10 Best Continental Bike Tires – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Continental Bike Tire + Reviews

 

Are you in search of the best Continental bike tires but the limited time available makes you worried that you won’t be able to pull it off alone? The good news is that you won’t have to spend hours reading all the Continental bike tires reviews out there, as we’ve done that for you and selected the ones that offer the highest performance for the price. Our first recommendation is the Continental Race King Fold ProTection Bike Tire. It has a lightweight construction that’s also quite strong, and the Black Chili compound and ProTection technology should offer enhanced durability and puncture resistance. The tire is specially made for races and it also ensures reduced rolling resistance. In case this model is out of stock, you might want to take a look at the all-around Continental Trail King Tire Black Skinwall Folding which offers similar performance, albeit at a higher weight.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Continental Bike Tires (Updated Reviews) in 2020

 

 

Finding affordable Continental bike tires can be a drag, especially with so many good-looking and efficient models the company has released over the past few years. The good news is that we’ve selected the most appreciated models that are a hit among both beginner and veteran riders and have written a Continental bike tires review for each. Read them below and decide which is the right one for you.

 

 

1. Continental Race King Fold ProTection Bike Tire

 

The Race King is a foldable tire that’s been the favorite of many mountain bikers for many years. Its name is suggestive of what it is for – races, and it does a pretty good job at that. You can choose between 26” and 27.5”, and the thickness is 2.2”, which is good for cross-country and normal trail riding but might not be thick enough for freeriding and downhill biking.

Thanks to the Black Chili compound used by Continental, this tire is advertised to reduce rolling resistance by up to 26 percent while also improving grip by 30 percent and adding up to 5 percent more mileage. Of course, these are just numbers and performance may vary depending on countless factors, but still, these look quite good for a tire that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

The ProTection system offers extra puncture protection while also maintaining the overall weight of the tire low.

 

Pros

This is a folding tire so you can easily take it with you as a spare so you don’t risk getting stuck somewhere with an exploded tire and no one to help you for miles on end.

This model offers low rolling resistance and it is quite light, especially considering its strong construction.

The folding bead and Black Chili compound ensure enhanced durability while the ProTection Revolution increases puncture resistance so you don’t get as many flats as you’re used to with other tires.

The weight is quite low, with 580 grams or 1.27 pounds for 26” and 1.34 pounds for 27.5”, both with a 2.2” thickness.

 

Cons

Despite the advertised puncture resistance, these are lightweight race tires so you might get more flats that you’d expect.

These aren’t the cheapest tires around so you’ll have to spend quite a pretty penny to get a pair.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.52)

 

 

 

2. Continental Trail King Tire Black Skinwall Folding

 

If you’re looking for an all-around tire that’s great for many different mountain biking styles, then the Trail King is surely the one to consider. Its name says it all: it’s a tire that handles really well on all sorts of forest trails or dirt tracks, giving you the grip you need to take tight corners or make amazing jumps.

This tire is tubeless-ready so you can mount it on your rim, add the tubeless sealant and you’re ready to slay those trails. This tire comes in the 26” size and 2.4” thickness, so you can rest assured that it will bite the trails and ensure you don’t slip even when you’re leaning at awkward angles.

The ProTection technology adds puncture resistance so you don’t interrupt your ride because of a flat while the Black Chili rubber compound provides reduced rolling resistance as well as enhanced traction and durability.

 

Pros

With this model, you can surely be the Trail King, especially thanks to the modern compounds used such as the Black Chili rubber which makes the tire lighter but also more resistant compared to older models.

The ProTection technology will reduce the number of flats you get and, coupled with the right tubeless sealant, you might actually be able to avoid them altogether for long periods.

The tire comes with a 2.4” width so you can get the traction you need even on treacherous trails and muddy sections that would otherwise spell trouble for your bike.

The knobby surface adds to its grip on plenty of terrain types so you can enjoy riding more.

 

Cons

The tire is quite heavy so it’s not exactly suited for racing. It does offer better puncture resistance but at the cost of added weight.

This is quite an expensive tire so you might want to make sure that you need this all-arounder before making the purchase.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.65)

 

 

 

3. Continental ShieldWall Mountain Bike Tire

 

This is a Race King model that’s a bit heftier and heavier than the lighter ProTection variant. The tire comes in 26”, 27.5”, and 29” sizes, with thicknesses between 2.0” and 2.4”. The 26” x 2.4” weighs 795 grams or 1.75 pounds which is not really that heavy considering its thickness, but it is definitely heavier than the above-mentioned model.

