team rode under the colours of the French brand.
Michelin MTB tyres: French know-how in the service of performance
The French brand offers a wide range of MTB tyres suitable for all types of terrain and mountain bikers.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Michelin Force XC is the perfect mix of speed and longevity.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Michelin DH22 is the most versatile. Performance, grip, robustness, it leaves no compromises.
- For an enduro MTB tyre: the Michelin Wild Enduro range is the most popular among athletes in the Enduro World Cup. Available in the E-wild version, it’s also perfect for electric mountain biking!
Maxxis: The market leader in MTB tyres
Founded in 1967, the Taiwanese brand Maxxis has become one of the most renowned tyre brands in the world, especially in mountain biking where it has established itself as the market leader. Maxxis is known for its highly performing tyres, especially in the enduro and downhill disciplines. Flagship models such as the Minion DHF and Minion DHR II are praised for their exceptional grip, robustness, and ability to tackle the most demanding terrains. Maxxis also offers tyres for cross-country with models like the Aspen.
Which Maxxis tyre should you choose?
Maxxis has a very wide range of MTB tyres. Whatever your riding style, the favourite brand of performance-seeking mountain bikers will meet your needs.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Maxxis Ikon will be the most versatile in the range, perfect for racing or bikepacking.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Maxxis Minion DHR II is the ultimate downhill weapon, also ideal with an e-MTB for good uphill traction.
- For an enduro/all-mountain MTB tyre: the Maxxis Assegai is an icon of the range.
Schwalbe: German innovation at the service of mountain biking
The Schwalbe Albert trail has been optimised for enduro riding.
Founded in 1973 in Germany, Schwalbe has built a solid reputation in the mountain biking world thanks to its capacity for innovation and the quality of its tyres. Specialising in high-performance tyres, the brand is particularly appreciated by mountain bikers for its models such as the Racing Ralph for XC and the Magic Mary for enduro and downhill. Schwalbe tyres are characterised by excellent grip, great durability and innovative technologies, such as the Addix compound, which provides increased longevity and optimal traction, even in the most difficult conditions.
Schwalbe: German quality MTB tyres!
The German brand, Schwalbe, covers all MTB segments with its range of tyres known for being both resistant and high-performing. The brand offers five types of carcasses to meet all needs and all practices.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Schwalbe Racing Ralph is the must-have model.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Schwalbe Magic Mary offers unparalleled grip.
- For an enduro/all-mountain MTB tyre: the Schwalbe Hans Dampf represents versatility at its best.
Hutchinson: French quality for your MTB tyres
The Hutchinson Kraken is inspired by enduro models for more intense cross-country riding.
Founded in 1853, Hutchinson is a renowned French brand in the field of tyres. It is one of the few brands that still maintains part of its production in France, in Montargis. Hutchinson stands out for its ability to innovate and offer versatile and robust tyres for mountain biking. Models such as the Kraken and the Taipan are very popular for their ability to provide excellent traction and great resistance to difficult terrains. Hutchinson is also highly regarded for its race tyres like the latest Python, which offer increased efficiency for those seeking performance.
Hutchinson: Made in France MTB tyres!
The French brand offers tyres suited to all disciplines. XC, enduro, downhill, Hutchinson designs and manufactures premium tyres in France, meeting the needs of all cyclists.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Hutchinson Python 3, a legendary name for a competition tyre.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Hutchinson Griffus is made for the most extreme terrains.
- For an enduro/all-mountain MTB tyre: the Hutchinson Toro will be your best ally.
Continental: Reliability and grip on all terrains
The Continental Race King is ideal on dry terrains.
Founded in 1871 in Germany, Continental is one of the oldest and most respected tyre manufacturers in the world. In the MTB world, the brand is known for offering tyres that are both high-performing and durable, perfect for cross-country and trail disciplines. Models such as the Race King or Mountain King are designed to provide superior grip and low rolling resistance, ensuring optimal performance on all types of terrain. Continental also stands out for its use of advanced technologies, such as the Black Chili Compound, to enhance traction.
