Cross-country tires
Ultra-fast-rolling cross-country bike tires are built around a tread design that strikes a balance of rolling speed and traction and are ready to dominate the race course or crush the driest, dustiest trails.
Shop XC tiresHow to choose mountain bike tires
Mountain bike tires for singletrack lovers, full-face fanatics, and everyone in between
Choosing the right tires for your mountain bike is crucial to riding your best out on the trails, but with so many options out there, choosing the right pair can seem overwhelming. But worry not — Bontrager has a tire offering that’s perfect for your riding style and the trail conditions in your area. Watch the video below and follow this simple guide, and you’ll be riding more confidently in no time!
Trail bike tires
Tires built for trail riding dial in versatility, with great traction for varied terrain, tough casings for obstacles in the way, and a light enough construction that they won’t bog you down on long climbs to the top.
Shop trail tiresEnduro tires
Enduro bike tires are built on a stronger, more durable tire casing with aggressive tread that can handle loose, rocky trails, whether the dirt is bone-dry or wet.
Shop enduro tiresLet's talk tread
More traction or faster rolling?
The first step in finding the right set of tires is deciding how much tread you need. From uniform tread patterns to burlier knobs, tread determines how much traction a tire provides and how fast it rolls. The key is finding the pattern that offers the best grip and performance for where you're riding, while also considering rolling resistance and weight.
Vallnord
A lightweight cross-country race tire named for the XC World Cup Course in Andorra, Vallnord delivers speed and grip for ultra-hardpacked dirt.
Sainte-Anne
Get speed and grip for mixed, rooty, rocky, and even wet XC race conditions with Sainte-Anne – named for the rugged World Cup XC course in Quebec.
Montrose
Giving a nod to a Colorado town nestled outside Black Canyon National Park, Montrose is a fast-rolling tire that delivers speed, grip, and durability for hardpacked dirt trails.
Gunnison
Get versatile trail riding grip with Gunnison. Tread, sidewall, and pinch-cut protection make this tire ready for rougher, technical terrain, like that found in the rocky, arid regions of Colorado where Gunnison gets its name.
Brevard
Brevard, North Carolina is sought after for challenging rocks, roots, and technical descents. This burly tire gives confidence through technical mixed and loose conditions.
Galbraith
Galbraith mountain is a proving ground for those that like to test what is possible when it comes to traction and confidence on the most demanding and often wet technical trails.
Durability vs. weight
How do you ride?
Bontrager offers three constructions – XR, XT and G. While tread choice is primarily driven by the conditions you’ll be riding in, considering the way you ride will allow you to choose between XR, XT, and G constructions.
The main differences between XR and XT come down to durability and weight. XT tires are beefier, with added puncture protection and more robust sidewalls, but they scale in slightly heavier as a result. For riders with fewer flat worries and a hankering for the lightest tires, XR is the best choice. For riders looking for the most durable option that's ready for the rowdiest terrain, G with Dual Ply construction is the way to go.
XR construction
XR is a lightweight, fast-rolling XC construction that adds a layer of high-strength square-woven nylon fabric to the sidewalls. This maximizes durability without compromising a supple, light tire with a great ride feel.
Shop XR tiresXT construction
XT is a tough trail construction that takes things further by wrapping high-strength square-woven nylon from bead-to-bead for all-over protection. A butyl apex insert is added to the bead area to reduce pinch-flats, making this the ideal option for aggressive riders looking for a tire that holds its own on super rugged trails.
Shop XT tiresWidth
Traction and compliance versus weight and precision
Now that you’ve selected the ideal tread and construction for the way you ride, the next consideration is width. Bontrager offers mountain bike tires ranging from 2.0 – 4.5˝ wide, with a huge range of choices in between.
As with tread, the question comes down to traction versus weight. Wider tires grip better, and let you run lower tire pressures for a smoother ride over rough terrain, but they weigh a little more and can feel less precise in rough terrain. The best way to find the width that works best for you is to try a variety of options, but these profiles are a good place to start.
Diameter matters
Most mountain bike tires fall under three sizes – 26˝, 27.5˝, or 29˝, with the exception of kids’ mountain bikes that may use 20 – 26˝ wheels. Make sure to choose a tire that matches your wheel’s diameter – most tires will have their diameter printed on the side.
Go tubeless
Maximize performance and minimize flats when you set your tires up tubeless.
Wider tires, less pressure
Remember to adjust tire pressure as you adjust tire width. Personal preference plays a large role here, but wider tires tend to have more overall volume and perform better at slightly lower pressures.
How to fix a flat tire
Learn moreHow to set your tires up tubeless
Learn moreTire tech, explained
Learn moreBe confident in your decision
There are a lot of options out there, but by taking it one step at a time, starting with tread, then considering construction, and finishing at tire size, you will find the right tire for you. Luckily, you don’t need to worry much about making the wrong decision thanks to our Unconditional Bontrager Guarantee.
Our tires build strong kids
$1 from the sale of every Bontrager mountain bike tire supports the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. NICA is one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country, and Trek is proud to support their efforts to provide opportunities for all American youth to build stong body, mind, and character through mountain biking.