Continental Mountain King Tire. The tread blocks are of an intermediate design, distributed and shaped to deal with anything from soft loamy soil up to hardpack.
Features:
Available in 2.2 for intermediate XC and 2.4 for Freeride.
these tires are PERFECT fall tires. I got them in the summer and tried them. i live in virginia so trails are very rocky and rooty. I did not like them until all the local trails became covered in leaves. They are a great fall/ winter/ spring tire. it all depends on the local riding conditions. these tires are perfect for what tey are made to ride. bottom line: they are amazing tires for loose soil conditions
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marinjp
a Cross Country Rider
from lakewood Date Reviewed: November 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Treads
Strengths:
weight, grip, fast roller, seems well made
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
a whole lot of them
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance with the usual goods
Bottom Line:
I recently mounted these in the 2.4 size and have to say I am impressed so far. For late fall hardpack Colorado singletrack they are incredibly fast and grippy. I replaced a set of Nevegals after multiple sidewall failures and there is no comparison thus far. I never realized how slow the Nevegals were until I mounted the MK. I have experienced sidewall failure with Conti. in the past as well as rediculously fast wear so only time will tell if these are better. So far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
-Chameleon-
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: October 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Goatfarm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
-Good Grip
-Light
-Good hardpack grip
-Rolls insanely fast
Weaknesses:
-Soft compound, rear tyre is already worn down
-Average grip on loose gravel
-Really bad in deep mud, but here in Australia we hardly ever get deep mud
Similar Products Used:
Merida Race, Scott Ozone
Bike Setup:
2009 Scott Scale 50, Juicy 3.5 brakes, Conti Mountain King 2.25, Deore/Deore XT groupset
Bottom Line:
Great XC hardpack tyre, ok in the loose pea gravel. Insanely fast rolling, almost feels like slicks. Not so good in sand and mud, which is kinda expected with the small knobs. This is a great, fast rolling tyre. I wouldn't use it for the rear, get something more robust with a harder wearing compound.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
el bikobandito
a Cross Country Rider
from B-ville PA USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Weaknesses:
Thin for a 2.2...measures 1.95, and its slippey!
Bike Setup:
Fuji 29er
Bottom Line:
I don't think the name mountain king is correct for this tire, it should be something more like mountain jester...because you will ride like a clown on these. First 2.2 should measure just that...2.2 Conti is notorious for posting larger sizes than they actually are. Because of the super thin size you will need to pump them up to avoid pinch flats...there starts the problem...anything damp (logs, roots, rocks)...even high humidity will cause them to slip...not a great tire for the northeast unless you are out to work on your balance. Save your $$$!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
willtsmith_nwi
a Weekend Warrior
from Valparaiso, IN Date Reviewed: October 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
www.outbacktrail.org
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Zims Bike Shop (sadl
Strengths:
It clears like crazy. This is THE loose condition/wet weather tire for 29ers.
Weaknesses:
The casing is thin and I have experienced more flats with it. Not anywhere close to ever ride. And surprise ... you probably don't want to ride this on hardpack. Loose stuff is it's element.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Stout, Panaracer Rampage
Bike Setup:
Karate Monkey XT/X9 setup.
Bottom Line:
If you look before June 2009, this tire was smokin' lots of chilis. Recent reviewers seem to think less of it. I get the idea that they are expecting it to be a good all-rounder. But all-rounder tires pack readily and shed ok.
This tire was the answer to the old time 29ers wish of having a good mudder/sander/snower tire. It was a big amen. And for recent reviewers the perspective you need is that it's loose condition tire ... duh. With those tall soft knobs, don't expect super hardpack performance. Don't enter your monster truck into a NASCAR race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jsnsong
a Cross Country Rider
from fullerton,ca, usa Date Reviewed: October 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
el prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
wiggle
Strengths:
2.2 ust rear, 2.4 ust front. good climbing, good cornering, stable ride at speed.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
nevegals, schwalbe nn ust and rocket rons ust, hutch barracuda ust
not sure where people are running into so much trouble with this tire. i've had a great experience running these treads on my bike. i ride aggressively for a xc rider, i'm a borderline clydesdale and have a lot of confidence on these tires. braking, cornering, climbing...all is muy bueno! i will definitely replace these tires with MK's again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
devbrix
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: September 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Using Supersonics front and rear. Very light and very quick tyre with nearly 1kg off previous tyre weights. Sure on the trail and no problems with traction or cornering AT THE RIGHT PRESSURES for the tyres which is high at 45-50 PSI. Running on less pressure they're like banana skins, truely awful with poor grip and puncture after puncture but since running at these pressures these are great. Knocked a staggering amount of time off my usual times on my fav trails.
Wear seems OK so far.
Weaknesses:
They do make a funny pinging sounds over loose stuff at these pressures which is disconcerting but getting used to it now. Can't run on lower pressures without feeling insecure.
They ain't cheap.
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Marin Rock Springs
Bottom Line:
Great tyre if you dont mind running them at high pressures. Don't bother with them if you want to flat them out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
quelocotony
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Texas Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Grapevine Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Mud Clearance. Light and relatively easy to set up tubeless.
Weaknesses:
You name it. Worst tire I've ever ridden.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing I've ridden sucked as much as this tire. Not even Walmart $15 tires.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR, XT Components, DT XR4.2D Tubless
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Mountain King 2.2 UST.
I rode these tires for about 3 months. Set them up with tubes, without tubes, worked with air pressure, etc.
As a front tire, this tire has absolutely no cornering traction. I lost a great deal of confidence on the trail after a couple near misses and finally running into a tree around a bend.
As a rear tire, better traction on tacky hard packed soil. However, it is slippery as heck on North Texas clay and limestone and a disaster waiting to happen in rock garden laden trails. Not very inspiring on dry hard pack either.
After my tree incident, I decided to try the Maxxis Crossmark and run one of the Continental Mt. Kings in the rear. Immediate improvement in my ride and handling. So I decided to throw a Maxxis TT Larsen in the rear per my LBS suggestion (both tubelss). Holy SH!T what an amazing difference.
Bottom-line
Continental Mt. King UST = Worst tires and injury waiting to happen.
