We’ve had a load of experience with the new line of Continental mountain bike tyres, having tested quite a few variations of the Argotal, Kryptotal and Xynotal. The gravity-oriented range is available in three different casing options (Trail, Enduro & DH) and there are three corresponding rubber compounds (Endurance, Soft and Super Soft). We’ve been particularly impressed by the Soft and Super Soft options, which offer properly impressive grip and damping.
When it came time to source some fresh tyres for Wil’s mixed wheel Pivot Switchblade, we decided to get our hands on a pair of Continental Enduro tyres with a Kryptotal Fr on the front and a Xynotal for the rear.
Continental Kryptotal Fr Enduro Soft Tyre
- Size: 29×2.4in
- Weight: 1,209g (confirmed)
- Price: $154.99 AUD
A front-specific tyre that’s designed for mixed conditions, the Continental Kryptotal Fr has become a crowd favourite here at Flow over the past year.
It features tall shoulder blocks that aim to break through loose surfaces for dependable cornering bite, while the staggered central tread and rounded profile help ease the transition when leaning the bike over. The alternating 3-2-3 tread pattern is somewhat reminiscent of the Maxxis Assegai, though here you’ll find more ramping that reduces rolling resistance.
Indeed compared to the Assegai EXO 3C MaxxTerra tyre that Wil was using beforehand, the Kryptotal Fr rolls quicker. That’s despite it being a fairly meaty tyre at 1.2kg, plus it features Continental’s Soft rubber compound. This provides hella good traction on loose trails, and it also does a lot to dampen sharp rocky edges. It’s really only on wet and shiny roots where you’d want more grip. In that case we’d either recommend looking at the Argotal or stepping up to the heavier DH version with the Super Soft rubber compound.
For a trail bike like the Pivot Switchblade however, the Enduro version of the Kryptotal Fr is a great match. Stability from the 110tpi casing is excellent, allowing you to run quite low pressures. Wil’s got his front tyre aired up to just 19psi, which further improves compliance.
Continental Xynotal Enduro Soft Tyre
- Size: 27.5×2.4in
- Weight: 1,126g (confirmed)
- Price: $154.99 AUD
Out back we’ve gone for a faster-rolling Continental Xynotal tyre. Compared to the Kryptotal the tread pattern is notably shallower and tighter. This puts more rubber in contact with the ground on rocky and hardpack surfaces for consistent grip, while longer ramps to the centre tread blocks reduce rolling resistance.
The lower profile tread pattern helps to drop a bit of weight, but being the Enduro version the Xynotal is still a reasonably porky tyre at 1.1kg. It features the same 110tpi casing construction with three layers of fabric underneath the tread and two layers for the sidewalls. Continental then beefs things up with Apex protection around each bead, and another layer of cut-resistant material through the sidewalls to reduce the chance of slashes and punctures.
As with most Continental tyres we’ve tested, these two proved to be quite tight to install. Combined with a CushCore Trail tubeless insert in the rear wheel, the Xynotal ended up breaking several tyre levers and almost our spirit. We’ve found the best method is to install the tyre with a tube to begin with, and let it settle for a day or two before going tubeless.
Once fitted, the Xynotal Enduro tyre has also impressed with its sticky grip and stable casing. Wil’s running just 23psi inside the 27.5×2.4in rear tyre, and so far it’s shrugged off all the square-edge abuse his local rock-infested trails have been able to inflict.
