Continental’s revamp of its gravity tyres has made waves, and they immediately started winning World Cups. With five tread patterns, three casings, three new compounds, two widths and two diameters, there are a total of 40 possible options! Each with a name that sounds suspiciously similar to artificial sweeteners.
Last year we tested each of the tires in quite a few combinations however, there were a couple that we’ve missed. So we’re doubling back to fill those holes, and we’ve popped an Argotal/Kryptotal Rr combo onto Michael’s Norco Sight and set him loose around South East Queensland. Both tyres are 29×2.4in with the Enduro casing and soft compound rubber.
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Continental Argotal/Kryptotal
The old faithful tyre combo on this Sight has traditionally been a Maxxis Assegai in a 29×2.5 EXO+ casing up front and a Minion DHR II 29.2.4 EXO+ in the back. There’s no shortage of traction on loose tracks and can they can stave off the sharp Nerang Loam (aka rocks).
More recently we’ve come off a set of Schwalbe Tacky Chan‘s. These suckers are fast, but the cornering grip was a bit vague compared to the Maxxis combo, and you have to be more conscious of your lines and really lean the bike over to get the chunky side knobs to lock in.
With the Continental Argogal up front and the Kryptotal on the rear, both tyres are chunky and aggressive, with loads more tread through the centre and intermediate zones of the tyre. This was where the Tacky Chans had an open profile.
The question wasn’t how much grip they would generate but at the cost of how much speed.
On the first outing, we were immediately impressed by how well the tyres balanced grip and speed.
Sure, they were not as fast as the Tacky Chans, but they were not far off. The grip was so dependable that confidence was immediate. We could let the brakes off more and hold lines through corners without awkwardly drifting too wide.
The soft compound balances grip, speed, and durability well. After three months of testing they are showing little wear, and there have been no leaks, punctures, or issues to complain about.
As timing would have it, these tyres were fitted a week before a Fox Superflow event. While it’s probably not the best timing to put unfamiliar tyres on your bike, it led to the best result of the season.
Run with 21psi in the front, and 23psi out back with no inserts, they ate up everything we threw at them — despite regular poor line choices. No worries of finding the edge of the traction, or punctures so far.
Sorry Maxxis, Michael says he’s found a new favourite tyre combo.
For more on Continental’s new gravity range, and to get the rest of the team’s impressions, check out our full Continental tyre group test.
