We learned earlier this year of the rebranding of Czech Tire maker Rubena into Mitas (the predominant name of the tire divisions of their larger rubber industry parent company) as they were a sponsor of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. We also had a look at a few of their 27.5″ tires back at Sea Otter before the complete switch. But now at Eurobike they were showing off an updated range of off-road tires using some new protection tech that was developed in partnership with the Cape Epic. The new Textra construction uses a high-density polymer fabric to dramatically reduce sidewall damage without adding much weight or negatively affecting the ride. The new tech was developed for the jagged terrain of the multi-day South African race, and helped land Mitas an official tire partner deal for three years that will see them continue to offer race support in the next few editions of the race.
The Kratos Textra was launched at the Cape Epic, but Mitas have since released Textra tires with cross country, enduro, and downhill casings to take on a wide range of riding conditions. Join us after the break for the all of details…
The Zefyros TDi is Mitas’ fastest cross country/marathon tire, designed for hardpack and less technical terrain. Low-profile center knobs keep rolling resistance low, while the taller shoulder knobs offer confident cornering traction. The Zefyros is available in 2.25″ widths for 27.5″ and 29″ wheels in both Textra Tubeless and standard Tubeless versions.
Mitas’ Scylla TDi is a more all-conditions cross country/marathon tire. With taller, more aggressive center knobs and low intermediate tread, it promises to offer reliable traction for steering and braking in looser conditions while still rolling fast on hard surfaces. The Textra Scylla comes in 27.5″ and 29″ x 2.25″ Tubeless versions, but also adds 26″ 2.1s and 2.25s to the standard Tubeless versions.
The Kratos TDi is a tire more suited for rough and rocky terrain, like that encountered at the Cape Epic. It uses taller, more widely placed knobs to bite into loose terrain for high traction, and also includes the low intermediate tread for more bite once the tire sinks in. With the lightweight Tubeless Supra casing for XC riding, the Kratos is available in 27.5″ and 29″ x 2.25″ with the Textra protection. The same sizes are also available in the standard Tubeless versions, plus a 26″ x 2.25″. A slightly heavier and more durable Enduro (non TDi) carcass is also offered in the Kratos tread pattern. These tires now come in 27.5″ and 29″ x 2.45″ with Textra an 26″ x 2.45″ in a standard Tubeless version.
Another Enduro tire which carries over for 2016, the Highlander, will now also be offered with Textra protection in a reinforced DH Supra Max casing in 27.5″ and 29″ x 2.45″.
Mitas is not afraid to hot stamp all of their technologies on the side of their tires. The TDi designates the Top Design innovated line, their premier tire range. The 1 for 3 Free logo on the tires is Mitas’ compatibility symbol showing the tires can be set up with a UST rim and sealant, a converted rim with sealant, or with a standard tube. CRX Light is their best all-around rubber compound, while another GL version is sometimes available with softer rubber in the side knobs for more cornering traction. All of the Mitas tires offer affordable performance with most of the high-level tubeless versions hovering just under 40€ in the EU and approximately 50€ for the top-level Textra tires.
