5 Surprising Discoveries After Switching to Continental Kryptotal MTB Tires

This marks the first time in 8 years I’ve run anything but Maxxis. It’s like switching from Nike to Adidas. I was due for new rubber anyway, and now I’ve been riding Conties for 6 months. For context:

Old setup: Maxxis Assagai exo+ Maxx grip and DHR2 exo+ Maxx Terra with Cushcore XC insert.

New setup: Conti Kryptotal Fr Soft Enduro casing and Re Soft DH casing.

Here are 5 things I’ve noticed:

Thick casing options are lighter than Maxxis’. I’ve wanted to try a thicker rear tire casing to compare how it feels compared to the Exo+ and Cushcore, which weigh 1252g combined. The Kryptotal DH weighs 1290g, which is basically the same.

On the trail, though… WOW!

It was a weird increase of soft support I’ve never felt before. It also felt more efficient when pumping and generating speed, like putting a stiffer set of wheels on. This was also noticeable when pushing into supported corners for traction. Since the tire wasn’t squishing as easily, it gave more forward momentum. I’m hooked! Enduro casing I put on the front is also noticeably firmer than exo+, but not as significant as the DH.

2.4” v 2.5” wide is not an issue. The front tire is 2.4” wide, smaller than the Maxxis 2.5” front tires everyone seems to run. It’s noticeable to look at, but an increase in side knob rigidity makes up for it. The pronounced side knobs seem to reach out and grip off camber roots or dig in when you tip the bike over.

I’ve been curious about all the hype these are getting. Between the World Cup DH wins and some friend recommendations, plus I was due for fresh rubber. AND, they’re less expensive than Maxxis!!!

At least Norco and Rocky Mountain have been putting Conties on high-end acoustic and electric bikes.


My first ride on the new tires happened to be my 200th Strava recorded run down Nicole’s on Burnaby Mountain, and my fastest. My previous PR likely had some cheat lines, but this one was fully legit, all the flat corners!

It’s loose out there, and the grip isn’t great, but these tires gave me a new level of confidence, and they carried speed where I wanted them too.