Because your cross-country bicycle treks can take you over varied terrain, your tires need to be up to the task. While road bike tires are smooth and mountain bike tires often have extreme knobs, cross-country varieties need to have a blend of both. They also need to shed mud quickly and resist puncture on rocks, pavement and thorns. There are tires for every skill level and almost every weather condition.
Maxxis Minion
The Maxxis Minion is a cross-country tire that garnered 4 out of 5 stars on MTBR. It also impressed the staff at Bike Radar, earning comments like "outstanding grip mixed with excellent protection, durability and value." The tires have alternating block patterns for traction that are siped, or slit, for extra grip on wet surfaces.
Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Another choice for a cross-country tire is Panaracer's Fire XC Pro. Available in 2.1- or 1.8-inch widths, this tire comes with anti-snakebite protection, Burning Edge sideknobs for extreme cornering and a variable Torch Tread that grips the toughest surfaces. Earning 4.2 out of 5 stars on MTBR, the Fire XC Pro is built for all-terrain riding. These tires also work in the front and back of your bike.
Michelin XCR Mud
In especially muddy and wet conditions, consider the Michelin XCR Mud tire. It is strong and light and provides low rolling resistance, making it a choice for racing. Its knob pattern and Dual Compound technology help it shed mud quickly to give you better traction in turns and pedaling up slick climbs. MTBR gave it 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Kenda Nevegal 2.1
Kenda's Nevegal 2.1 tires earned 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bike Radar. Guy Kesteven says its shallow, hard compound center tread with leading edge knobs allow for speed, even in wet conditions. Its soft supporting side knobs help you corner with ease and confidence, while the open and shallow treads shed mud quickly. But Kesteven warns that if you are aggressive in your turns, this tire may not provide you with enough traction.
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