One of the most important parts on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on various surfaces. Also the MTB tire size is quite important. Most mountain bike riders search for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many experienced riders even have multiple sets of tires for various riding conditions.

So what tire is right for your mountain bike and driving style? With so many different manufactures and models to select from which one is right for you? These are not easy questions to answer so hopefully we can provide some insight to get you moving in the right direction. Mountain bike parts are not cheap and you want to make the right choice.

Tire Construction:

Pay attention to a Kevlar bead or folding tire – A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a usual none folding tire. For an extra couple of dollar, in my opinion, it is worth spending the additional money.

Terrain and Tread patterns:

Define where you are going to drive and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be driving on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock? For heavy packed region consider a narrower and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is 1.8 to 2.0 wide.

For hard packed region with a good mix of rocks you might want to consider a wider and slick MTB tires. As an example a tire that is wider then 2.0.

For loosely packed road consider a knobby tire. Select a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you gain maximum traction in the dirt . You might also want to consider tires that are designed for the front and rear of the bike.

For muddy district consider a narrow continental MTB tire. Narrow tires will achieve the bottom of the dirt and make less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.

For all terrain tires there are so many choices to consider. Many of the major tire manufacturers create very good tires that are good for all conditions.

You can purchase your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual selling tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.

The information above is a rough guide on what to consider when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes shops that have bikes for sale and bike parts can also give you their point of view. Talk to your friends and read online forums to see what other riders like and don’t like. The more information you get the better.

See you on the trail.