I got rid of one of the Mt. King tires and I'm giving the other one away for free. All you need to do is pay for shipping and it's yours.
But seriously-- if you're in the market for new tires, go with the Maxxis. You will not regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BeerBikeBerm
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 10, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Mountain King Protection 2.2:
Fast enough rolling, looks pretty cool and the reddish tinted sidewalls match my bike. Better grip than Fire XC. Good wear resistance.
Weaknesses:
Better grip than Fire XC is not saying much. These tires were very disappointing for all of their hype from Continental. Not a good tubeless setup. By no means is it a 2.2" tire. This is a 2.0" tire at most.
That is all.
Similar Products Used:
Nevegal 2.1, Karma 2.0 / 2.2, SB8
Bike Setup:
XC race
Bottom Line:
"The Mountain King rules the rockies!" says Continental on their website. Not really. That is not why I got them, though. The bike shops here seem to like them, for some reason. Very average performing tire. The sidewalls do seem tough, and the tread lasts a while, and it does shed mud, but it has a strange non-linear feel, especially when set up tubeless. The casing does not conform well and is very stiff until suddenly...it gives in and you unexpectedly nail the rim on a rock or root. Sometimes it impresses me when it sticks to an off-camber sandy flat-rock that I don't have much confidence on in the first place. Then it refuses to catch while braking and I slide sideways down a normally easy section. Oh yeah, and it tends to feel very wobbly. Back to Kenda Karma for racing even though they don't last long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
3sigma
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This is a review of the MK 2.4 Protection with the Black Chili compound, used as a rear tire.
At best, this is an average tire. The best thing going for it seems to be that is does not wear quickly.
Weaknesses:
I switched from the Kenda Nevegal 2.35 DTC to the MK. On pavement, the MK feels faster. However, on the trail it is not. I switched back and forth with a Nevegal for a downhill coasting comparison. The times for the Nevegal were consistently faster, with no other changes to the bike.
As far as braking, climbing traction, as especially cornering grip, the MK is much worse than the Nevegal. I do not feel confident running this tire. On wet roots/rocks, it does not grip as well as the Nevegal DTC and is far worse than the Nevegal Stick-E.
Finally, the MK 2.4 is narrower than the Nevegal 2.35.
Similar Products Used:
Schwalbe Big Betty, Nobby Nic (a very fragile tire!); Kenda Nevegal 2.1, Nevegal 2.35 Stick-E and DTC, Kenda Ignitor (no cornering grip), Kenda Crossmark.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
A very average tire that is definitely not worth the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ayqueloco
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, Texas Date Reviewed: September 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Northshore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
Phat Tire
Strengths:
Nice tread. Easy to set up tubeless. Good mud clearance.
Weaknesses:
Everything else -- worst and most expensive tire I've ever ridden.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC Comp
Bottom Line:
I was so excited to read all the reviews and to get my hands on a new set of Continental Mountain King 2.2 UST tires to replace my stock Specialized Resolution 2.0 tires.
Overall, the tires are squirley because of they are narrow and have a lower profile and lost almost an inch of ground clearance from the tires alone.
Because of the lower bottom bracket and longer crank arms on my bike I manage to hit just about every root and rock on my typical trail. The 2.2 is 1.8 at best with much lower air mass which means you will feel every bump on these puppies -- you may need to visit a chiropractor after each ride.
What's worse is the Continental doesn't have a "customer service" number that you can go call from the US making it virtually impossible to work with the company for some resolution.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtyrig
a Downhiller
from Westchester, NY Date Reviewed: August 31, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
Protection version has a strong sidewall, great stopping and pedaling traction in loose to medium hard pack. Good in dry rocky conditions
Weaknesses:
Terrible in wet rocky/slick rock conditions, like riding on ice. Does not corner well on high speed turns, squirmy knobbies in Hard Pack, slick rock terrain.
Bike Setup:
09 Blur LT2
Bottom Line:
I've been riding the Mountain King 2.4 protection on my XC bike. I live in the North East USA and we have some of the most diverse terrain in the country. From hard pack, slick rock, loose dirt, roots you name it. I put these tires through every trail condition imaginable. They are a fair all around tire and are terrible in wet/rocky conditions. The tire also does not corner well when high speed cornering. These tires shine on loose to medium hard-pack conditions, but hard pack terrain you can feel the knobbies squirm on hard turns. These tire are deadly in wet/ rocky conditions. Feels like I'm ridding on ice. I would have given them 2 1/2 chili's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronen
a Weekend Warrior
from netiv ha ashara israel Date Reviewed: August 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
canada park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
jensen
Strengths:
very low roling resistance,fantastic handling and traction light weight.
Weaknesses:
soft sides, very good traction = medium durabilty!
Bike Setup:
nomad 2008 9AM KIT With i9 wheels mavic 823ust
Bottom Line:
i like it very much i prefer a better traction on durability!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nocker
a Downhiller
from PA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tempest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Avalon
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
no grip, pinch flats like a mutha,
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
08 SC Bullit
Bottom Line:
This is the worst tire ever. I had several pinch flats even though I kept the PSI within recommendations. Felt like I was riding on ice when cornering on the local trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bula
a Cross Country Rider
from Potsdam, NY Date Reviewed: August 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Stone Valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cyclist
Strengths:
Rolls fast, grips pretty well in the wet. No signs of significant wear after a year of pretty hard use.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't hook up well in corners.
Similar Products Used:
Innumerable
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the 2.4 MK Protection with Black Chilli. I bought them in hopes of finding a tire that rolled faster than my Nevegals (stick E), but didn't give up too much grip on wet roots and rocks. In this respect the MK has performed just as I'd hoped. My only beef is that they feel a bit squirrely in the corners and will release quicker than most other tires I've ridden. There is no doubt that this is in part due to pilot error - I'm just not that good at high speed cornering, but that said, I have more trouble with this tire than others that I've tried. Nonetheless, I'm otherwise very satisfied and likely will get them again once these have worn out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Malamute
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
bike2build
Strengths:
they are light, they got low rolling resitance
rear tire has very descent traction
Weaknesses:
Hard to find the ideal pressure for the tires
the side walls also tend to do weird stuff in fast corners
The tires i have is the supersonic 2.2 version
I like the tires pretty much for, they do exactly what they have to do and are made for.
