This is our top pick for 10 best 29″ MTB tires.
1. Bontrager 2013 29-0 Team Issue 29er Folding Clincher Tyre (£34.99)
What the manufacturer says:
“Optimized for 29″ wheels, the Bontrager 2013 29-0 Team Issue 29er Folding Clincher Tyre is a World Cup level racing tire providing low rolling resistance, maximum climbing traction and confident cornering. Plus, we relieved material between the tread knobs dropping the weight without affecting the tread performance. High thread count casing for suppleness and strength. Proprietary compound gives excellent traction in a wide variety of conditions. – Bontrager”
Product details:
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Use: |
Mountain Race |
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
1.9 or 2.1″ |
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Bead: |
Aramid |
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Compound: |
120 TPI |
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Extra Features: |
400g (1.9″), 430g (2.1″) |
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Weight: |
For Clincher type rims |
What the customers say:
…“ Light weight. Sharp cornering. Fast rolling.”
…“Lightweight for a 29er, amazing traction for minimalist tread, soft rubber hooks up well.”
…“Light, fast and deceivingly grippy.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
2. Maxxis Ardent 29″ Mountain Tyre (£35.99, £39.99 Save 10%!)
What the manufacturer says:
“Maxxis Ardent 29″ Mountain Tyre, an aggressive tread in high volume casing, designed with great traction in mind. The Ardent doesn’t forget the racer with large block style side knobs offering numerous edges for high speed cornering. The center tread, while ideal for braking and accelerating traction, also features ramped knobs to minimize rolling resistance. The Ardent captures every mountain rider’s needs. – Maxxis”
Product details:
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2.25” |
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Bead: |
Kevlar Foldable |
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Weight: |
755g |
What the customers say:
…“Excellent weight to volume to grip to rolling resistance to puncture resistance to price ratio!”
…“Sidewalls on the LUST version are indestructible. Rolls unbelievably fast at >25psi, traction is magnificent in a wide variety of conditions. It works anywhere, anytime and any condition.”
…“I know there are lighter tires and maybe faster ones, but these guys are for me. The hook up well and don’t let me down. With enough sealant on board you don’t have anything to worry about. After a while they wear out and it’s time for a new set. But I ride pine straw trails, rocks, roots, bare dirt, road you name it. These just keep on holding pressure and rolling for me.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
3. Specialized Fast Trak Control Tyre (£30.00)
What the manufacturer says:
“Specialized raised the bar on ourselves once again…redesigning the Fast Trak Control Tyre. Using not only rider feedback, experience, and knowledge, we’ve taken tread design a step further by manipulating each knob of the new Fast Trak with FE Analysis. The result is less rolling resistance, more traction when you need it, all in a lightweight package. Adaptive Tread technology for Competitive XC riders. – Specialized”
Product details:
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Use: |
Competitive XC |
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2.0″ |
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Bead: |
Foldable |
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Carcass: |
420/D1 for 15% improved cut resistance |
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Compound: |
60a |
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Front/Rear: |
Front or Rear |
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Extra Features: |
2Bliss Ready, 35-65 PSI |
What the customers say:
…“Decent price, great grip in the rear and set up tubeless easy.”
…“Fast roller, good corner grip, good braking, excellent transition from straight to cornering. It runs well tubeless with Stans. It is very durable and long lasting.”
…“2Bliss ready for fast rolling on road & on the dirt.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
4. Maxxis Ikon 29er 3C eXC Exo Protection Folding Mountain Bike Tyre (£51.99, £57.99 Save 10%!)
What the manufacturer says:
“The Maxxis Ikon 29er 3C eXC Exo Protection Folding Mountain Bike Tyre has been specifically designed for true racers looking for a true racing tyre. The Maxxis Ikon features triple technology high-volume casing and a fast rolling tread design, the Ikon provides exemplary performance in all riding conditions. As its name suggests, the Ikon represents all that is true in racing. This tyre uses Maxxis’ 3C Maxx Speed triple compound that used three different compounds to make the ultimate tyre. A hard compound closest to the carcass and then two different outer compounds giving you a fast tyre that grips really well in the corners.
The eXCeption Series of tires is a combination of Maxxis’ 62a compound and their 120 TPI casing. This not only makes for a lighter model tire, but it also enhances cornering, braking, and acceleration. These tires are recommended for race use only. This model features Maxxis’ EXO protection. This consists of Maxxis’ propriety material based sidewall that specially integrates with the exterior design of the tyre. The EXO protection means this tyre has increased abrasion and cut resistance for optimal performance. If you are after the ultimate lightweight racing MTB tyre with sidewall protection, make sure it’s the Maxxis Ikon 29er 3C eXC Exo Protection Folding Mountain Bike Tyre. – Maxxis”
Product details:
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Use: |
XC Racing |
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2.35″ |
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Bead: |
Folding |
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Carcass: |
120 TPI |
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Compound: |
3C MAXX SPEED |
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Protection: |
EXO Protection |
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Max. PSI: |
65 |
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Extra Features: |
eXC Series – combination of our 62a compound and our 120 TPI casing, These tires are recommended for race use only |
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Notes: |
For Clincher Rims |
What the customers say:
…“My Santa Cruz comes stock with CrossMark. I never wrecked as often. This is a far better tire in every way other than strait line rolling resistance, where it isn’t far behind. I’m using them both front and rear. It has very good climbing and cornering traction, and is predictable the limit, unlike the CrossMark.
