Last Updated on July 31, 2023
Mountain bikes are for the mountains and off-road trails. But we can’t deny that we also use them on paved roads. After all, mountain bikes are a mode of transportation, right?
So, if you’re mountain biking more on the road than on trails, it’s best to know which tires you must use on the pavement. Their smaller knobs and thinner tires make your rides faster and more comfortable and extend your tires’ lifespan.
This article shows the best mountain bike tires for road use from the best bicycle tire brands, along with their pros and cons.
1. Maxxis Ikon
One of the most famous mountain bike tire brands, the Maxxis Ikon is one of its cross-country tires that use 3C Triple Compound Technology. This strengthens the outer casing and has unparalleled puncture protection. The casing has a high-volume rubber, which makes it trail-ready.
It also has a fast-rolling center tread design that improves speed and cornering. It can even ride in different trails or weather conditions.
The Maxxis Ikon comes in 27.5-inch and 29-inch variants and has an EXO support casing for added protection. The width is 2.2 inches, making it thin and light enough for roads.
Pros
- Aggressive knobs
- Durable exterior
- Grippy
Cons
- Weight
- Slow-rolling
2. Continental ShieldWall
ShieldWall is Continental’s classic race tire used at the UCI Cross-country World Cup. It’s best known for its excellent self-damping and low-resistance rolling. This makes it ideal for high-speed racing on paved roads. This is also a tubeless-ready tire that comes with a grippy exterior, thanks to its Pure Grip compound.
The cross-fabric finely woven into its inner ply gives added protection against punctures and pinch flats. Its tread patterns also have many small lobs, enhancing traction on varying trails.
Another agreeable thing about this tire is its flexibility on the roads. It comes in 26-inch slick mountain bike tyres, 27.5-inch, and 29er variants.
Pros
- Grippy on muddy trails
- Aggressive tread
- Durable casing
Cons
- Weight
- Not very nimble
3. Maxxis Ikon Skinwall
The Ikon Skinwall is the same as the classic Ikon, except this features a flesh color on its sidewall. This also features Maxxis’ 3C and EXO technology that protects against flats and punctures.
It’s tubeless-ready, so you won’t have to worry about pinch flats. It also has a 29-inch size that goes perfectly well with its all-terrain tread pattern.
Pros
- Aggressive knobs
- Durable exterior
- Aesthetic
Cons
- Weight
- Slow-rolling
4. Continental Double Fighter III
The Continental Double Fighter II is ideal if you always ride around town or use your mountain bike as a service. This tire measures 26 inches in diameter and has a tire width of 1.9 inches. It’s also great for gravel bikes because of its slightly aggressive tread pattern.
This rolls quietly and smoothly on asphalt but still is grippy on gravel roads. It can even roll fast on paved roads. And you don’t have to worry much about sharp rocks because of their all-terrain casing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast-rolling tread pattern
Cons
- Durability
- Slippery on wet roads
5. Schwalbe Big Apple
The Schwalbe Big Apple is ideal for road cyclists and bike enthusiasts who love going around town. You can also use it on light trails if the ground is dry and compact.
This tire runs quickly on the road because of its low-profile tread pattern. It comes in 26 inches and has a width of 2.35 inches. It also has an all-around wire bead and a reflex design for improved flexibility.
Pros
- Fast-rolling
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slippery
- Prone to punctures
6. Maxxis CrossMark
The CrossMark is Maxxis’ race tire, ideal for cross-country trail riding. But they can also use this on the road because of its low-profile tread pattern. It also adapts to different terrains by rolling fast on paved roads and maintaining traction even if the ground is wet.
It has a fast-rolling center ridge that improves overall traction and rollover. This comes in 26 inches and has a width of 2.1.
Pros
- Grippy
- All-terrain
- Durability
Cons
- Weight
- Slow-rolling
7. Continental Race King
The Continental Race King is a 29-inch cross-country tire that can withstand different terrains. It has excellent rollover capability because of its large ground clearance. The casing also has high-volume rubber compound along with finely gritted tread bars. You also don’t have to worry about speed because this tire rolls fast despite its colossal tire size.
Pros
- Fast-rolling
- Durable casing
- All-terrain
Cons
- Weight
8. Maxxis Ardent Race
The Maxxis Ardent Race is another favorite choice in the UCI World Cup because of its 3C and EXO compound. It’s durable enough to withstand humid or wet conditions but still light enough to maintain speed in races.
