Last Updated on July 30, 2023
We ride our mountain bikes on muddy trails while we go through rock sections. There’s also a good chance we will come across sandy trails.
A great way to keep our ride safe and fun on these trails is to use tires that provide the most grip.
That’s what this article is about because we’ll show you the best mountain bike tires for sand.
This isn’t just about being able to go through dunes. But it’s also about helping you learn to use the right tires for specific terrains like sand. Let’s get started!
1. Maxxis Ardent
Maxxis is one of the most popular and widely used mountain bike tires. And its best-selling Maxxis Ardent is an all-terrain tire that you can use on different surfaces.
Its aggressive season tread design gives you maximum traction. This goes in rhythm with its bulky block-style knobs, which improve high-speed cornering. It comes in a 2.4-width size and is ideal for improving acceleration, braking, and rolling resistance.
Professional racers choose this tire because of its EXO casing, Maxxis’ sidewall technology. It has a dual-compound rubber that gives you puncture resistance on rocky sections.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong casing
- All-terrain
Cons
- Minimal traction
2. Continental Trail King
Continental is another reliable mountain bike tire brand, and the Trail King is proof of that. It works well on sand because of its grip and efficient rolling resistance, thanks to its Black Chili and activated silica MTB tire compound.
It comes with four pliers on its sidewall to add durability. The beads are also tubeless-ready, which makes them very easy to seal if worse comes to worst. You’ll also find the 2.4-inch rim width ideal for dunes and sandy trails.
Pros
- Ideal for sand
- Lightweight
- Puncture resistance
Cons
- Grip
3. Maxxis Rekon Plus
The Maxxis Rekon Plus is an aggressive trail mountain bike tire for technical and sandy terrains. It’s thicker than most MTB tires, with a 27.5-inch size and a diameter of 2.8 inches. It’s tubeless-ready and is protected by EXO casing.
The wide knobs on the middle section improve control when braking. Meanwhile, the L-shaped side knobs give balance on loose corners.
Pros
- Fast-rolling
- Lightweight
- Grip
Cons
- Expensive
4. Schwalbe Marathon Plus 468
Schwalbe’s Marathon Plus 468 features a dynamic profile with a central rib that improves rolling on loose and sandy trails. Its outer solid lugs and thick sidewalls add traction while giving efficient puncture protection.
This also comes in three size variations. You can choose the smaller 26-inch bicycle tire or the 27.5-inch and 29-inch models.
Also, you don’t have to worry about losing grip or getting into uncontrollable skids on various trails, thanks to its center knob design and wide width diameter.
Pros
- Large spikes
- Affordable
Cons
- Thin casing
5. Kenda Alpha Bite
The Kenda Alpha Bite’s 26-inch size is ideal for those who want to prioritize bike playfulness over speed. Its diameter might be thin but it helps improve rolling resistance for those who are into gravel trails and road cycling.
Its semi-aggressive tire knob pattern helps you not lose traction on sand.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Fast-rolling
Cons
- Can sink on thick sand
6. WTB Velociraptor
The WTB Velociraptor is built for sandy terrain and loose trails. These bicycle tires are also great for braking because the wide knobs dig through open terrain.
It’s also a tube-type tire, so you have to use an inner tube. It also has a wire bead pattern and an ultra-durable tire sidewall compound. It’s great for cross-country riding because of its lightweight composition.
It weighs 829 grams, measures 26 inches in diameter, and is made from DNA rubber. It also has an Aramid bead which makes its casing lightweight. This is also a splendid choice if you want to prioritize steering control. The maximum tire pressure of this tire is 65 PSI.
Pros
- Traction
- Grip
- Casing
Cons
- Thin
7. Maxxis Minion DHF Plus
One of the most famous mountain bike tires, the Maxxis Minion DHF is known for its durability and reliability on aggressive trails.
It also works well on loose trails because of its large knobs and aggressive pattern. It features ramped knobs which give improved grip and low rolling resistance. There are also channel-cut knobs that improve cornering and control on high-speed sections.
We recommend you use this as a front wheel. The DHF Plus measures 27.5 inches and has a thick width of 2.8 inches. It has a 3C MaxTerra compound composition and EXO protection. It’s also tubeless-ready.
Pros
- Durable casing
- Ideal for aggressive usage
- Grip
Cons
- Weight
8. CST Rock Hawk
The CST Rock Hawk is for you if you have a limited budget and are price-conscious. But don’t take this lightly because this is built for aggressive riding and performs well on loose trails.
