General

Continental tires has made great progress on the mtb market in the past few seasons with a combination on new, highly effective tread designs and use of their Black Chili rubber compound.

Black Chili brings the properties we are all looking for--faster, grippier, longer wearing--to a single compound through the use of nano technology. Carbon black, used to make rubber "tough" and wear well, has been ground to a very fine and consistent size (the nano tech), which allows better distribution in and bond with the rubber. The small size and shape makes the rubber more elastic with less shearing. The elasticity increase the grip while decreasing rolling resistance. Improved shearing extends tread life. Sounds impossible, but you can feel it on the trail and Black Chili has become the rubber of choice among many riders.

How to know that a Conti tire uses Black Chili is a bigger issue. Nowhere on the tire itself is there a BC label. The rubber looks and feels no different than non-BC tires. According to Brett Hahn, Continental brand manager, there is one sure way to know: the big "Handmade in Germany" label on the sidewall. Black Chili is produced and used only in Conti's own factory in Germany.

Because of the home factory exclusive of BC expanding its use to other models is limited by the plant's capacity. The long term plan is to bring the popular 29 inch tire production "home" and use Black Chili. The timeline is unclear.

In the meantime, look for 29er versions of the Trail King (nee Rubber Queen) in 2.2 and 2.4" widths by this fall. These tire may also be, a first for Conti, tubeless ready. No Black Chili yet, though. I am happy to see the Trail King coming as it may be the best all-round mtb tire ever from Continental.

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29er Tires on Different Rim Width Comparison

Written by shiggy
Wednesday, 29 July 2009 13:37
An update of my earlier comparisons of the dimensions of several high volume (and one low volume) 29er tires on 24 and 35mm wide rims. The 24mm rim is the "control" rim I use to measure all the tires 29er for the main spec charts. The 35mm rim is a Salsa Gordo. I have included all of the tires from the previous posts plus several new ones: Racing Ralph 2.40 and Race King 2.2. Except for the Conti Mountain King 2.2, these are most of the largest 29er tires I have measured (oops--need to add the Kenda Karma 2.20, Geax Saguaro, Intense S-29 and Maxxis Ardent and also in this volume range). Below they are in order from smallest to largest based on Volume Index on the 24mm rim.
Last Updated on Friday, 02 April 2010 17:30
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Conti Mountain King 29 x 2.2 Profile Changes

Written by shiggy
Tuesday, 28 July 2009 14:23
Last week I mentioned the "flat" profile shape of the Continental Mountain King 29 x 2.2 when mounted on the 35mm wide Salsa Gordo rim and how it may have affected the handling. As you can see in the pic above, there is a distinct difference when on the 35mm rim (left) and a 24mm wide rim (right) (larger image below). The shape of the contact patch changes, being shorter and wider on the wide rim. But the angles of the biting edges of the tread blocks also change. Both of these affect the handling characteristics of the tire. How largely depends on the conditions and riding style.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2009 12:44
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Thoughts on the Importance of Rolling Resistance

Written by shiggy
Saturday, 11 July 2009 10:20
Rolling resistance is often stated by riders as one of the most important features in choosing a tire. But it should not be the first priority. A common perception is roll resistance in the front is of lower concern, although critical in the rear. There is more to it than that. Sure, I like fast rolling tires, front and rear, but not at the expense of control: tracking, braking and cornering. The main reason to use the "faster" tire on the rear is you can usually deal with the lesser grip more easily as compared to the front. Drive traction also comes into play but if that is a major concern, rolling resistance is probably not a high priority, either. Bottom line is you need a tire that suits your conditions and riding style AND that you have confidence in. If you do not trust it, you can not get the best from it.
Last Updated on Saturday, 11 July 2009 10:48

Effect of Rim Width on Tire Width

Written by shiggy

Friday, 03 July 2009 09:41

Around 2000 I made the first comparisons on the effect of rim width on tire size. The charts below are for two sessions a couple of years apart. The same rims were used for both. The 26mm rim is still used as my "control" rim for measuring all 26" tires for the spec charts.

Panaracer Fire Mud Pro 1.8
Rim width / pressure	Casing Width mm / in.	Tread Width mm / in.	Casing Height mm	Volume Index
22mm rim @ 40 psi (13.3)	41.2 / 1.62	41.9 / 1.65	38.7	15.9
26mm rim @ 40 psi (15)	42.4 / 1.67	42.0 / 1.65	38.7	16.4
32mm rim @ 40 psi (17.1)	43.9 / 1.73	42.1 / 1.66	37.3	16.4

Last Updated on Friday, 03 July 2009 10:36