Continental: MTB tyres for performance and longevity
Continental offers versatile tyres suited to the most varied terrains. Since the overhaul of its enduro and all-mountain-oriented tyres, the brand has become one of the market’s references.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Continental Race King is suitable for both XC competitions and bikepacking adventures like the Tour Divide.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Continental Kryptotal allows you to push your limits on mixed terrains.
- For an enduro MTB tyre: the Continental Argotal is perfect for changing conditions.
Pirelli: Italian craftsmanship
Founded in 1872 and known worldwide for its involvement in motorsports, Pirelli is also a growing player in the MTB world. Thanks to its Scorpion range, Pirelli offers tyres specifically designed for cross-country, enduro and downhill. The Italian brand leverages its technical expertise to create tyres with maximum grip and great durability, even in extreme conditions. Models such as the Scorpion Enduro M and Scorpion DH are highly appreciated for their ability to maintain consistent traction on varied and technical terrains. They are used by XC champion Jordan Sarrou from the BMC team.
Pirelli: Cutting-edge technology for MTB
Pirelli's MTB tyres stand out for their high manufacturing quality and durability. Since 2022, the brand has seen its reputation grow in the MTB tyre segment thanks to its quality know-how. Whether you're a novice or an expert, the Italian brand meets the needs of all riders.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Pirelli Scorpion XC RC is ideal for speed!
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Pirelli Scorpion DH with its DualWALL + casing is a must for the most rugged terrains.
- For an enduro/all-mountain MTB tyre: the Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M offers great versatility, whatever the conditions.
Vittoria: XC and trail tyres for competition
Versatile and durable, the Vittoria Mezcal Trail is often used for bikepacking.
Vittoria, an Italian brand founded in 1953, is recognised for its innovation in the design of competition tyres, especially for cross-country and trail. By using graphene, an ultra-resistant and lightweight material, Vittoria offers tyres with an excellent balance between grip and speed. The Mezcal model, for example, is a favourite among XC competitors for its versatility and light weight, while the Barzo is appreciated for its ability to grip in tight corners. Vittoria is a brand of choice for mountain bikers seeking optimal performance.
Vittoria: The reference for cross-country competitors
Vittoria tyres are designed for cyclists seeking optimal performance.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the Vittoria Mezcal offers the greatest versatility.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the Vittoria Mota is the reference for uncompromising grip.
- For an enduro/all-mountain MTB tyre: the Vittoria Mazza is the perfect companion in all weather conditions.
WTB: The choice of trail and bikepacking enthusiasts
WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes), founded in 1982 in the United States, is a brand specialising in mountain bike components, particularly tyres. WTB has built a solid reputation thanks to the toughness and reliability of its tyres, which are particularly suited to trail and adventure enthusiasts. Models like the Trail Boss and Vigilante are highly sought after for their excellent grip and ability to withstand the toughest terrains. WTB tyres are also known for their versatility, offering a wide variety of sizes and compounds to meet the needs of the most demanding mountain bikers.
WTB: Robust MTB tyres for the trail
WTB offers tyres specially designed for adventure-seeking cyclists. Versatile and durable, the American brand's tyres cater to all types of riders.
- For a cross-country MTB tyre: the WTB Ranger offers durability and versatility without compromising performance.
- For a downhill MTB tyre: the WTB Vigilante is made for tough terrains thanks to its excellent grip.
- For an enduro/all-mountain MTB tyre: the WTB Trail Boss is ideal in both dry and muddy conditions.
What is the best mountain bike tyre brand in 2024?
What is the best mountain bike tyre brand in 2024?
These 8 mountain bike tyre brands each have their own uniqueness. They are currently the most popular in the UK. However, the choice of your tyre brand depends on your riding style and the terrains you ride on. Whether you ride for fun or competition, to maximise your speed in cross-country or to have maximum grip in enduro, it is important to ask yourself which MTB tyre to choose.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when buying a mountain bike tyre:
- What is your riding style?
- How often do you ride?
- What type of terrain do you ride on?
- What is most important in your choice of MTB tyre? (lightness, performance, puncture resistance, etc.)
- What is your budget?
Now that you know more about the best mountain bike tyre brands, feel free to check out our mountain bike offers.