It features a single compound design and a 27 TPI construction. There are also two tire sizes: the 26-inch bike tires and rims and the latest 29-inch tires. You also have two tire width size options which are 2.25 inches and 24 inches.
This features an aggressive trail tread pattern and spaced large lugs that let the tire shed mud while rolling. The center knobs also reduce rolling resistance. This goes hand in hand with EPS puncture protection.
Pros
- Thick casing
- Affordable
Cons
- Puncture resistance
9. Panaracer Fire XC
The Panaracer Fire XC’s well-spaced knobs make this mountain bike tire an excellent choice for cross-country racing or riding on loose trails.
It’s light, aggressive, and can dig deep in sand or mud. Even if it’s thin (2.5 in.), you don’t have to worry about traction because it gives loads of grip.
This comes with large side knobs with a buttressed step design that gives you improved traction under intense braking. You can also easily corner and climb uphills with this one. It features a reinforced ASB bead strip that improves flat puncture protection.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast-rolling
Cons
- Grip
- Thin sidewalls
10. Vittoria Mazza
The Vittoria Mazza is designed for trail, all-mountain, and enduro-style riding. It’s an aggressive tire that shares similarities with the popular Minion DHF. But this tire has several tweaks that enhance its performance in critical areas.
The Mazza has a defined center tread and deep siping in the direction of rotation, allowing it to roll fast while still opposing drift, especially in off-camber terrain. It features Vittoria’s tire tech, including Graphene 2.0 and 4C compounds, which should improve its grip and durability.
Pros
- Aggressive tread pattern
- Excellent grip and durability
- Unmatched performance
Cons
- Cost
- May not perform well in muddy conditions
Buying Guide
Take the following features into account to help you buy the best mountain bike sand tires for you:
Tread Pattern
Look for tires with widely spaced knobs that allow maximum traction and prevent sand from getting stuck in between. A more aggressive tread pattern tire can also help you maintain control and stability on loose surfaces.
Width
A wider tire can provide more surface area and better floatation, allowing you to glide over sand easily. However, wider tires can also increase rolling resistance and make it harder to maintain speed on hard-packed surfaces.
Sidewall Protection
When riding on sand, protecting your tires from punctures and other damage is vital. Look for tires with reinforced sidewalls or additional layers of protection to prevent cuts and abrasions.
Tubeless Compatibility
If you plan on riding in sandy conditions, consider investing in tubeless-compatible tires for added protection and performance. Tubeless tires prevent pinch flats and reduce your bike’s overall weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good tires for riding on sandy trails?
The Maxxis Minion DHF, Schwalbe Nobby Nic, and Continental Trail King are great choices. They have a wider surface area and lower pressure, increasing their ability to float on the sand and providing better traction and control.
Are there any specific tire brands that are better for sand?
Maxxis and Schwalbe are known for producing high-quality tires that perform well on sandy terrain.
Can regular mountain bike tires handle sand?
While regular mountain bike tires can handle sand, they may not perform as well as tires designed explicitly for sandy terrain. Regular tires have a narrower surface area and higher pressure, making it more challenging to ride on sand.
Are fat tires necessary for riding on sandy terrain?
Fat tires have a wider surface area and lower pressure, making them ideal for riding on sand. However, they may not be necessary if you have tires designed explicitly for sandy terrain.
How do Maxxis mountain bike tires perform on sand?
Maxxis mountain bike tires perform well on the sand due to their wider surface area and lower pressure. The Maxxis Minion DHF is a popular tire for sandy terrain, providing excellent traction and control.
Verdict
The best mountain bike tires for sand is:
- MINION DHF: With a tread design that deftly balances rolling speed with braking and cornering traction, its hard to find fault with the Minion DHF. Thats probably why its one of the most imitated tires in mountain biking.
- EXO: An extremely cut-resistant and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of select mountain tires. This densely woven fabric is also lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the performance of the tire remains unaffected. Choose EXO Protection for exceptionally rocky, treacherous trails where the chance of sidewall cuts and abrasions is high.
- DUAL COMPOUND: Two compounds used within the tread offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip compared to single compound tires.
- TUBELESS READY: Sealant-compatible rubber is used with a Tubeless Ready bead to securley lock to the rim with, or without, an innertu
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There are many mountain bike tires to choose from. They all provide added grip and traction, so you improve cornering and maintain braking. Hopefully, this article helped identify the best mountain bike tire for sand to narrow your choices. Just choose your priorities. Will you go for lighter tires? Or maybe those are built for more aggressive riding? Know your riding style so you can choose the perfect fit for you.
Related: