The Ultimate Guide to MTB Tire Combos for 2025
When it comes to mountain biking, nothing connects you to the trail like your tires. Every twist, turn, and drop is filtered through these rubber companions, making tire choice critical to performance, safety, and confidence. While many riders swap out stock tires before even hitting the dirt, choosing the right combination can feel like a maze of knobs, compounds, and casings.
To help, we’ve rounded up six top tire combinations for every trail, weather condition, and riding style. Whether you’re bombing down technical descents, navigating loamy corners, or hammering through dust, here’s a breakdown to match your needs.
1. Schwalbe Albert Front and Big Betty Rear
The Schwalbe Albert is a front tire designed to tackle everything from hardpack to unpredictable weather conditions. With a balanced tread pattern and durable casing, it’s a versatile choice for riders who want a tire capable of adapting to changing terrains.
Pair the Albert with the Schwalbe Big Betty in the rear, a trusted favourite since 2020. Its aggressive braking knobs dig deep for grip in both dry and muddy conditions, while the Addix Soft rubber strikes the sweet spot between longevity and traction. This setup is perfect for dry climates but remains surprisingly adaptable to wetter trails.
2. Maxxis Assegai Front and DHR II Rear
The Maxxis Assegai has become a staple for front tire performance, blending precise cornering with reliable traction across diverse conditions. Its 3-2 centre knob pattern and reinforced side knobs are trusted by elite racers and weekend warriors alike.
Matched with the in the rear, this combo excels in braking and cornering stability. The DHR II’s long-standing reputation as a downhill legend speaks volumes about its dependability. Together, they form one of the most popular and race-proven setups for dry and mixed conditions.
3. Schwalbe Magic Mary Front and Rear
For all-weather reliability, look no further than a dual Magic Mary setup. With spaced-out knobs for superior mud clearance and consistent grip, these tires thrive in everything from loose dirt to slick roots.
New for 2025, the Magic Mary now features a radial casing, enhancing grip at higher pressures without sacrificing control. Running the same tire front and rear means easier maintenance and swapping strategies, making it a top pick for year-round riders.
4. Continental Argotal Front and Kryptotal Rear
Continental’s Argotal is a game-changer for loose and loamy trails, boasting a spacious knob layout for fast mud shedding and terrain penetration. It shines in dusty summers and damp spring mornings alike.
Paired with the Kryptotal in the rear, this combination delivers excellent durability and cornering confidence. The Kryptotal’s sharp, square-edged knobs maintain grip longer than most, ensuring miles of reliable performance. Riders tackling unpredictable trail conditions will appreciate this dependable duo.
5. Maxxis High Roller Front and Rear
The Maxxis High Roller 3 is a tire built for versatility, ideal for intermediate terrain like freshly cut loam or damp forest tracks. Its balanced tread design bites into the ground without bogging down, making it a favourite for variable race conditions.
With bolstered side knobs and offset centre spikes, the High Roller handles transitions between grip zones smoothly. This setup is a go-to for wet-weather riding and excels in unpredictable conditions when traction is king.
6. Schwalbe Shredda Front and Rear
Aggressive and unapologetic, the Schwalbe Shredda lineup priorities traction above all else. The Shredda Front’s towering knobs and siping deliver unparalleled grip on steep, loose descents, while the Shredda Rear digs into the terrain with equal intensity.
Designed with downhill and e-bike riders in mind, these tires thrive in winter or loose conditions but may be overkill on hardpack trails. Still, for steep and technical riding, the Shreddas dominate the field.
Finding the Perfect Combo
Your ideal tire setup depends on the terrain, weather, and your riding style. If you're tackling dry trails, the Assegai/DHR II duo is unbeatable. For mixed weather, Magic Mary/Magic Mary shines. When the skies open, trust the High Roller to get you through the slop.
Tires aren’t just a contact point—they’re your lifeline to the trail. Choose wisely and let your riding do the talking.
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