Thanks to the ShieldWall protection technology included, you get to benefit from increased puncture protection as well as better rolling performance. The ShieldWall is an extra layer of finely woven cross fabric that will help you avoid those flats when you least expect them, saving you time and frustration.

Not only that, but the PureGrip rubber compound used also makes the tire lighter yet more durable and the knobby surface ensures you get the grip you need to take tight corners or make jumps safely.

 

Pros

This tire is tubeless-ready so you can use it in the preferred way on your rims. It is also foldable so you can take it with you as a spare.

There are three sizes to choose from, namely 26”, 27.5”, and 29”, as well as thicknesses between 2.0” and 2.4” so you’ll definitely be able to choose the right one for your bike.

The ShieldWall extra ply will ensure that you don’t end up with flats and ruin your ride or worse, a race.

The PureGrip rubber compound offers a better grip as well as lower rolling resistance so you get a marvelous tire for all sorts of off-road adventures.

 

Cons

These are not as light as the ProTection Race King which can make a difference when you’re racing, especially if we’re talking about XC.

Some tires might arrive with factory defects in which case you’ll have to return them and wait for replacements.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($35.55)

 

 

 

4. Continental Trail King Sport Mountain Bike Tire Wire Bead

 

This tire is made for difficult terrain and rough riding. It comes with a wire bead construction which ensures better puncture resistance so flats won’t be a common sight anymore. The surface of the tire has many small knobs that provide good grip even on rocky surfaces or in mud.

The casing and outer tread are long-lasting and resistant to damage so you’ll be able to ride on these tires for a long time. The mesh sidewall design helps with lowering rolling resistance while also preventing punctures. This tire comes in 26”, 27.5”, and 29” sizes and thicknesses between 2.2” and 2.4” so you get to choose the one that’s perfect for your riding style.

These tires are great for XC riding but may also work well for DH or freeriding, depending on the conditions you’re using them in. These tires need inner tubes so you should be aware of that before purchasing.

 

Pros

Whether you have a 26”, 27.5”, or 29” bike, you can choose the corresponding tire and in terms of thickness, you can go for the 2.2 or 2.4-inch variant.

This tire is made of tough and durable materials so you get to enjoy increased puncture resistance as well as enhanced durability for countless off-road adventures.

The multitude of small knobs helps the tire offer great grip on many surfaces so you don’t risk slipping even when taking those tight turns.

 

Cons

This tire is not tubeless-ready so you will need to use it with inner tubes. While this might not be a problem for some, riders who like to only ride tubeless might not like it.

Since it comes with a wire bead, this tire isn’t foldable so if you were thinking that you can carry it with you as a spare, this might sound disappointing.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($33.95)

 

 

 

5. Continental Double Fighter III Urban Mountain Bicycle Tire

 

In case you’re searching for a tire that’s great on tarmac but that can also provide adequate grip off-road, then the Double Fighter III is an excellent choice. This tire has a solid construction with a tread pattern that makes it ideal for paved roads. However, it also delivers great performance and more than decent grip on gravel roads or hardpack trails.

This tire has a low rolling resistance for street use but mounting one on the rear might also make it a good option for riding on dry or hardpack trails. Thanks to the robust sidewalls, you get better resistance to damage so you don’t have to worry about cuts that could end a ride quickly.

The nippy character of the tire makes it a decent candidate for races, although it’s not exactly lightweight so what you get in extra resistance you lose in weight.

 

Pros

This model offers good enough performance on roads and dry off-road trails and it also comes at a reasonable price.

You can go for the 26” or 27.5” tire and in terms of thickness you can choose between 1.9” and 2.0”, which is good for tarmac but less so for rugged terrain.

The wire bead construction makes this model durable and long-lasting so you can expect many days of fun riding.

The mesh sidewall is also there to minimize the risk of cuts and scrapes so you can use it for longer without worries.

 

Cons

This tire is quite heavy for a road/dry model and might not be the best choice for racing, especially if you’re into cross-country.

