MTB tyres

An MTB tyre mainly consists of an inner casing, which is the foundation for the tyretread. The tread can have a more or less pronounced pattern and includes a sidewall material to absorb impact.
The casing is made of interwoven or braided synthetic fibres. The density of these fibres or threads, expressed in TPI (threads per inch), is very important as itdetermines the tyre's performance and its resistance to cuts or punctures. A higher TPI, which is usually found in higher-end tyres, means the casing more flexible and lighter.

It is also common to find different types of reinforcements under the tread and on the sides of the tyre, as this area is more exposed to cuts on technical MTB routes. Each brand has its own name for this type of reinforcement.

Another important part of a tyre is the bead. The bead is located on both edges of the tyre, all around its circumference and it helps attach it to the rim. Depending on the bead material, it can be more or less elastic. Some MTB tyres have a rigid bead, while others have a flexible bead (these are foldable). Rigid beads (usually made of steel) are heavier and are mainly used for recreational bicycles, rather than for sport or competition, except in some extreme disciplines which use this type of bead for enhanced safety.

The use of tubeless MTB or tubeless ready systems are almost mandatory for more demanding mountain biking. These tyres are designed to function without inner tubes, and require liquid sealant, in the case of TLR systems. Not only do they reduce punctures, but they improve the dynamic behaviour of the bike, as they allow lower air pressure than that used in tyres with inner tubes.

The tread is on the outer area, the visible part of the tyre in contact with the riding surface. Its main function is to provide grip on MTB terrain.

The tread pattern depends on the type of surface and the type of terrain. In some cases, specific tyres, each with a different tread, are used on the front and rear wheels. At the rear, a slightly more rolling tread is always better, while the front tyre requiresgreater grip when cornering.

Grip and speed are essential for XC, and for this reason the tyre knobs are usually numerous and smaller.

For trail, it is preferable to have more separated and protruding side knobs, with slightly smaller lugs in the centre. This gives a certain fluidity on the ascent and good traction on technical sections.

For enduro, the separation of the knobsneeds to be even greater, to ensure stability and perfect traction on technical terrain.

The most prominent knobs are found on downhill or DH MTB tyres, in this case on the entire tread. The distance between the lugs, is also the greatest in this discipline, in order to evacuate the mud

Some tyres on the market have metal spikes on the knobs. These knobs are large and spaced apart and the spikes increase grip on ice or snow.

As with the tread, the air pressure used for your MTB wheels depends to a great extent on the terrain and the discipline, as well as other features, such as weight and personal taste.

Tubeless systems use lower air pressure, with all the advantages this entails. Tubeless tyres are generally used for more technical disciplines and, in some cases, additional protection systems are also used inside the tyre or clincher.

Air pressure, as we mentioned, can vary greatly, depending on the discipline. nowadays it is common for XC riders to use between 1.4 bar for tubeless tyres with a more rounded profile, up to just over 2 bar with smaller widths or if inner tubes are used.

As the terrain becomes more technical, pressure tends to be lower, so trail riders tend to use air pressure that ranges from 1.2 bar to 1.6 bar, for example.

Choosing MTB tyres is not easy, because it depends on several factors. Our expert staff in each of our Mammoth stores will be glad to help you select the best option.

Both our shops and our online store have the largest selection of MTB tyres for every situation, every customer, every bike and every cycling discipline. From top quality brands, such as: Maxxis, Specialized, Continental, Goodyear, Vittoria, Michelin, Pirelli, Hutchinson, Chaoyang, Wtb, Tufo, Kenda, Schwalve, Tannus, etc. And always with the best discounts and guaranteed prices.