Cornering transient behavior is also very good. Traction at various lean angles is consistent, and there is no waiting/hoping for the tire to achieve bite with the side knobs.”
…“It is very fast rolling and light. The side knobs give just enough traction to lay into corners without giving up rolling speed. The EXO system is the real deal; it gives exceptional strength while at the same time keeping the weight of the tire light. I have been impressed with the tire’s performance as a rear tire; it hooks up great on climbs no matter the terrain.”
…“This is the best XC tire I’ve used yet, for SoCal dry desert hard pack. Their traction continues to impress me. On hard pack, they have more climbing and level ground traction than any other tire I’ve used”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
5. Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29″ Tyre (£45.99, £49.99 Save 8%!)
What the manufacturer says:
“In a class of its own. The Nobby Nic 29″ Tyre is an all-round favorite and for many years a serial winner of MTB tyre tests. Why? Nobby Nic is unbelievably versatile. The tread offers unbeatable control in any conditions. Thanks to its compounding and construction at the highest Evo level it is light and fast in competition. This astonishing performance makes it a true ‘Allgrounder’. – Schwalbe”
Product details:
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Use: |
All Mountain Enduro |
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2.25″/2.35″ |
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Bead: |
Folding |
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Carcass: |
67 tpi |
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Compound: |
PaceStar, Fast XC Triple Compound |
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Protection: |
Schwalbe Snakeskin Sidewalls |
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Weight: |
2.25″ – 650g / 2.35″ – 725g |
What the customers say:
…“These tires were great in braking and cornering and had decent straight-line stability.”
…“Great traction on just about anything (with-in reason), great durability, low weight, great looks, sheds mud, tough sidewalls, good volume, easy to mount / set-up tubeless with Stan’s, fast rolling…”
…“Ran these for a full year on my 29er single speed mounted on Stans Flows. They set up tubeless easily with a floor pump and that was it. Rode the crap out of them without a single issue, these tires are plenty tough enough to handle riding rigid. I found 25-28 psi for best performance on a rigid bike. They hook up great without sacrificing rolling resistance. Best 29er tire I have used so far”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
6. Continental Race King 29″ Folding Tyre (£26.99, £34.95 Save 22%!)
What the manufacturer says:
“The Continental Race King 29″ Folding Tyre is available in a 2.2 version providing more cushioning and grip for larger riders, or for dirt jumpers like Martin Soderstrom, the Race King is a proven winner with countless UCI victories courtesy of the Topeak-Ergon team with Irina Kalentieva at its head. The Black Chili compound works its wonders on fast paced technical world cup tracks and marathon trails whilst a ProTection option adds extra meat to the carcass for trail riders. – Continental”
Product details:
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
Available in 2.0/2.2 |
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Bead: |
Folding |
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Maximum Pressure: |
65 Psi |
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Carcass: |
3/180 Ply/TPI |
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Front/Rear: |
Dual |
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Weight: |
650g |
What the customers say:
…“They look the business when fitted and have been a comfortable ride on hardpack paths and roads. No punctures so far either. Exactly what I ordered them for.”
…“I bought these tires for my Niner Jet and after few miles, I realize that it was perfect for it. I recommend for any 29er.”
…“Rolls very fast, has a particularly predictable behavior under braking conditions and cornering, despite its “high roller” design. Nice graphics and beefy volume for a trail/am 29er.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
7. Kenda Slant Six Folding 29er Tyre (£33.29, £36.99 Save 10%!)
What the manufacturer says:
“The Kenda Slant Six Folding 29er Tyre is the perfect blend of John Tomac’s two most winning tires – the Small Block 8 and the Nevegal. It is designed for speed, grip, and cornering assurance; this tire has it all for intermediate to hard-packed terrain. Downhill version features 2-ply construction and Stick-E rubber; Cross-country versions feature light-weight single-ply casings and DTC rubber. – Kenda”
Product details:
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Bead: |
Folding |
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Carcass: |
120 tpi |
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Compound: |
DTC (Dual Tread Compound) – The ultimate tread compound. Kenda’s LR3 PRO compound (60 shore A durometer) in the centre and the cornering knobs have STICK-E compound (50 shore A durometer). The benefits are great centre tread life, and great cornering control and grip |
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Weight: |
673g |
What the customers say:
…“Great all around tire for my trails (hard pack, loose over hard pack, fire roads, east coast rocky, rooty terrain Predictable when they break loose during cornering, Durability, Tread life, Wet grip okay.”
