The Best Mountain Bicycle Tires

Specialized Chunder Pro XC

With a combination of speed and toughness, Specialized's Chunder Pro XC tire is a solid option for cross-country racers and bikers looking for a good all-around tire. Based on Specialized's Chunder DH tire, the Pro XC is grippy on slick terrain and during cornering but features a slimmer profile and lower tread pattern than the DH to save weight and increase rolling speed. BikeRadar.com's Guy Kesteven gave the Pro XC a five-star rating, calling it "very fast, but still grippier and tougher than you'd expect." Kesteven lauded the tire's light weight and excellent grip, noting its ability good grip on rocks as well as it's puncture resistance.

Maxxis Minion DHF

For hardcore downhill riding, Maxxis' Minion DHF tire provides traction and durability during rapid descents. A directional, ramped knob design minimizes rolling resistance and two-ply casings and reinforced sidewalls add puncture protection. In a buyer's guide review on Bicycling.com, Ron Koch praised the Minion for its speed and its cornering ability, as well as its versatility. He noted "the tire excels in a considerable range of soil conditions" due to its multiple compound density options.

Schwalbe Marathon Extreme

For riders who put durability at a premium, Schwalbe's Marathon Extreme tire is a great choice. Featuring a high density belt with a ceramic coating as well as Schwalbe's SnakeSkin fabric layer for serious puncture protection. Calling it "the benchmark (tire) for remote, off-road touring," Cycling Plus's Cass Gilbert hailed the Marathon's durability, noting "several weeks of tough touring in the Himalayas proved puncture and mishap-free." In addition to its durability Gilbert also lauded the tire's widely spaced serrated lugs, which provide solid traction in loose terrain and effective mud clearance in sloppy conditions.