Tyre Buyer's Guide: The Best-Rated Mountain Bike Tyres

Tyres are the cheapest way to change how your bike grips and rolls. This guide ranks the highest-rated tyres in the database.

The shortlist

1. Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip (Maxxis) - £63, 1.30 kg, rated 4.9. 3C MaxxGrip, EXO+ casing, big volume.
2. Maxxis Minion DHR II (Maxxis) - £56, 1.10 kg, rated 4.8. 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, great braking.
3. Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra (Maxxis) - £60, 1.20 kg, rated 4.8. 3C MaxxTerra, EXO casing, great grip.
4. Michelin Wild Enduro (Michelin) - £60, 1.25 kg, rated 4.7. Gum-X, robust, great grip.
5. Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity (Schwalbe) - £63, 1.35 kg, rated 4.7. Addix Soft, super Gravity casing, great grip.
6. Schwalbe Hans Dampf (Schwalbe) - £52, 1.00 kg, rated 4.6. Addix Soft, super Trail, fast.
7. Schwalbe Big Betty (Schwalbe) - £60, 1.25 kg, rated 4.6. Addix Soft, super Gravity, strong.
8. Pirelli Scorpion Enduro (Pirelli) - £60, 1.25 kg, rated 4.6. ProWALL, smartGRIP, durable.

How these were ranked Tyres are ranked by rating, then price.

Buying advice Mix a grippy front with a faster-rolling rear if you want to balance traction and efficiency. The shortlist spans £52 to £63, so check what your budget covers before comparing details.

Timing your purchase Prices and model-year specifications change through the year. Check current prices before buying, and be prepared to consider a previous-year model if the discount is significant and the changes are minor.

How the data was gathered Specifications and ratings come from the Gear Matrix database and describe the entries it contains. Treat the list as a guide, and verify the latest pricing, sizing and compatibility with the manufacturer before you buy.

Questions to ask before you commit Does it fit my bike? Will I notice the difference on my usual trails? Can I get it serviced locally? Is the warranty clear? Answering these four questions usually narrows a long list to a confident choice.

How to use this list A ranked list is a starting point, not a finish line. Use it to narrow the field, then dig into the specifications, geometry or compatibility of the two or three options that fit your riding. The order reflects database ratings and price, not how well any single entry will suit your bike or terrain.

Price versus rating Higher prices do not always buy higher ratings. Look for entries that deliver a rating close to the top of the range at a noticeably lower price, as these are often the best value. At the same time, a slightly lower-rated option may be the smarter purchase if the difference lies in features you will not use.

Check fit and compatibility first Before you fall for any entry, check that it fits your bike. Wheel size, axle standards, mounting types, travel limits and frame compatibility can all rule out an otherwise attractive option. A part that does not fit is not a bargain at any price.

Think about total cost The price in the list is only part of what you will spend. Installation, setup, accessories, consumables and future servicing all add up. Budget for these extras so that your final cost does not run beyond your plan.

Final thoughts Specifications and ratings come from the Gear Matrix database; verify current pricing, sizing and compatibility with the manufacturer before you buy.