It only comes in 1.9” and 2.0” thicknesses so it might not be wide enough for many riders, especially those who love muddy trails.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($27.89)

 

 

 

6. Continental 2013 Rubber Queen Mountain Bike Tyre

 

If there’s a Trail King model out there, here’s the response from the feminine side. Jokes aside, this tire is suited for both women and men so there shouldn’t be any difference in performance. This is a 29-inch model that comes in a thickness of 2.2 inches. It’s foldable so you can take it with you and make sure you have a spare in case you get a tire explosion.

Thanks to the Black Chilli rubber compound, the unit is stronger and more resistant to damage than previous materials, so you can expect a longer life and fewer unexpected surprises on the trail. The knobs on this one are fairly few with some distance in between, so it’s decent on dry tracks but also on forest trails unless there’s too much mud that would require more aggressive knobs.

This tire isn’t the heaviest around, but it’s not lightweight either, weighing 870 grams or 1.91 pounds.

 

Pros

In case you’re searching for a decent all-terrain tire, you’re looking at it. It isn’t that bad for tarmac, runs well on dry tracks and it can also handle trails that aren’t especially muddy.

The tire comes with a thickness of 2.2” so it’s ideal for many off-road applications. It’s not too narrow but not too wide either, and it should be a good option for both the front and the rear tire, depending on what you’re planning to ride.

The modern materials used confer it a long life so you shouldn’t expect rough riding to affect it as fast as older models.

 

Cons

This tire is quite heavy, weighing 1.91 pounds so it’s not exactly the race-type. If you’re into XC, there are lighter alternatives on the market.

It’s not highly expensive but it’s not very cheap either, and in this price range the competition is certainly quite aggressive.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($32.91)

 

 

 

7. Continental Speed King Mountain Bike Tire

 

This model is certainly worthy of its name. This is a 26-inch tire that comes in a thickness of 2.3” so it’s perfect for all sorts of off-road trails. It weighs around 0.97 pounds so it’s one of the lightest out there, perfect for speed, just as it says. The bead is made of Kevlar so you can expect the tire to be tougher than you’d expect for its weight.

The knobs are widely spaced and reinforced so they’re bound to offer you a great grip on hardpack and dry tracks, although the tire should do well in humid conditions as well, just don’t expect it to excel in thick mud.

Braking performance should be decent as well, but make sure that you take it easy on sharp rocks and roots as you might not get that “stopping on a dime” effect with these tires. What they’re best at is getting you up the mountain, and that reduced weight is definitely going to help, especially if you’re racing.

 

Pros

Thanks to their extremely low weight, you can rely on these to help you climb up the mountain in no time. For a marathon, it can be a great choice as the tire weighs half of what similar ones do. Just be careful on rugged terrain to avoid getting a flat which could ruin a race.

With a thickness of 2.3 inches, this tire is just wide enough for most trails out there while remaining lightweight.

The wide spacing of the knobs helps keep mud buildup to a minimum, although you shouldn’t ride in thick mud with these tires in the first place.

 

Cons

While this tire is very light by any standard, don’t expect it to give you flats-free riding, as its lightweight construction makes it susceptible to quite a few punctures.

It’s not the cheapest alternative out there so be prepared to spend some money in order to get this light model.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($59.95)

 

 

 

8. Continental Cross King Tire 26in

 

The Cross King is an all-arounder that should give you fun rides no matter where you choose to ride. This easy-rolling profile means it’s decent on tarmac but that it also handles hardpack and dirt roads quite well. The widely spaced knobs are also pretty good in moderately wet conditions unless you’re planning to ride on muddy trails.

This is a 26-inch tire and it has a thickness of 2.3 inches so it’s wide enough to give you enough contact surface and grip in many types of situations. Thanks to the ProTection technology, you get to enjoy increased puncture resistance so flats won’t be a common occurrence. It’s also tubeless-ready so you can mount it fast with your favorite tube sealant.

The Black Chili compound is advertised to offer enhanced performance and durability for your outdoor adventures. This model is intended for cross-country and is a decent choice for racing.

 

Pros

This tire is great for many conditions, from hardpack to dry conditions and also on loose gravel. It can also handle somewhat wet trails but not too muddy.

You get a 26×2.3” tire that will give you the traction and grip you need to climb steep forest trails and take sharp turns without risking skidding.