Theyr very good climbers on all sorts of ground types.
The front tire is hard to get the pressure right but once u found the pressure that suites u its got very good turning abilities and still rolls very light. Tho when u got the pressure to low the outer walls tend to bend and u get alot of snakebites in them.Im also very pleased with the wear they give, ive used them for 2000km and theyr still good for another 200 and i do alot of tarmac aswell with the bike
These tires are very good for XC and light all mountain use, if u want a tire who works very good on all types of surface these are the ones. But if u are more into the agressive all mountain/freeride use there must be a better choise then these tires
value is a 5chillie rating
overall gets 4because the pressure isue
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bad mechanic
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland, USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
This is for the 2.1 Supersonic.
- Light weight (and how)
- Roll very fast
- Terrific traction
- Not hideously expensive
Weaknesses:
- Though I haven't had problems, they don't seem like the most durable of tires
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list
Bottom Line:
I went to these from Nevegals, and while they have slightly less traction, I've already adjusted for it. What amazes me about them is how well they roll considering how much traction they have. It almost feels like cheating. After moving to these, it felt like I'd been pedaling in mud before. A word, though, only the Supersonics are guaranteed to come in the Black Chili compound (some Protections do as well), and without the Black Chili they become just an average tire.
With the Supersonics I dropped two thirds of a pound of rotating mass.
While people say the Supersonics are fragile, they've held up fine so far, and don't really seem thinner than the Nevegals I have on there now. I can see why you wouldn't want to run them on a really rocky trail, but around here they're fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yetidog2
a Cross Country Rider
from SE MI Date Reviewed: July 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
PLRA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
on-line
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
2.2 is closer to 1.95 or 2.0. Noticeable washout in hard cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevagal
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, too many upgrades to mention. I'm 180 lbs, running front tire at 35 pounds.
Bottom Line:
Swapped my Kenda Nevagal (front), SB 8 (rear) set-up for Mountain King (front), Race King (rear). The Mountain King has been a disappointment, not sure if I'm going to try a Race King in front, or go back to Nevagal.
I am a very aggressive rider; evidenced by lots of injuries and pinch flats. Still looking for the perfect front tire, cuz the Mountain King isn't it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ravenbike
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kurragong
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Good climbing grip, mount well on rim.
Weaknesses:
To lower profile, pinch flats, slow rolling, unpredictable traction in corners.
Similar Products Used:
Performs similiar to most sparsly knobbed tyres.
Bike Setup:
575 mavic 819 rims 240 hubs, XTR rapid fire, disc group set. Fox TALAS 150mm.
Bottom Line:
This reveiw is for the 2.2 Conti. Mtn King.
I am mostly a weekend warrior/ Enduro racer, with about 10yrs riding experience. My weight varies between 82kg and 85kg.
These tyres are rubbish for the asking price. I would not recommend this tyre for any rider who weighs over 75kgs (about 140pds). However I do have some friends who ride with these tyres and have no trouble, but they are much lighter, and never ride aggressively.
Being a heavier rider causes the tyre to bit harder into lose terrian , which reduces the rolling resistance making the tyre feel slow. I found when pushed hard into sandy gravelly corners the tyre becomes over well helmed and breaks traction. Some people may be confused when measuring the tyre width, because most mountain bike manufactures measure the width of the casing, but conti measures from the outer knobs. The actual tyre casing measures at 185 that's very scrawny.
If you're a cross country racer and weigh between 60-70kg you might consider trying this tyre out, on a coarse that is not too tight and twisty with minimal rocks and techincal terrian in saying this there are plenty of better tyres for XC racing than the Mtn King.
Don't bother with this tyre if you're an aggressive trail rider or need a tyre you can rely on, on epic rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Belf
a Downhiller
from Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
haro extreme x1, manitou nixon, fox dhx air, avid elixir, saint
Bottom Line:
i've used 2.4 version, and this tire is full crap if you are enjoying freeride. my maxxis dh tubes have been shredded into pieces without running it onto really hard spots because of very thin compound.
works well only for xc/trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
talexander9203
a Cross Country Rider
from Peshastin WA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Chickamin Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Wenatchee Area Racer
Strengths:
Incredibly light weight for the size (2.4), high volume, great traction, and a secure, solid feeling in rutted, loose and rocky trails.
Weaknesses:
Trade-offs are super flexible sidewalls, not the best pure hardpack tire and they cost more than some car tires if you pay list price.
Similar Products Used:
Vertical Pros, 2.3 Protection model.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct, Fox Float 100mm, Chris King w/ MAVIC 717 Disc rims, total weight 26 lbs.
Bottom Line:
The Mountain King 2.4 Supersonic tire is really light for it's size. I weighed the two tires I bought on a chemistry lab scale and both were a couple or grams under 560. This tire has great traction, especially for climbing sketchy steeps and is a good cornering tire on all but hard pack were it gives up a bit to tires specifically designed for that use. Depending on your point of view, the down side or tradeoff for the light weight of the Supersonic model is the side walls are thin and super flexy and I kept increasing my air pressure until I got them dialed in for hard cornering. I weigh 190 lbs and am now running between 45 - 48 lbs of air pressure front and rear. I haven't had any flats and wear after 500 miles seems average. I like this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kavevey
a Cross Country Rider
from Vevey-Switzerland Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
locals
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
online Germany
Strengths:
I am using the wired tire MountainKing 2.2, light, front wheel, versatile, easy to handle.
Weaknesses:
No so fare, maybe loosing some traction in quick dry sharp tern.
Similar Products Used:
Z-Max all the line, Specialized Armadilo, WTB velocity reptor, phython,
Bike Setup:
Hand made chromoly hard tail by Ari-Cycle, New XT group, MRD-7, Mavic XC717 V-Brake, Schwalbe Smart Sam rear tire.OvalConcepts Cockpit.
Bottom Line:
Simply excellent, i love it, easy to handle nice grip all condition.
