In response to reader suggestions that we step up to more aggressive tires for our BMC Trailfox test bike, we fired up the Rumor-Signal looking for some proper all-mountain knobbies. Before long, Continental had responded and we were mounting boxfresh Mountain King II and Trail King tires on Easton’s sharp new EC70 Trail wheels. Before hitting the dirt, we busted out the scale and calipers: hit the jump for actual pics, weights, and widths…
The second-generation Mountain King is designed to excel in loose (New Mexico-like) and wet (not at all New Mexico-like) conditions. Made in Germany using Conti’s Black Chili rubber compund, the tires should balance reasonable wear with good grip. Advertised at 650g, our 2.4in ProTection samples averaged 682g. Mounted tubeless (using Stan’s sealant) on an 20mm inside-width EC70 rim, the Mountain King II measured 2.26in across, making it one of the few “2.4s” likely to comfortably fit between the Trailfox’s seatstays.
![SONY DSC Continental Trail King, Mountain King II](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Continental-Trail-King-Mountain-King-tires-600x450.jpg)
The Trail King (sadly, the tire’s original “Rubber Queen” moniker has been phased out) features a similar tread pattern but with more closely-spaced knobs for reduced rolling resistance. Designed by Continental to be an all-around tire, the Trail King is also made in Germany using the same Black Chili rubber compound. If our X-Kings are any indication, the tubeless-ready and scuff-resistant ProTection casing should hold up to desert riding better than most. The 26×2.2in Trail King measured at 2.22in across when mounted on a second EC70. Thanks to its near-identical size but denser tread pattern, the Trail King ProTection weighed in at 764g.
With the intention of combining a faster-rolling (and sturdier) rear tire with a grippier front, we’ve started off with a Mountain King front, Trial King rear combination. Got experience with these tires? Let us know how you like to roll and we’ll give it a shot. And look for a full review come spring.
marc