With the Black Chilli rubber compound, this model is tougher than its predecessors so you should enjoy it for longer.

The ProTection technology makes it lighter yet more resistant against punctures and general wear and tear.

 

Cons

While it offers pretty good performance, the price is quite high considering that there are quite a few alternatives on the market.

The small knobs are not ideal for muddy conditions so if you love to ride in those, you might want to look for a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

9. Continental Mountain King 29×2.2 ProTection Folding

 

This one is a great choice for 29ers, and the 2.2” thickness is just right for many types of riding, whether we’re talking about XC or freeriding, although for the latter you might want to go even wider. This tire is an all-terrain type so you can expect decent performance on hardpack, dirt roads, loose gravel, and its knobs make it pretty good in wet conditions and some mud as well.

Thanks the foldable design, you can just pack it and take it with you so in case the unthinkable happens and one tire explodes, you can replace it quickly. The ProTection technology makes the tire more resistant to punctures so flats will be fewer and far in between, at least hopefully.

With a weight of 1.58 pounds, it’s not race-like lightweight but it’s not too heavy either so it should be good enough for many riders.

 

Pros

If you’re looking for a 29” tire for your bike but aren’t willing to spend a fortune, then this model might just be right up your alley, as the price shouldn’t scare you.

The 2.2” thickness is just right for many types of terrains and so is the knob pattern. This is an all-arounder that’s good for dry trails and hardpack but also wet conditions unless there’s too much mud for it to handle.

The ProTection layer is there to help you avoid those flats so that you can ride with the peace of mind knowing that flats won’t ruin your ride.

The tire is not too heavy so you won’t feel any extra weight when climbing steep hills.

 

Cons

The widely-spaced knobs make it not such a good choice for roads or even hardpack, and it doesn’t perform too well in thick mud either.

For DH biking or freeriding, the tires should have been a bit wider.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($29.95)

 

 

 

10. Continental Tour Ride 26″ x 1.75 Bike Tire

 

If you’re not really into forest trail riding and you’re looking for something with a lower rolling resistance and thinner profile, then the Tour Ride is just what you need. Just as the name says, it is perfect for touring on your mountain bike, whether you’re riding paved roads or backcountry gravel roads.

This model comes with a 26-inch diameter and 1.75-inch thickness, so the tarmac is where it excels. This doesn’t make it a great choice for off-road riding on most surfaces but it’s still decent for casual incursions, thanks to its treads that can offer some grip. You get puncture protection so that you don’t have to worry about flats ruining your day.

You can expect this tire to last you quite a bit, especially if you stick to the roads. You can inflate it to a maximum of 58psi which should help you carry quite a bit of luggage if you’re into touring.

 

Pros

This tire is made to roll on the roads and that’s what you should do with it. The 1.75” tire has a low rolling resistance and can give you wonderful touring days and in case you end up on dirt roads, it should handle just fine.

The puncture protection will help avoid many flats that are the bane of any good-spirited bike adventurer.

The materials used to make this tire help it perform well over time so you might be able to use it for longer than you’d expect.

 

Cons

This tire is quite thin so it’s not a choice for off-road riding except for some gravel or dirt roads. The lack of knobs also means that mud is not your friend so forest rides in wet conditions wouldn’t be a good idea.

The tire is quite expensive considering the limited use and the competition it has on the market.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($25.49)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for Continental bike tires but the sheer number of models intimidates you? Then fear not, as the following guide is meant to help you navigate through the many choices and give you the info that you require to choose the model that fits your needs just right.

Tire size and thickness

When it comes to tire sizes, you can pick from 26”, 27.5”, and 29”. Which one you should choose is quite obvious: make sure they’re the same size as your rims. Of course, when it comes to Continental road bike tires, these are usually 700C, but you won’t find these on a mountain bike.

In terms of thickness, you can opt for anything between 2.0” and 2.4” for mountain biking and lower than 2.0” for touring. If paved roads are your friends, then a 1.75” tire such as the Tour Ride is just what you need as it has a smooth surface and low rolling resistance.

For cross-country riding, you’d probably want anything between 2.0” and 2.2” or even higher. You’d normally want a thicker tire on the front which would minimize skidding, which could lead to an accident, and a thinner one on the back, for better pedaling efficiency.

