Continental Race King 2.2
At a slim 650 grams, Continental's Race King 2.2 cross country tire lives up to its name with a tire that is light and quick, yet tough enough to withstand the rigors of off-road racing. The Race King's Duraskin polyamide layer protects the sidewall without adding weight, and the low-profile tread allows for low-spinning resistance. Bicycling.com's reviewer noted that the "King rolls phenomenally fast" and added that "it offers enough stability and cornering grip to ride reasonably hard even in mixed trail conditions."
Specialized Chunder PRO XC
Adapted from their Chunder Downhill tire, Specialized's Chunder PRO XC tire combines speed and toughness with its aggressive, yet low-profile tread pattern and a softer compound rubber finds grip on slick trails.
"(It's) very fast, but still grippier and tougher than you'd expect," said BikeRadar reviewer Guy Kesteven.
Kesteven lauded the Chunder for its light weight, which helped riders with acceleration. He also said its full-size side knobs provide traction.
Hutchinson Toro XC
Hutchinson's Toro XC tire features low top treads and high side treads to provide both speed and traction, and its hard skin extreme resistance casing provides solid protection against punctures and tears. In Bicycling.com's review of the Toro XC, reviewer Mike Cushionbury praised the tire's widely spaced tread, which allows the Toro to clear mud and debris. He also said the Toro accelerates quickly through different terrain.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