I will recommend it as it gives good overall feeling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al Osorio
a Cross Country Rider
from Zurich Date Reviewed: May 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Engadin, Switzerland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
online in Germany
Strengths:
Grip is good in general, but don't over inflate. It seems to be able to hold up nicely with just enough pressure. Seems to have low rolling resistance. Do not have 100% trust in front tire for loose gravel turning.
Weaknesses:
Weather I pumped up hard or not, I have gotten three pinch flats in two months. Thorns etc.... Ok, we had a really dry April and the forest was hard packed with no mud this spring, but I have my doubts. Wear out a little fast
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorer. Great all around tire.
Bike Setup:
Top Fuel 8 (Trek) 2007
Bottom Line:
I think it is a good (not great) tire for the price. The low knobs hook in really nice and expecially as a back tire. Above average as front tire. I wish this tire had the front tire grip of Schwalbe Little Albert, and Little Albert had Conti Mtn Kings rolling resistance. That would be the dream tire. A few times last fall I also felt the front performed average in Muddy singletrack. That's about it. I am still not totally convinced about this tire and could go back to Schwalbe Nics or Albert....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amir faezal zakaria
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: March 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kiara
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bikepro
Strengths:
This is a review for the MK Supersonic 2.2 converted to tubeless with Stan's and used in the rear. Very light at 500g and great for climbing. Great traction in wet, loamy, muddy trail conditions. Sheds mud exceptionally well. Light weight means easy to give gas to rear wheel for bursts in technical situations. Was using Nevegals DTC 2.35 (also converted to tubeless) in the rear so was initially skeptical of the integrity and strength of the MK sidewalls especially on rooty or rocky descents. So far I have had no problems and the tyre is not any worse than the Nevegals in terms of traction or integrity.
Weaknesses:
Converting it into tubeless is a more committed job than other tyres. Following suggestions from reviewers below, I first mounted it with a tube. I went tubeless after the first ride but I had to use twice as much sealant to ensure that the inner tyre was coated well. The sidewalls are pretty thin and air seeped through the sidewalls for hours. I had to place the wheel flat on a pail and kept flipping it to get the sealant around better. Bubbles of air formed on the sidewalls but it stopped eventually. The tyre rides well at 28 psi. It will lose a few psi's over a few days so best to check the pressure and air it up before each ride. As a tubeless tyre, the bead mounted and popped at first attempt.
I have no issue of the ride quality of this tyre. I will post another review if the wear is significantly faster than other tyres I have used. I suspect the knobs will wear off within 6 months or so.
The tyre costs about 25% more than other tyres of similar size. Speaking of sizes, the 2.2 as claimed by Continental is at most a 2.1 on other tyres.
Xtension Xplorer, 36 Van, Float R, mix bag of XTR, XT, Thomson components, Mavic tubeless rims
Bottom Line:
Traction is great in wet and muddy conditions. Sheds mud well. Low rotating mass. Helps on the climbs. Converting to tubeless can be a bit of a faff but not impossible and once done enables the tyre to be run on relatively low psi.
Conti's measurement is suspect, the 2.2 is more of a 2.1 and appears a little emaciated on an all mountain, so you may want a 2.4 for a no nonsence sturdy look. I heard a 2.4 is only about 550 g.
Durability is not likely to match heavier tyres but I am not babying this tyre on my regular trail and it has held up well. I have ordered a Mountain King 2.4 Supersonic for the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CrashT
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT Date Reviewed: January 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cyclist
Strengths:
This is for the 2.4 Mountain King Supersonic. The tires are very light (520g) for their size (2.3 is more realistic) and roll with little resistance. Good traction in loose over hardpack, dirt, etc. Durable - ran them all last season with no problems or visible damage. Used Bontrager 90g tubes, so the setup flies. The shoulder tread sticks out a fair distance and helps protect the sidewalls. Tread pattern clears mud well.
Weaknesses:
Because of the light weight, they can get knocked off course more easily by rocks, etc. than a heavy tube/tire/wheel setup.
The first half of nearly all Missoula rides is all about climbing. These tires are a super light weight, provide great traction in the mostly dry and hardpack to loose trails and make a noticeable difference. Good to excellent performers on the downhill second halfs. Running 'em again next season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rjcarlson49
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: January 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Whypass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Great grip on climbs
Very easy to get on the rim
Very good in sand
Weaknesses:
None so far, except price
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vertical Pro; Maxxis Ignitor LUST; Kenda Kharisma and others
Bike Setup:
Turner Flux, Fox 100 RLC, X.0 shifters and RD, XTR FD, Race Face Crankset, Avid Juicy 7
Bottom Line:
This is a UST 2.4 version, mounted on the rear.
I was really surprised at the grip this tire provided. I was riding dry hardpan with lot of gravel, rocks, dust, etc. Climbs were short but often 20-30 percent coming up out of washes. This is the first time I can remember a tire providing this much of an improvement over previous tires.
It was great in sandy washes too.
As a bonus it was possible to get the tire on the rim by hand, a terrific convenience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sophs
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Collins Co. Date Reviewed: January 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
401
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
2.2 none unless you are riding smooth soft to hard pack ONLY, the 2.4(really more like 2.30) everything great Tire
Weaknesses:
2.2 Weak tire, 2.4-none
Similar Products Used:
specialized,maxxis, panaracer
Bike Setup:
Epic marathon, wheels,brakes, cranks, seat!
Bottom Line:
Simple, the 2.2 is a complete failure by conti, not sure how but on trails that I ride several times a week and NEVER pinch flat on the 2.2 Pinched 4 out of 5 rides@30+lbs, on gravel to baseball size rock this tire needs to be recalled and discontinued by Conti, HOWEVER the 2.4 is MONEY!! fast, grippy, tough and fairly light for a 2.4 really 2.3 this thing has been on slick rock, jagged rock, mud (cakes a bit but its a 2.4 ish) wet rock, dry dirt ,clay hard dirt, soft dirt,loose rock and everything else, and its like I said...... MONEY!! STAY AWAY FROM THE 2.2(really a 1.8-1.9)its Failure!! and will only piss you off as you recall my warning!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tsan
a Weekend Warrior
from fort collins CO USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
monitor and merrimac
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
None, uh... round maybe?
