After my extremely positive experience with the Hydrotal and my growing appreciation for Continental as a tire brand, it was a no-brainer to give the next model a try. With high expectations, I mounted a fresh set of Argotal tires. On paper, everything looked like a repeat performance: same weight, Apex casing, “Super Soft” compound – all the right ingredients.
Contents
Not Just Another Hydrotal
Despite the similarities, I expected the same ride feel. I assumed I wouldn’t need to change my riding style and could simply enjoy a bit more speed and playfulness on dry, loose terrain.
That turned out to be a misconception.
Especially in situations with low pressure on the tire, the Argotal felt less forgiving on hard, uneven surfaces. If you’re in a playful “party mode” and not riding clean lines, things can get twitchy quickly. Maintaining control suddenly required precision.
The Aha Moment in the Pine Forest
Still, I kept riding the tires for several weeks. I had the strong feeling there was something more to discover – something I hadn’t yet experienced.
The solution? The right terrain. My local trails are simply too packed and firm for what the Argotal is designed for. So I headed out to find pine forest sections and sandy tracks. And suddenly – everything clicked.
When the Terrain Matches the Tire, the Grip Explodes
On flat corners lined with pine needles, it felt like the tire grew wider beneath me. Like an anchor spreading out as you lean into the turn. Each lap I rode with speed turned the trail surface into fine dust – it was like triggering shockwaves beneath the wheels. Pure joy.
By the end of the session, the ground felt like a sandbox – soft and loose enough to dig your hand through. It reminded me of an old IXS Downhill Cup race in Ilmenau I raced years ago. These tires would’ve made a few of those sections a lot easier.
The Argotal Is Purpose-Built
The Continental Argotal is not an all-rounder – and that’s a good thing. It’s a specialist designed for extremely loose and sandy terrain, like pine forest trails or dry loam. As long as you ride with confidence and push the bike actively into the ground, even firmer sections or broken gravel become manageable. But it took me some time to get there – for me, it was definitely not a “set and forget” tire.
Four-Month Verdict: Durable and Dialed
After four months of riding, I can confidently say: No noticeable wear. The durability is solid, especially for a tire that performs this well in its niche.
I’d recommend the Argotal for:
- Racers who carry the right tire for every condition
- Riders who spend most of their time on loose, sandy, or pine-covered trails
If you mostly ride hard-packed terrain, like bike parks or built trail centers, something like the Kryptotal will likely suit you better. It’s designed for mixed conditions and is much more versatile.
In conclusion: Test dedicated tires!
I can only recommend that everyone try purpose-built tires. It’s fascinating how much the handling changes – and how significantly you can develop your own riding style as a result. You just have to dare to try something new.
