Continental says it has spent three years developing five new tread patterns for the brand's Gravity tyre range, which it claims can cope with everything from dry hardpack to loose terrain and mud.
The new Xynotal, Kyrptotal (front and rear), Argotal and Hydrotal tyres are also available in three casing options, three compounds and four sizes, adding up to a range comprising a whopping 80 different tyres.
The Gravity tyre range is available immediately according to Continental, with prices starting at €59.95 (international pricing TBC). Tyre weights are from 1,000g up to 1,290g.
Continental says the new tyres “offer riders a bespoke, no-compromise setup tailored to their riding style”, which given the number of tyres on offer, sounds about right.
Casings and compounds for different uses
Continental's new Gravity tyre range includes Downhill, Enduro and Trail tyre casing options that are, perhaps unsurprisingly, tailored for their respective disciplines. Each offers a different mix of weight, rolling resistance and durability.
The Trail tyres have a three-layer carcass under the tread and two layers in the sidewalls for trail riding, while the Enduro casing ups durability and includes an additional apex layer that wraps around the tyre beads to increase snakebite protection.
The most rugged option is the Downhill casing, with a six-layer carcass under the tread, four layers in the sidewalls, additional reinforcement and a protective apex layer.
All the tyres are tubeless-ready, have a foldable aramid bead and come in 27.5in and 29in variants.
In addition, each tyre is available with one of Continental's three rubber compounds.
The Endurance compound is aimed at low-wear for trail use, while the Soft compound is more descent-oriented and offers high grip and low rolling resistance for enduro riders.
The SuperSoft compound rounds out the range. Continental says it has been designed for the most extreme downhill trails and high-speed use, offering maximum grip. It is geared particularly towards rear-tyre use.
Continental Xynotal
The Xynotal tyre is designed for low rolling resistance and good tyre contact on hardpack, with ramped studs and siping, and a profile designed for a wide contact patch and traction.
- Usage: Hardpack
- Casing options: DH, Enduro, Trail
- Compound options: SuperSoft, Soft, Endurance
- Sizes: 27.5”, 29”
- Widths: 2.4”
Continental Kryptotal
With differential front- and rear-wheel tyres, the Kryptotal is a mixed-terrain tyre.
The front tyre is designed for steering response with stability, agility and controllability. Meanwhile, the rear tyre has a combination of shallow and steep ramps, and open areas for use on light, loose and mixed soils. It's tuned for braking, traction and stability, says Continental.
- Usage: Mixed terrain/front wheel
- Casing options: DH, Enduro, Trail
- Compound options: SuperSoft, Soft, Endurance
- Sizes: 27.5”, 29”
- Widths: 2.4”, 2.6” (rear only)
Continental Argotal
Designed to shed mud on loose soils, the Argotal tyre has a more open tread pattern with deep studs, supported shoulder studs for cornering stability and tapered knobs for grip on loose substrate.
- Usage: Loose soils
- Casing options: DH, Enduro, Trail
- Compound options: SuperSoft, Soft, Endurance
- Sizes: 27.5”, 29”
- Widths: 2.4”, 2.6”
Continental Hydrotal
The final tyre in the new Gravity range is the Hydrotal, which is designed for muddy conditions. It’s available with the Downhill casing, with the SuperSoft compound only and in just 2.4in width. As you’d expect, it has an open, deep tread pattern for grip and to stop mud build-up and promote self-cleaning.
- Usage: Wet and muddy trails
- Casing options: DH
- Compound options: SuperSoft
- Sizes: 27.5”, 29”
- Widths: 2.4”
