A new one, and designed with help from the Athertons, the Mud King was a tyre we were keen to burn. Slightly more aggressive than the Storm (Specialized) and Mud X (Bontrager) the Continental’s are our narrowest and one of the lightest tyres. We were thinking more 140mm bike at the time and certainly when pushing really hard on mixed conditions the tyre is best suited for shorter travel 140–150mm bikes. There’s certainly a place for a 2.1 or 2.2 version of the Mud King.

One of the most trail bike specific tyres on test, it is narrow and expensive. However when mounted to a reasonably narrow rim offers an excellent profile. Rolling speed is impressive, the tyre certainly feels slightly harder compound than many of the others. Continental wouldn’t release exact durometer details, saying that, the Black Chilli (compound) gives a false reading. Durometers aside, the edge of the Mud King gives slightly more deflection on roots and rock than the Storm or Mud X but offering slightly more traction off–camber. Really like the feel of this tyre and will be looking to keep it on a test bike for the rest of the winter.

Suitability: One for the 140mm bikes. Best for pure mud conditions with the rider controlling root avoidance, and becomes a bit sketchy on rock.

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