Cross-country tyres
Ultra-fast-rolling cross-country bike tyres 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 tyresHow to choose a mountain bike
Mountain bike tyres for singletrack lovers, full-face fanatics and everyone in between
Choosing the right tyres 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 tyre 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 tyres
Tyres 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 tyresEnduro tyres
Enduro bike tyres are built on a stronger, more durable tyre casing with aggressive tread that can handle loose, rocky trails, whether the dirt is bone-dry or wet.
Shop enduro tyresLet's talk tread
More traction or faster rolling?
The first step in finding the right set of tyres is deciding how much tread you need. From uniform tread patterns to burlier knobs, tread determines how much traction a tyre 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.
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 tyres 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 tyres, 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 maximises durability without compromising a supple, light tyre with a great ride feel.
Shop XR tyresXT 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 tyre that holds its own on super-rugged trails.
Shop XT tyresWidth
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 tyres ranging from 2.0 to 4.5˝ wide, with a huge range of choices in between.
As with tread, the question comes down to traction versus weight. Wider tyres grip better and let you run lower tyre 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 tyres 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 tyre that matches your wheel’s diameter – most tyres will have their diameter printed on the side.