In recent years, the world of mountain bike tires – especially cross-country – has evolved rapidly. Brands like Schwalbe, Maxxis, and Vittoria have been regularly releasing new models designed to meet the demands of modern XC racing. Wider rims, more technical race courses, and the trend towards 2.35 or even 2.4-inch tires have reshaped the picture.
Continental, on the other hand, remained quiet. Their classics – above all the Race King – were still seen as a benchmark for rolling resistance. But while the competition was going wider and grippier, Continental kept offering the Race King mainly in 2.1 or 2.2-inch versions.
And yet: the Race King remained a fan favorite. Anyone chasing pure speed almost automatically picked it. But over time, it became obvious that on modern, more technical courses, it was reaching its limits.
So when Continental finally announced new models, expectations were sky-high. The central question: can Conti get back to the front – and win over both racers and fans?
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The New Models at a Glance
Continental is launching three new MTB tire families: Magnotal, Trinotal, and Dubnital. Each has a clear focus, targeting different rider types and terrains.
Magnotal – the Trail Expert
The Magnotal is a classic trail tire. With its aggressive tread, it’s built for heavy use on enduro and trail bikes. What’s interesting: it’s designed as a true all-rounder, working equally well front and rear.
Key features:
- Open, aggressive tread for maximum traction
- Built for control and durability
- Ideal for alpine terrain and demanding trails
Trinotal – the Versatile XC All-Rounder
The Trinotal is the direct successor to the Cross King. Continental developed it for XC and marathon riders who value grip and versatility.
It’s significantly more aggressive than the Race King, but still sits firmly in the XC category. Especially on wet or technical courses, it shines – particularly as a front tire.
Key features:
- Noticeably more grip than the Race King
- Strong self-cleaning in wet conditions
- Pairs well with a faster rear tire like the Dubnital
Dubnital – the Evolution of a Classic
The Dubnital picks up where the legendary Race King left off. At first glance, it stays true to its roots – but the tread is far more modern.
- Wider spacing between knobs
- More angled side knobs for cornering grip
- Deeper tread for modern XC courses
The Dubnital aims to be exactly what riders have long missed from the Race King: a fast yet versatile tire that performs even on technical terrain.
Casings and Compounds: More Choice for Riders
A big innovation from Continental is the wide range of casings and rubber compounds – something riders have had from other brands for a while.
Casings:
- Trail casing: more robust, cut-resistant, allows lower pressure for better grip – perfect for rocky terrain.
- Race casing: lightweight, built for speed, still surprisingly puncture-resistant.
Compounds (BlackChili mixes):
- Soft Compound: exclusive to the Magnotal. Maximum grip for technical trails.
- Grip Compound: available across all three models. Extra traction on wet or rocky ground, ideal for front tires.
- Race Compound: harder, faster, longer-lasting. The best choice for rear tires when rolling resistance matters most.
This gives riders the freedom to fine-tune their setups: light and fast or tough and grippy – depending on needs.
Field Test: Dubnital Race Rapid
As a pro racer, I had to try the Dubnital Race Rapid right away. On paper, the numbers seemed almost too good:
- 650 g at 2.4-inch width
- fastest (hardest) compound
- direct successor of the Race King
I was skeptical. A tire 100 g lighter than the competition – could it really perform?
After 12 race days and over 3,000 km, I have a clear answer: yes, it can.
My impressions:
- Rolling resistance: extremely low, comparable to a Schwalbe Rick XC – impressive given the more aggressive tread.
- Durability: above average. Where a Rick XC Pro wore out on my rear wheel after 8 race days, the Dubnital lasted significantly longer.
- Puncture protection: even brutal races like Andorra Epic and Swiss Epic (both infamous for sharp rocks) caused no casing failures. Only one flat – my own fault, from a hard bottom-out at 40 km/h.
Conclusion: the Dubnital is faster and tougher than I expected.
Tire Setups for Different Conditions
A huge advantage of Continental’s new line is how easily the models can be combined:
- Dry & fast: Dubnital front and rear, Race casing + Race compound.
- Wet & technical: Trinotal front (Grip compound, Trail casing) + Dubnital rear (Race compound, Race casing).
- Trail & Enduro: Magnotal in Soft compound, front and rear.
This flexibility makes the lineup far more versatile – every rider can find their perfect setup.
How Does Continental Stack Up Against the Competition?
Wie schlägt sich Continental im Vergleich zu Schwalbe, Maxxis & Co.?
- Schwalbe (Racing Ralph, Racing Ray, Wicked Will): excellent grip and self-cleaning, but often faster wear.
- Maxxis (Aspen, Rekon Race): very popular in XC racing, great grip, but often heavier.
- Vittoria (Mezcal, Barzo): known for versatility, good balance between speed and traction.
Continental now offers something different: lower rolling resistance, lower weight, and surprisingly high durability.
Personal Recommendations
If I had to suggest setups to different riders, it would look like this:
- Dubnital: for racers chasing maximum efficiency. Best as a rear tire.
- Trinotal: for technical or wet courses – a strong front tire choice.
- Magnotal: for trail riders who put grip and control above all else.
For marathons, my tip is: Dubnital rear + Trinotal front. The perfect mix of speed, control, and safety.
Conclusion: Continental is Back
With the Magnotal, Trinotal, and Dubnital, Continental is finally back in the modern MTB tire game. They deliver:
- more grip
- wider sizes
- new casings and compounds
- noticeably better durability
In my testing, the Dubnital fully convinced me. Fast-rolling, long-lasting, and more secure than its predecessor. The Trinotal is the perfect partner on tough courses, and the Magnotal rounds out the lineup for trail and enduro riders.
Bottom line: Continental hasn’t just caught up – they’ve made a statement. With their mix of weight, rolling resistance, and durability, the new line will set a benchmark. For many racers, the Dubnital may soon become the new go-to tire.