They offer the Trail King in each of the three wheel sizes, most recently 650b (or 27.5in as they prefer to call it), and a range of casing types. There’s two widths to choose from, the 2.2in weighing 760g, probably a good choice for a large majority of trail riders, and the 2.4in, which weighs 1,050. I took the decision to run the 2.4in up front and 2.2in out back, but you could quite happily run a pair of 2.2in tyres and take the weight saving.

The small weight penalty of the bigger front tyre is worth it though. For technical riding favouring descents over climbs, the bigger tyre gives incredible confidence to push the front wheel precisely where you want it. There’s staggering grip on offer over a wide variety of trail types and conditions, such that you’ll soon forget that weight penalty.

I took the decision to fit a 2.4in up front, with the 2.2in out back. The 2.4in is heavier, 1.080g on my scales, but the extra width offers so much more confidence when piling into rocky trail sections. It’s a bit of squeeze with my carbon mudguard though, but it’s a small price to pay.

Where the Trail King really comes into its own is riding very technical trails with lots of roots and rocks and other obstacles. Really demanding and slippery stuff basically. The Black Chilli compound gives the tyre fantastic tenacity on roots and rocks. The tyre also copes well on trails ranging from dry and loose to wet and swampy. I’ve been running them through the winter and the trails have been pretty sloppy. They’ve been just fine. They clear well despite the reasonably tightly packed tread pattern, and that broad paddle shape central tread section finds good grips when climbing. They just hook up on whatever trail you’re pinning them down, inspiring loads of confidence to push the speed higher and higher.

The Protection version adds a reinforced carcass and it’s tubeless-ready so you can easily ditch your tubes. The sidewalls are absolutely bombproof, they stand up to a load of punishment. Also worth pointing out is that the sidewalls have a good deal of stiffness, which provides the tyre with good support at lower pressures.

Verdict

A solid tyre choice for year-round trail riding and ideal for the growing enduro scene. Pricey yes, but cheaper versions are available, but you’re getting a brilliant tyre that just works really well just about everywhere. Proper fit-and-forget as well. Double up on the 2.2in for general trail riding, but don’t be afraid to opt for the 2.4in up front, the benefits in performance and handling outweigh the weight penalty.

Price: £49.95
More information: Continental Trail King