…“This is the best tire I’ve used so far. I got it out west and it performed very well in the dry dusty conditions out there, and it’s also performed great in the moister conditions back east. I use it on the rear, 26-28 PSI. I run tubes and have had no problems with pinch flats. It hooks up very well in forward direction, cornering, and braking, it has very supple yet strong sidewalls that have really smoothed out the ride of my hardtail, and has been long wearing so far. Works well on wet rocks and roots, but not so great in mud(but no small knob tire works well in mud). Rolls fast too.”
…“I’ve enjoyed these tires so far. Great on med to hardpack. Pretty good on the roots as well. I’m still trying to find the limits of traction powering off the corners. I really like the bite off the corners. When the front looses traction it’s pretty easy to correct.”
Deal Partner: Check the availability and latest price here.
8. Specialized S-Works The Captain 2Bliss Ready Tyre (£30.00)
What the manufacturer says:
“S-Works The Captain Tyre is the perfect tyre for control and predictability over any trail. With sharp-edged centre knobs and a tightly spaced sequence providing traction and speed, there are stable shoulder knobs which allow aggressive cornering. An open transition space makes self-cleaning a great trait when Mother Nature gets angry. – Specialized”
Product details:
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Use: |
XC/Trail |
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2.0″ |
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Bead: |
Foldable |
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Carcass: |
120 TPI |
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Compound: |
Centre Compound: 70a / Shoulder Compound: 60a |
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Front/Rear: |
Front or Rear |
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Extra Features: |
2Bliss Ready, 35-65 PSI |
What the customers say:
…“This tire has worked exceptionally well for me iondesert southwest trails and in primarily dry conditions.”
…“Light, supple, rolls relatively fast, excellent moist dirt performance, above average dry sandy performance.”
…“Light, rolls well, decent traction.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
9. Maxxis Crossmark 29” Mountain Bike Tyre
What the manufacturer says:
“Maxxis Crossmark 29″ Mountain Tyre is the dramatic evolution of the cross country racing tire. The nearly continuous center ridge flies on hard pack, yet has enough spacing to grab wet roots and rocks. The slightly raised ridge of side knobs offers cornering precision never before seen on a tire this fast. – Maxxis”
Product details:
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2.1″ |
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Bead: |
Kevlar Foldable |
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Weight: |
605 g |
What the customers say:
…“The sturdy sidewalls allow you to go low with the psi and avoid any squirm. The Crossmark tread is a tried and true XC dry conditions favorite and lasts a long time.”
…“I’ve been listening to Crosmark’s quality for years and decided to try in my 29er. I’m really satisfied with what I found: a very reliable tyre while fast enough in hard packed terrain.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
10. Bontrager 2013 29-1 29er Team Issue Tubeless Ready Folding Tyre (£36.99)
What the manufacturer says:
“The Bontrager 2013 29-1 29er Team Issue Tubeless Ready Folding Tyre is an ultra-fast rolling cross country race tire that’s ideally suited for dry and dusty condition. Tightly space central knobs provides plenty of fast-rolling traction, while the open outer tread design provides grip on dusty surfaces. Faster, better cornering version of the proven original XR1 29er. Intended for fast hardpack or loamy conditions. Developed in conjunction with professional athletes from Subaru Trek and Trek World Racing. Inner Strength casing (on TLR Team Issue tires) dramatically increases sidewall cut resistance and improves cornering stability. Covered by their Unconditional Bontrager Guarantee.
Instead of building a heavy butyl liner into the tire, Bontrager Tubeless Ready (TLR) tires work in conjunction with a thin, glycol-based sealant (called Super Juice) to achieve the same air-tight, bead-to-rim interface as standard tubeless tires without the added weight. In fact, Bontrager’s Tubeless Ready system is as much as 100g lighter per tire than standard tubeless tires. That’s nearly half a pound of rotational weight savings. Simply put, Bontrager Tubeless Ready technology provides all the performance advantages of a tubeless system without the usual weight penalty. It’s a better way to go tubeless. – Bontrager”
Product details:
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Use: |
Mountain |
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Wheel size: |
29″ |
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Tyre width: |
2 or 2.2″ |
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Bead: |
Aramid |
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Compound: |
120 TPI |
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Extra Features: |
595g (2″), 690g (2.2″) |
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Weight: |
For Clincher type rims |
What the customers say:
…“Bontrager has really improved their tires. This 29-1 really corners well and rolls fast. Perfect for xc racing. I haven’t had it in mud, but that’s not their intended use any way.”
…“These tires came as an original part on a 2012 Trek Superfly 100 AL Pro. My experience with original Tires, Grips and Saddles is that they are usually skimped on. These tires have been very durable both in tread-wear and strong sidewalls.”
Deal Partner: Check availability and latest price here.