Weaknesses:
a pine branch punctured this tire, is there a softer wood out there? and a UST tire at that.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, irc, panaracer,
Bike Setup:
575 with a DUC32, all disc, ust,
Bottom Line:
first ride out, a pine branch punctured the tire at 50 PSI on the ride up, there goes the UST, on the descent of a trail I've ridden 100's of times without incident, I punctured two tubes on relatively minor obstacles, Called Conti and got no help whatsoever, best offer was a crash replacemnt, I'll never put another conti tire on my bike let alone pay more good money for another sh*tty tire, go maxxis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
old racer jim
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego County Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
ebay- price for pair
Strengths:
These are the Supersonic 2.2. Very light, extremely FAST. Good, not great traction. Mounted up very true, no wobble. Pedal very well.
Weaknesses:
Not quite as large as claimed, a little noisy, wear a little more quickly than others. Expensive unless you get a deal. (probably not worth list price due to limited lifespan)
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC Pro, Kenda Nevegal, Conti Vertical Pro, Pana Trail Blasters, IRC Serac, Hutchinson Spider, Ritchey Zmax, you name it.
Bike Setup:
Turner Burner, XT, Fox, X9
Bottom Line:
These tires are not for everyone. I don't believe in giving a review until I have seen all aspects of an item, including durability. I can now do that. These tires will probably not hold up under a heavy rider, but I am 160 lbs. and have had no structural problems with them. I run them tubeless, and have had no flats in approx. 500 mi. As I said above, traction is good in most conditions if you don't push them to the limit, just try to find that limit without crashing. I predict that they will last about half as long as Conti Vertical Pros, but these are designed with cross country racing in mind. Consequently, they are exceedingly fast, with slightly sparse knobs. If you are not a heavyweight, and are willing to sacrifice a small amount of traction and durability for tons of speed, you will love these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jhanney
a Weekend Warrior
from Az Date Reviewed: November 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
hmmm... possibly ok rolling resistance on and off road
Weaknesses:
30 psi - ok grip on rocks and roots slower more controlled grip but... pinch flats
45 psi - bad on roots and rocks slids unpredictably..
Similar Products Used:
Nevegals 2.1 dtc. pythons new gen 2 2.3, dred thred 2.4, minion 2.35 60a and 42, michelin A/T dry 2.35, Small block 8 ust 2.1, El moco 2.1 dtc
Bike Setup:
..
Bottom Line:
WORST WORST tire i have ever used. 5 pinch flats in 2 rides. used the tires for 1 XC ride at 45 psi, the tires has absolutely jacksh1t traction across rocks and roots. at dropped it to 30psi and grip became better but 2 pinch flats in one ride means i had to push the bike out of the trails.
on semi wet hard ground, abso farking lutely no traction..
bad rebound feel.
cornering ability is the worst of all tires that i have used in the past 13 mths.
ps, in the particular one xc ride, the centre knobs and the transition knobs have been eaten away. some knobs still have the outer rubber left, meanin when u look at it, it is an "L" meaning the knobs connecting to the carcass have totally died.
most rubbish tires i have ever used. i seriously doubt the reviews so far. expensive and rubbish.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NashvilleBlur
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Rolled decently, gripped well, looked cool
Weaknesses:
Flats, pinch flats, price
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones XR 2.2, IRC Mythos 2.1, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1, Kenda Nevegals 2.1
Bike Setup:
Fuel EX9 2008
Bottom Line:
This is for the Protection 2.2 model. I couldn't ride this tire at my local trail. I am a big guy at 240 and would strongly recommend a different tire if you are heavier. I was 4 for 4 on pinch flats at my local rocky trail with tubes. Switched to tubeless, due to pinch flats, and was 2 for 3 rides with punctures with Stan's Notubes. Learned Stan's Notubes will not seal at 45psi. I think the issue with this tire is that the center edge between the widely spaced knobs is extremely thin. They need to put the protection there! In Continental's defense, I will say I had 0 problems with the 2.4, but I couldn't run it b/c of frame clearance.
Ultimately, I switched to Nevegals after this tire and have ridden the trail about 10 times since and not had one flat since I've installed them. I also had no flats with the stock Bontrager Jones XRs either at that trail which is even lighter.
Bottom line: Bigger guys need to look elsewhere & I've heard people 150#ish getting no flats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jmb123
a Weekend Warrior
from Dickson, TN, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Cumberland Transit
Strengths:
Not to heavy (745grams) for 2.4. Great cornering and climbing grip. Large casing with tubeless is like adding another inch to suspension. Easy to setup tubeless (protection model).
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance isn't to great. Rear tire starting to show signs of wear after about 250 miles. Expensive!
Similar Products Used:
Continental Speed king 2.1 (terrible), many others
Bike Setup:
2007 Fisher HiFi Pro
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2.4 protection model. A great all around tire that can handle anything. Sealed tubeless with stan's first night w/o losing more than 5 lbs. of pressure. I'm running them at about 28lbs front and rear now and it seems to be perfect for my trails. A high quality tire in terms of manufacuring (handmade in germany only applies to protection and supersonic models). The Black Chili compound allows the tire to hook up on hard pack really well. The rolling resistance is not great, but I might try to change the direction of the rear tire to see if that helps.
I'm gonna try the 2.2 model next to see if it handles as well and to drop some weight. Also looking at the race king that just came out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
implant
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington NZ Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
3 sisters
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Burkescycles.co.nz
Strengths:
Generally solid in most conditions. Excellent mud clearing. Light and faster rolling than i expected
Weaknesses:
Expensive. Loose over hardpack can be a little sketch. Wear quickly but no faster than other "race" tires.
Similar Products Used:
Speshy Captain (also good but fragile), Maxxis stuff
Bike Setup:
Turner 5spot. Used 2.1s for the race.
Bottom Line:
Bought these to use for TransRockies. Had one on the front, with a captain on the back, for about 2 months before the race, and switched out to front and rear 2 weeks before leaving after slashing the captain's sidewall. Was a little worried about rolling resistance but ran both tires 'front' facing and wasn't a problem. Had a wide range of terrain in the race as well as a week in Whistler + some in Colorado. Handles most conditions really well and will be my go to tire of choice back home for a while i think, probably using a 2.4 up front. The front tire got rotated to the back halfway through the race, and by the end of our trip the outer tread casing was starting to balloon away from the inner tubeless casing, and showing some real wear. That's probably after about 1500 kms I would guess.