For downhill mountain biking or freeriding, you’re probably going to go for 2.3” or 2.4” or even higher for the front wheel in case DH is your thing. Just remember that the rear should probably be thinner than the front unless you’re planning to save weight, which isn’t what you should do for these disciplines.

 

Materials and properties

When it comes to bike tires Continental puts a lot of effort into research and development. Most of its models on the market use modern materials such as Black Chilli rubber compound which enhances performance and durability.

Many models also have the ProTection or Shieldwall technology that boost puncture resistance. That can save you quite a lot of trouble since a flat tire can be extremely frustrating and in case you’re in the middle of a race, it can actually ruin your chances of winning it, depending on how far you are from the mechanical zone.

 

Foldable vs. non-foldable

When considering Continental mountain bike tires, you might also want to decide whether you’re going to get foldable or non-foldable models. In theory, there should be no difference in performance between the two. The foldable tires are generally lighter and more expensive than their non-foldable counterparts.

So if you’re looking for cheap Continental bike tires, the wire bead types are what you need. These are somewhat heavier, but might be easier to mount on rims. Just as mentioned above, there should be no difference in performance, but non-foldable tires do tend to have a higher puncture resistance compared to foldable versions.

So while the non-foldable tire has a wire bead, the foldable one has a Kevlar bead. It can be a great idea to get at least a foldable tire to carry as a spare so in case you ruin a tire via an explosion or huge cut, you don’t have to hitchhike to the nearest bike shop, which in some cases can be pretty far.

Treads

Depending on the types of surfaces you’ll ride on, you should be careful to choose the adequate tread pattern. For hardpack or dry terrain, the tire should have short knobs that are tightly spaced. The tire doesn’t have to be too wide for this type of terrain. For gravel or loose surfaces over harder terrain, medium-sized knobs that are well-spaced apart are ideal.

For loose and dry terrain, large and square knobs that are far apart from each other are recommended. For soft terrain and mud, tires with long grooves and nicely-spaced knobs, with thick mud usually requiring really large and deep knobs.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What type of Continental bike tires should I buy for my bike?

If you love to ride on paved roads and perhaps do a bicycle tour once in a while, you should get some tires with a somewhat smooth rolling surface and not-so-large knobs. These will give you speed and if you don’t choose the thinnest out there, you should be able to ride on some dust/gravel roads as well.

If you’re into DH, then your choice would probably be a tire with a thickness of 2.3” or 2.4” and a knobby surface. For racing, a lightweight tire will be in order, just don’t overdo it as you’ll risk getting a flat right in the middle of the contest which could ruin your chances of winning.

There are also quite a few all-arounder tires that work well on hardpack, dirt roads but also on loose gravel and perhaps even wet conditions. For down-and-dirty rides in thick mud, you’ll need some serious knobs to make sure you don’t get stuck.

Q: Are Continental bike tires good?

Continental is a company that really needs no introduction. With a history of over 100 years and plenty of innovations and revolutionary designs under its belt, it’s no wonder its products are the first choice of many, whether we’re talking about tires or other components in the automotive industry.

But Continental tires really are appreciated all over the world, and bike tires have a special place in the hearts of many riders, whether they’re professionals, beginners, casual riders, and anything in between. The company has several tires that are really popular in the mountain biking community, such as the Race King, Trail King, Mountain King, Speed King, etc.

All these offer good performance and most of them are quite durable, so many people would easily say that Continental tires are a good choice, despite the fierce competition on the market.

 

Q: Are Continental bike tires expensive?

Depending on the model you choose, you might get away with a minimum investment, or have to fork over 50 bucks or more for one tire. And the model you choose should be dictated by your needs and not wants. If you’re a racer and need an ultralight tire that won’t give you a flat and ruin your run, then you should be prepared to spend a hundred dollars or more for a pair.

There are many tires from Continental that don’t cost as much, but then again, it depends what you’re looking for. Tires that are intended for the tarmac are usually cheaper, and tires that are thinner are also cheaper compared to the thicker ones. The size of the tire might also influence the price, as a 29” tire will usually be more expensive than a 26”.

Foldable models are also more expensive than the non-foldable ones. Continental tires aren’t known to be the most expensive of the bunch, but newer materials and technologies are costly to develop so you will definitely see higher prices compared with brands such as Kenda.