MTB Wheels and Tyres

The mountain bike wheels and tyres gathered here cover all sizes, from the 20-inch size for kids to the 29-inch for cross-country: tubeless ready or inner tube tyres, high or rolling tread compounds, reinforced inner tubes and pumps, from Hutchinson, Michelin, Vittoria, Panaracer, CST, Deli or Schwalbe. Each tyre should be chosen based on the terrain, weather and rim width.

The tyre is the only contact between the bike and the trail: it makes all the difference in corners and descents.

26, 27.5 or 29 inches: finding the right size

The diameter of the tire is measured in inches, but the ETRTO notation helps avoid mistakes: 559 millimetres for the 26-inch, 584 for the 27.5, and 622 for the 29. The CST Jack Rabbit marked 60-622 is thus a 29-inch tire that is 60 millimetres wide, which is about 2.35 inches. Children's mountain bikes use 20 or 24 inches, with Deli tires featuring tightly spaced knobs.

The width must remain compatible with the rim: a tire of 2.3 to 2.4 inches thrives on a rim with an inside width of 25 to 30 millimetres, and the frame must allow for some clearance for mud.

Knobs and compounds depending on the terrain

A tire with low and tightly spaced knobs, like the Vittoria Mezcal, rolls quickly on the dry and hard paths of cross-country. Taller and more spaced knobs on a trail tire bite into loose soil and allow mud to clear out between wheel turns. The more prominent side knobs help keep the tire steady during turns.

The compound is just as important as the tread design: multi-compound tires from Vittoria combine a harder centre, which lasts and rolls well, with softer shoulders for grip. Single compound tires, which are stiffer, perform better on rocky paths and are suitable for hiking.

Tubeless, flexible bead and casing

A tubeless ready tire, like the CST Jack Rabbit or the Vittoria Mezcal, can be mounted without a tube using a sealed rim strip, a dedicated valve, and a sealing liquid. This allows for lower pressure without the risk of pinch flats, providing more grip and comfort, and thorns often seal themselves.

The flexible bead, made from aramid, lightens the tire and allows it to be folded; the stiff bead, made from steel, is used on entry-level tires like the Michelin Country Rock, which are heavier but easy to mount. A reinforced casing resists cuts on rocks, at the cost of a few dozen grams.

The selection

The page is organised by type:

The mountain bike is complemented with bikes, drivetrains, brakes, components, gear, on the Mountain Bike page.

Reinforced tubes, valves and pressure

Presta, thin, the most common on recent mountain bikes, or Schrader, which is wider. A reinforced tube, like the Schwalbe Air Plus or the thick-walled Hutchinson models, better withstands pinch flats on roots and steps.

The pressure is adjusted according to weight and terrain, between the values on the sidewall: lower, the tire conforms to the ground and grips; higher, it rolls faster and protects the rim from impacts. A precise gauge helps find the right setting for each ride.

Frequently asked questions

27.5 or 29-inch mountain bike: what to choose?

The 29-inch goes over obstacles more easily and maintains speed, which is useful in cross-country and hiking. The 27.5 accelerates faster and handles better in tight spaces, an advantage for smaller riders.

What mountain bike tire for alternating between road and trails?

A tire with low and closely spaced knobs in the centre rolls quietly on asphalt, while more pronounced side knobs maintain grip in corners on dirt. A width of around 2.1 to 2.25 inches makes for a good compromise.