I would note that they are quite a small volume 2.1, my 1.9 kenda nevegals are the same size, and teh 2.0 captain is significantly taller.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
snowind
a Cross Country Rider
from Massanutten-VA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Too Many to Choose From
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
Backcountrry.com
Strengths:
good looking tire, traction, easy tubeless conversion
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
recent tires would be IRC Trailbear, IRC Serac
Bike Setup:
New Motobecane Fly Ti, Trek STP
Bottom Line:
I'm using the MK Protection Black Chili compound (whatever that is). Easiset tire I've ever converted to Stans and working like a charm mounted up to the stock Vuelta XRP race wheels that came with the Motobecane. 2.2 in back and big ole 2.4 in front. Really stable and confidence inspireing right from the 1st ride. Great climbing traction, and still plenty fast to pedal. My new favorite tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
emcclure
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bergen Peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$41.00
Purchased At:
Performance Cycle
Strengths:
Wide balloon shape, tread spacing and type, weight (for a 2.4), great side tread for cornering
Weaknesses:
Rubber looks to wear quickly, price, overall durability, sidewalls a little soft even at 40 psi
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke/ Dart, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
2004 Specialized Epic S-Works
Bottom Line:
I bought these after some research into wider tires. My buddy said it would be like having an extra inch of suspension if I went with something wider that my standard 2.1's. He's right about the ride and the grip, but all in all, a wider tire is a heaver tire. For a wider tire, this one seems to be pretty good. Good all-around grip for climbing and braking, decent handling, but its taller sidewalls make for sketchier handling than a smaller tire. The tread pattern seems to work well for both front and reap applications, but looks like it will wear pretty quickly, especially on rocky trails...definitely a tire I'd want to thrash too long down in Moab. Rides nice, but takes longer to accelerate and react to steering input that a narrower tire too. In this case, it sounds like I could have maybe saved $10 a tire to go with the Panaracer Razer MX Folding Tire to get about the same performance, but it was fairly affordable for a Conti. I'd recommend this tire to someone like myself looking to go with a bigger tire, but when you can get 3 Panaracer Smoke/Dart sets for one set of these, I may go back to narrow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tgm0313
a Racer
from boise, ID, USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
5 mile
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Bob's
Strengths:
Corners great, breaks well, Does not feel as sketchy as a spec. fast trak or nevegal at speed. Grips unbeleivable well.
Weaknesses:
Wears quickly in the rear. Doesn't roll as fast as a fast trak or nevegal.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda nevegal dtc and stick e, michelin wildgripper, specialized fast trak.
Bike Setup:
GT aluminum hardtail, SID fork, XT cranks, sun-ringle dirty flea wheels, Continental Mnt. King front tire, Kenda Nevegal DTC rear, XT cassete, hayes comp discs.
Bottom Line:
Continental has always made a great product for a while now and still does. Is a blast to ride on the downhill and light enough to still race with. This is the best front tire I have found so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slowrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Ca U.S. Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porc
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Light at 503g, good traction
Weaknesses:
Very undersized for a 2.4 (maybe a 2.2) within 2 months the cords were visible through the rubber between the lugs.
Similar Products Used:
too many
Bike Setup:
5 Spot
Bottom Line:
Works well on hardpack and as well as any 2.2 in sand. I love the weight but I wish these companies wouldn't lie so badly; why not simply call it a 2.2?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nylonus
a Cross Country Rider
from Gliwice, Poland Date Reviewed: August 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stozek, Soszów, Czantoria Wlk.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
XTRaBike
Strengths:
Weight (specially Supersonic ver.), grip, stability, fast cleaning
Weaknesses:
Only tarmac riding, but it's not made for this
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Ignitor, Maxxis HardDrive
Bike Setup:
Leader Bike LD-526H, Sram X-7, Mavic Crossride, Avid Juicy 7
Bottom Line:
Great tire. On rocks, gravel, roots great grip. Good in mud and fast cleaning. Comparing with my latest setup (Ignitor/HardDrive) it's just like comparing SUV to real terrain vehicle.
On the same trail I can ride much faster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
O3EP
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008
2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - currently with Mountain King 2.2 Protection on the front and rear.
Bottom Line:
The Mountain King looks dwarfed in comparison to the Specialized Resolutions that I replaced them with. I'd be curious to try the MK in a 2.4 inch width. The grip from these tires is amazing to me. I'd recommend them if you can swing the price. Like another reviewer on here I don't like to take a tire to my personal limits on a first ride, or even until I've gotten the feel for it. With that in mind I felt like I was cornering much better with less effort on the first ride than I had been on other tires I've tried. The traction all around with the Mountain King is quite remarkable.
The local shop that I purchased them from had some serious markup on them at $65 per tire, but the guy that sold them to me was very helpful so I didn't feel terrible about spending the cash. If you can get them for $40 or less per tire then I'd put the value at 5 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerome
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Montagne des Roches, Charlesbourg
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
ABC Cycles et Sports
Strengths:
Light and fast rolling. Seals nicely on UST rims with sealant. Good all-around tire.
Weaknesses:
Wears fast. Not good on wet rocks. Noisy.
Similar Products Used:
Many tires from Specialized, Michelin, Continental, Panaracer, etc.
Bike Setup:
Custom 2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR.
Bottom Line:
This is a review for the 2.2 Mountain King used as a rear tire.
This tire is a good choice if you don't have to ride on asphalt to or from your starting point and if your trails are a mix of dry to loose soil with not too much wet rocks and roots. Plus I had good luck running them tubeless (for the tubed version); they hold up air nicely.
They're not a good choice for very technical terrain and if you have to ride on tarmac often. My biggest disappointment was with the durability. Whereas the Specialized tires I generally use can last 1-2 seasons, the MK held up no more than 2-3 months at best... And finally, it blew out...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
knives out
a Cross Country Rider
from indianapolis Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
bcsp
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com
Strengths:
fast, reliable, and predictable.