The Ardent Race is a tubeless-ready tire with 27.5-inch and 29-inch variants. It also measures 2.2 inches in diameter.
Pros
- Solid casing
- Lightweight
- Grippy
Cons
- Slow-rolling on roads
- Price
9. Schwalbe Big Ben Race
The Schwalbe Big Ben Race is ideally for road cyclists, but mountain bikers can use it to improve impact absorption. It’s comparable to Schwalbe’s Big Apple but for more aggressive riding due to its taller tread profile. This gives a better grip on different terrains.
What sets this apart from other brands is that it comes in three colors: brown, cream, and gray. It even has a smaller version (Little Big Ben) which measures 40 mm and weighs 1.7 lbs.
Pros
- Fast-rolling
- Solid casing
- Ideal for roads
Cons
- Slippery
10. WTB Trail Boss
The WTB Trail Boss is a mountain bike tire that belongs to the trails even if it has a slightly aggressive tread pattern. It still does an excellent job on the road because of its low-profile tread design. The treads have little space to reduce rolling resistance. This lets the knobs dig into the ground and become more stable. Its side knobs give traction without compromising rolling speed.
This is a 29er tire and has a width of 2.25 inches. It weighs 930 grams and is ideal for cross-country and trail mountain bikes.
Pros
- Grippy
- Ideal for all terrains
- Solid casing
Cons
- Weight
- Slow-rolling on roads
11. Schwalbe Racing Ralph
The Schwalbe Racing Ralph is a 29er tire for cross-country racing with fast-rolling, low-profile treads, making it good on the roads. It features Schwalbe’s Addix Speed compound that ensures fast-rolling speeds. It also has SnakeSkin sidewalls that add to its aesthetic vibe. Finally, its enlarged shoulder ramp improves cornering grip.
Pros
- Fast-rolling
- Grippy
Cons
- A bit slow on roads
- Casing
Buying Guide
Before choosing the best mountain bike tyres for road use, consider the following factors to help you decide.
Tread Pattern
A tire with a smooth tread pattern offers low rolling resistance, giving you a faster ride. On the other hand, a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern grants you better traction on loose gravel or dirt roads.
Tire Width
A wider tire provides better stability and control on the road. However, a narrower tire offers less rolling resistance, giving you a faster ride.
Tire Compound
A softer compound gives you a better grip but wears out faster, while a more complex compound lasts longer, although it will provide less grip.
Puncture Protection
A tire with puncture protection helps prevent flats, which can be a significant inconvenience when you’re out on a ride.
Tubeless vs. Tubed
Tubeless tires provide better traction, fewer flats, and a smoother ride. The downside is that they can be more challenging to install and maintain. Tubed tires are easier to install and maintain but more prone to flats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some excellent mountain bike tires for road use?
Some good mountain bike tires for road use include the Schwalbe Marathon Plus, Continental Tour Ride, and Maxxis Overdrive.
What are the best 27.5 road tires for a mountain bike?
The best 27.5 road tires for a mountain bike are the Schwalbe G-One Speed, Continental Contact II, and Maxxis Detonator.
Can I use mountain bike tires on the road?
Yes. However, they may not perform as well as road bike tires due to their broader and more aggressive tread pattern.
Do mountain bike tires wear out faster on the road?
Mountain bike tires may wear out faster due to the smoother surface and higher speeds. Checking the tread and replacing the tires regularly when necessary is essential in this case.
What pressure should I use for mountain bike tires on the street?
The tire pressure varies depending on the tire size and rider weight. Generally, a pressure between 40-60 psi is recommended.
What is the difference between mountain bike tires and road bike tires?
Mountain bike tires are wider and have a more aggressive tread pattern than road bike tires. Road bike tires are narrower and have a smoother tread pattern for increased speed and efficiency on pavement.
Verdict
The best mountain bike tires for road use is:
- Race Guard protection with a double layer of Nylon fabric under the tread
- Endurance compound rubber for the highest durability
- E-bike ready - suitable for speeds up to 50Kph
- Country Of Origin : Indone
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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Knowing the best mountain bike tires for road use gives your tires a longer lifespan because they have low-profile treads and knobs. You’ll also have a faster and more comfortable ride with these. Hopefully, this post helps you find the MTB tires you need on the road.
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