Decline’s March issue takes a look at rubber that is podium-worthy for your next Enduro event. WTB’s Vigilante TCS, Continental Trail King, and Schwalbe’s Magic Mary SnakeSkin Trail Star all make the list.
Excerpt From Decline #102:
We’ve picked out some of our favorite enduro tires. While courses and formats vary widely, even on the Enduro World Series (EWS) circuit, the tire choice will most often be a good all-arounder with a sidewall that is stiff enough to take a beating, but not full-DH heavy. You still gotta pedal, remember?
The Vigilante is WTB’s most aggressive tread pattern, designed specifically for EWS tracks by the original American ambassador of Enduro, Mark Weir. With its gnarly center knobs, the Vigilante is not built to roll fast, but instead offers stiff support when shuttling down speeds. It has a wide cornering channel and its shoulder knobs lean out at angles for supporting sideways bicycles. Basically, this tire looks a lot like Weir’s riding style.
Weight (approx.) 27.5-inch: 860g; MSRP: $85/ea CAD.
What Continental calls their Black Chile rubber compound strikes a great balance between grip and durability. These tires seem to last a long time for how well they grip the trail, and also roll surprisingly fast as well. Their sidewalls feel flimsy to the touch, but offers a great supple feeling on the trail, with reinforcement above the bead to prevent pinch flats…
Weight (approx.): 26-inch: 960g; 27.5-inch: 1050g; 29-inch: 1060g; MSRP: $90/ea CAD
Schwalbe Magic Mary Snake Skin Trail Star
Schwalbe tires continue to impress. They build surprisingly lightweight casings with a supple feel and a surprising amount of support against pinch flatting. Their tread patterns are purpose built for different terrain, and the Magic Mary is built for the most aggressive enduro tracks. This is also available in their Super Gravity casing, which is heavier, but still light enough to tackle longer climbs…
Weight (aprox.): 26-inch: 795g; 27.5-inch: 835g; 29-inch: 885g; MSRP: $95/ea CAD