Weaknesses:
The supersonics will definitely pinch flat if you aren't paying attention to PSI.
Similar Products Used:
lots n lots of different tires
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
I've been running the 2.2 supersonics both front and rear for the majority of this season now and I'm really happy with their performance. I have yet to encounter a situation where these tires have let me down. They handle my local trails quite well and I was impressed with their capabilities on Pilot Rock in N.C. a few months ago. They definitely handle the tech stuff with ease.
Since I live in the Midwest, I'm fairly comfortable with the Supersonics. I think if I lived in a rock infested area of the country (i.e. N.C.) I'd definitely go with the Protection model. The sidewalls of the Supersonics are definitely thin. I've pinch flatted on rides where I wasn't as vigilant as I should have been with PSI.
But yeah... get these if you're looking for a great performing tire that excels at everything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shmooove
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle, CO Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pipeline
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent climber; fast roller
Weaknesses:
Price; 2.2 has slipped out on me a few times on off camber roots and angled rocks.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor, Bontrager Jones, Bontrager Jones XR
Bike Setup:
'08 Trek EX8 stock so far
Bottom Line:
Here is my quick analysis of the Mountain King Protection 2.4/2.2 (front/rear) tires. I purchased these a few days ago from my LBS on their strong recommendation. I was actually leaning towards the Nevagals or the Fire XC Pro initially but I had also heard that the Conti Explorer was highly regarded in our area and that the “next-gen” Conti Explorer is the Mountain King. I live in the central mountains of Colorado and my rides range from steep and quick singletrack with sharp angled rocks and roots, to moondust covered, off camber, babyhead filled switchbacks, to hardpack doubletrack with stream crossings.
My first outing was a quick, dusty singletrack climb into a downhill through a sage brush filled meadow. I immediately noticed that the tires are great in their climbing ability. Really, they rarely seemed to lose grip through most of my uphill ride. The only trouble I ran into was an off camber, diagonally placed root which my rear tire never caught traction on and just slid on. The front tire handled it fine but perhaps the 2.2 just did not have the traction for it. Otherwise the tires held up great going uphill. Downhill was fast – these do roll well! I did keep my speed in check since I like to feel out a new tire before really stress testing it, so this trip wasn’t bomber by any means. But I never felt like I was out of control. Good stuff.
The second trip out was a 2 ½ hour trek where I got to test their climbing and mud shedding abilities as well as the speed and handling down tight, moderately technical singletrack. Again, climbing was a breeze. I loved it. Now came the downhill fun. The tires handled quite beautifully through streams, mud, rocks and more. Again they rolled very quick and inspired confidence in cornering. Very fun. The only negative to note is that I did experience a bit more of the side traction issue where if I was not dead center on a smaller obstacle I would slide or pop sideways.
All in all, I am quite pleased with these tires and would definitely recommend them to anyone considering them. You may just want to look at a 2.4 front/back if you are concerned about constant traction. Because of this, I dropped a chili on the overall rating and also dropped a chili on the value rating due to the price ($40/ tire).
Oh and finally, since this is an online review, take it with a grain of salt and go try it out for yourself. :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cannon858
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: July 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything challenging
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Black Mountain
Strengths:
Beefy look(2.4)-Proven name-Fairly light(Compared to the 3 ply highroller 2.5's previously ridden)
Weaknesses:
Likes to wash out over loose ground(yes, they are properly inflated)
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Highroller 2.5-WTB Weirwolf 2.3-Kenda Blue groove 2.35
Bike Setup:
C'Dale Gemini
Bottom Line:
I'm running the MK 2.4 up front and have only been riding this tire for a few weeks. It seems that I get a bit sketchy when slamming into corners ever since I mounted it. My confidence is slowly decreasing with this guy. I find that i'm putting my foot down on corners more than I've had to with any other tire because it likes to slide out. It performs well in all other aspects, but it's failing when/where I need it the most.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
avlmtn
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville NC USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
biketiresdirect.com
Strengths:
Good All Around Tire. I bought this as I was impressed with the impressive weight to size.
Weaknesses:
Price & doesn't seem to handle loose over hardpack or gravel over hardpack as the Nevegal 2.1 Stickee.
Similar Products Used:
I've tried a lot of tires. My friends laugh when I tell them I bought another pair. Kenda's, Specialized, Schwalbe, IRC, Etc...
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT 2.0
Bottom Line:
I tried the 2.2 Supersonic Rear/2.4 Supersonic Front both with chili. I couldn't mount these tubeless, have read here on mtbr that you need to use tubes for 24 hours and then it should be possible. This is a good tire. I can't knock it too much much. However, my go to tire Nevegal w/ Stans (2.1 Stickee) seem to exhibit greater stability on the loose stuff at speed. I ride all mountain (fire roads to rock gardens) and will always be in search of the the perfect tire one which is light enough for the 5 mile climbs and good enough for the bomber decents. My search continues...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
musky
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontarion Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very durable, even in the Supersonic compound, cornering ability, climbing ability
Weaknesses:
Price?
Bike Setup:
K2 Zed 2.0 SE, Avid BB7's, Magura Menja 100mm
Bottom Line:
Hands down the best tire I've ever used. Nothing even comes close. I have to ride approx 6 kms just to get to the trail, on road, and they don't show any wear after numerous trips. They don't slip while climbing, roll very fast, and brake fantastic. The only downfall, if you can call it that, is the price. At $60 Canadian, I could have gone in a different direction, but I'm happy that I didn't!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle austin
a Cross Country Rider
from kalispell, MT, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bill Creek, Reid divide
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$47.00
Purchased At:
Phat Tire
Strengths:
Quality of construction. Traction! Decent rooling resistance for such an aggressive tire. Traction in any condition tried so far.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
vertical pro, explorer pro, survival pro, nevegals, specialed chunder, specialized enduro, maxxis minions and high rollers.
Bike Setup:
Ellesworth moment with 36 Van RC2 and pushed rp 2. Nevegal 2.35 up front with Mountain King Protection 2.4 in back.
Bottom Line:
My new favorite tire. I have only used it in back so I cant comment on how it would work as a front. Amazing combination of traction, predictability, and low rolling resistance. They immediatley feel like an old pair of shoes the moment you put them on. Total confidence in any situation. Rode down fast, wet, mud and roots today in a down poor and never once felt like I was lacking traction. Hard pack with loose over it, no problems. The quality is best I have seen in a long time. These are the Protection 2.4. Inflated right away tubless with home brew stans. Very loud "pop" as they seated in the bead. Have not leaked a drop from the sidewall since mounting and no loss in air pressure. Truest tires I have ever owned. Expensive but you get what you pay for. Move over Nevegals the Kings now rule it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Quality control...I have 4 of them and all are within 5 grams of each other with no defects. I have several Explorers as well, all the same weight, no defects. By contrast, my kenda nevegals are all over the place on weight, which suggests to me that no one is watching the manufacturing process.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 carbon. Light build.
Bottom Line:
I have about 175 miles of trail riding on them now. I weigh 160 LBS and am reviewing the Mtn King Supersonic, 2.4. I run performance bike lunarlite (90 grams) inner tubes, 32 PSI in front, 36 PSI on rear. No pinch flats on pretty sharp, rocky terrain. Good traction, no damage to the tires so far. I tried to go tubeless on these.Just about impossible. I was able to run Explorer SS 2.1s pretty successfully.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ty
a
from phx Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
slippery pig
Strengths:
TRACTION. I'm used to my ride washing out in the corners. Not anymore. Light.
Weaknesses:
Knobs a little soft
Similar Products Used:
Vapor. All other 29" tires
Bike Setup:
Titus RX/FOX/Stans, running these tubeless
Bottom Line:
I'm impressed with the traction. I used the vapor 28" tire but was VERY low volume but I knew how much traction this tire would have due to the tread pattern. Light tire that hangs in there. First tire that I think will wear for a LONG time and not need replacing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
graham forbes
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Scotland Date Reviewed: April 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
graham@binnsbothy.com
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
excellent grip, really light
Weaknesses:
none at the moment
Similar Products Used:
too many to mention
Bike Setup:
Scott Ransom
Bottom Line:
the best tyre I have used for a long time, low rolling resistance and loads of grip when you learn it over.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a
from Fort Worth, Tx, US Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Awesome hook up. Much better in most conditions than my mobsters(also pretty good tires)
Weaknesses:
2.2 looks like a 2.1...but it's not really a weakness with the tread pattern
One of the best all around tires you can buy. Just give them a go you'll be glad you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrzej Sulecki
a Cross Country Rider
from Warsaw, Poland Date Reviewed: March 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wolves Trail at Bialowierza
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$48.00
Strengths:
Grip, Weight (445g Supersonic Version), Great work in mud even deep One more time grip especially at climbs!
Weaknesses:
Maybe price but it is like other good XC tires - RR NN
Bottom Line:
Just buy it! It is outstanding. I have 2.2 size and it is not 2.2 maybe something like 2.0-2.1. It is worth it's price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale Perkins
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge/Concord Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
West Bicycle, Farragut
Strengths:
Good grip, great mud shedding ability
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
You name the tire, I've tried it.
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance X2 with upgrades
Bottom Line:
I needed a tire to use in the wet part of the year in east Tennessee. The tire must shed mud and stick to slick roots and off camber trails. The Mountain King came highly recommended by Kelly and Greg at West Bicycles. They were absolutely right. I purposely ran these tires through wet clay-based mud and came away very pleased with how well they shed the mud in a short distance. Traction over wet roots was very good. The tires hooked up well on rocks as well. These are the most expensive tires I have ever owned but they may be the most satisfying for winter/spring riding on tight, wet eastern single track.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
radsport Lenzen
Strengths:
excellent grip yet fast rolling, very few punctures
Weaknesses:
they probably wear fast on rocky underground
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson python's, nobby nic's, racing ralph's, alpencross albert and smart sam, specialized tyres
I have been using these tyres now for almost 6 months and they are excellent. I like them better than Schwalbes Nobby Nic. They perform very well in wet or muddy conditions. They are somewhat softer compared to the nobby's but have more grip on e.g. tree roots in the forest. Cornering is also good as well as the rolling resistance. I have been using the 2.2 version. I have been thinking to try speedkings for the spring/summer season but I think I will save the money and stick to these true Mountain Kings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
parider
a Cross Country Rider
from mechanicsburg,pa Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
RCST trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
won at RCST bash 2007
Strengths:
this is a mtn king 2.4 demo tire (weigh less than normal 2.4). Has big profile for front tire to climb easy over rocks.
Weaknesses:
feel slow for speed compare to 2.3 vertical pro model. Doesn't corner like a cross country tire, but it a free ride tire you can use for cross country.
Similar Products Used:
vertical pro, most all wtb tires. i've been ride mtb since 1990 so rode alot of different company tires
Bike Setup:
ARC Yeti 2006 4" travel fox RLC 2003 fork.
Bottom Line:
I love how this tire goes over rocks. Tried it as rear tire, but was tight in my frame. Seem better as front for 2.4 size. I feel the 2.2 would be better in rear. Tire is measure as listed, not like the 2.3 vertical, which look like a 2.1. Would say it average for wet roots, since most tires slip on wet roots here in PA. Has same profile as vertical pro tire, but doesn't rip knobs off for me. If your not racing this is a good tire. I think it corners slow, but hey it great for going through rock gardens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Budd Lake, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The freaking middle
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Cycle Craft
Strengths:
Good Traction in most terain. Light, fast rolling
Weaknesses:
Used on My single speed I run 32/25 ps1 rear/front. One double flat and then a seconfd rear at a way to firm 40ish psi. Got Stans for the 1st time and now they rock. Wish I had this set up for may last race instead of the DH tires that Never flated, but weighed 1.7 pounds more.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kollossals. I know not to similar. But my 1X1 is the only bike I have that could fit 2.4s. They have carbon or something in the rubber. This is supposed to make them grippier in all conditions. Wet rocks are still wet rocks.
Bike Setup:
Surly 1X1
Bottom Line:
Great product. Made the harder gear easier to handle. Do not use tubes and low psi with these tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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