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Kit Yourself Out for Winter Riding: Tyres

When winter hits and the trails transform into mud-slicked, root-filled battlegrounds, it’s not time to hang up the bike—it’s time to gear up. The right tyres can turn a dicey, miserable ride into an epic adventure. Because let’s face it: bad weather isn’t an excuse to quit; it’s an invitation to make the best stories. Ask yourself, have you ever seen a kid in the mud not having fun?

Whether slaying slick roots, powering through rain-soaked rock gardens, or just trying to stay upright in the mud, this guide will help you find the perfect winter MTB tyres to keep you rolling with confidence.

What Makes the Perfect Winter MTB Tyre?

Not all tyres are cut out for winter. Here’s what you should look for to dominate wet and wild trails:

Aggressive Tread

  • Think tall, chunky knobs—like your tyres are ready to claw their way through a mud pit.

  • Spaced-out tread patterns prevent mud from clogging and let the tyre bite into sloppy terrain.

Sticky Rubber

  • Winter tyres should feel like Velcro on slippery surfaces. Soft rubber compounds grip better in cold, wet conditions.

  • Yes, they wear out faster—but that extra grip could save your ride (and your dignity) when it's you versus an off-camber root.

Wider is Better

  • Winter conditions demand wider tyres, typically 2.4” to 2.6”. A bigger footprint spreads your weight, giving you better traction in soft, slippery conditions.

Tougher Casings

  • When you ride in the wet, trail erosion is a big concern. Hopefully, your riding spot is well maintained and you do your part but with bikes riding down the trails kicking up mud, it’s going to expose roots and rocks that you’ve not seen before.

  • Double down or DH casings will make the bike more sluggish to pedal but will keep the tyre from squirming too much when you lower the pressure and hit something a bit too hard.

Lower Pressure

  • Dropping your PSI increases your contact patch, letting your tyres mould to the trail for more grip.

  • Tubeless tyres are a must for running lower pressures without risking pinch flats and they’re lighter, which is always a win.

  • Get a tyre pressure gauge, check your tyres before every ride to help you keep consistent. We recommend the Topeak SmartGauge D2, it's compact, durable and you can check your car tyres with it too.

Topeak Smart Gauge D2X Digital

    Top Tyre Picks for Winter & Wet Weather

    Maxxis Shorty Gen 2

    • Tread Type: Deep, aggressive knobs with mud-clearing channels.

    • Why It’s Killer for Winter: This tyre’s mid-spike tread is perfect for loose, muddy terrain. It’s grippy on roots, steady on rocks, and a total confidence booster in the slop. When others are sliding out, the Shorty lets you push harder.

    • Check it out here

      Michelin Mud Enduro

      • Tread Type: Tall, spiky tread with wide spacing.

      • Why It’s Killer for Winter: Designed for pure mud domination, these tyres clean out quickly and dig into soft terrain like a champ. Enduro riders love their precision and control in the worst conditions.

      • It's a little narrower than the other options but that helps it cut in to the ground better and find that harder ground under the slop.

      • Check it out here

          Maxxis WetScream DH

          • Tread Type: Aggressive spike tread for extreme grip.

          • Why It’s Killer for Winter: When the trail looks more like a mudslide, the WetScream shines. It grips like nothing else, built for downhill riders, even in the gnarliest slop.

          • Best reserved for the really wet days, the WetScream excels in deep soft mud but it's terrible on hard pack.

          • Check it out here

              Continental Hydrotal

              • Tread Type: Open, aggressive tread for fast mud clearing.

              • Why It’s Killer for Winter: The Hydrotal’s sticky compound stays grippy even in freezing temps. Its open tread clears mud fast, making it a go-to for steep, technical descents in wet weather.

              • Check it out here

                  WTB Verdict

                  • Tread Type: Huge knobs with massive gaps for mud clearing.

                  • Why It’s Killer for Winter: Built for swampy trails, the Verdict’s big knobs dig in and keep you planted. It’s perfect for riders who thrive in gnarly conditions and want tyres that don’t hold back.

                  • Check it out here

                      Match Your Tyre to Your Riding Style: These are our current picks.

                      Not all winter tyres are created equal. Here’s how to pick the right ones for your style:

                      Enduro/Downhill

                      • Our Pick: Maxxis WetScream DH front/ Maxxis Shorty Gen 2 rear or Continental Hydrotal Front/ Continental Argotal rear.
                      • Recommended casing and compound: Maxx Grip DH for Maxxis and Super Soft Downhill casing for Continental. Take the softer compound for the best damping and grip. The DH casing will earn its keep when the riding strips the mud from the top of the rocks and roots.
                      • Why: You’re sending it down steep, sketchy trails and need tyres that grip like a second set of claws.

                      Aggressive Trail Riders

                      • Your Pick: Maxxis Shorty Gen 2 Front/ Maxxis Minion DHR II Rear or WTB Verdict front and rear.
                      • Recommended casing and compound: MaxxGrip double down for the Maxxis and Tough/High Grip for the WTB.
                      • Why: You want to corner hard, hit technical sections, and keep speed without sacrificing grip.

                      E-bikes:

                      • Your Pick: Maxxis Shorty Gen 2 front and rear.
                      • Recommended casing and compound: DD MaxxGrip front front and rear.
                      • Why: You need something efficient for long rides that can still handle muddy, challenging terrain, Ebikes are heavy beasts and though the extra weight will help push the bike into corners you’ll want a more aggressive tyre to help you slow down in the muck.

                      Endurance Riders / XC Enthusiasts

                      • Your Pick: Maxxis Forekaster V2 Front and rear.
                      • Recommended casing and compound: MaxxTerra EXO
                      • Why: Aggressive for an XC tyre but a step down from the burly DH and Enduro-focused tyres. The Forekaster will give you the best balance of rolling speed and efficiency but only fall short in the sloppiest conditions.

                      Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Winter Tyres

                      • Rinse After Rides: Keep your tyres fresh by hosing off mud and debris to prevent wear.
                      • Experiment with Tyre Pressure: Dropping a few PSI can make a massive difference in grip. Try 18–25 PSI for tubeless setups.
                      • Fresh Sealant: Winter trails are rough—make sure your tubeless sealant is topped up to avoid flats.
                      • Check Wear Regularly: Soft compounds grip better but wear faster. Inspect your tread often and replace tyres before they’re too worn for your next big ride.

                        Embrace the Wet

                        Winter riding isn’t for everyone—it’s for the bold. The right tyres can make it the best season for thrills, challenges, and unforgettable rides. So, grab a set of tyres built for the slop, drop your PSI, and get out in the muck.

                                                                                                                                                       
                        Enjoyed this article? Here’s 3 more to check out:
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                        2.Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals: A Short Guide
                        3.Yeti Cycles: Ultimate Racing Performance

                        Where To Next?

                        Looking for the latest bike parts and components? Check out our wide range from top cycling brands. We also have offers on the latest mountain bikes, road bikes and gravel bikes as well as a huge range of E-Bikes in stock and available now.

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