Continental Race King ShieldWall 29 Inch MTB Tire

I've been using Race King tires since 2013, and up until this current set, they've always been performance to weight, the best tires for my gravel riding needs. With that said, this current set came out with a substantial wobble in each tire. At first I thought it was something I did with the installation, so removed and reinstalled the tires several times-checked the rims for trueness as well, it was the tires. I reached out to Bike Tires Direct as was sent a shipping label for a return. I've decided to keep the tires, as the wobble seems more of a visual annoyance than a functional issue. It is disappointing to see such a highly regarded tire wobble like that!

I put this on my gravel rig to give it a shot. It's definitely cushy and I can't see that it's much slower than the 42s I was previously running. I've since bought a 2in version of the same time for the rear. I'm probably going to take them to Big Sugar. The confidence with flats is great. Install was easy, the bead seated quickly and securely. Value is great. The 50ish for these is significantly cheaper than gravel designed alternatives.

I had an issue with the sidewall deforming that thankfully biketiresdirect allowed me to return. However, generally have been very happy with these tires. Keep in mind that continental's naming is a bit deceptive. The performance variant actually offers better protection while the protection variant offers better performance.

I'm a gravel rider and I've been pleasantly surprised by how well these tires roll/ride. I usually ride a smooth center tread like a Panaracer ss or a Schwalbe rs but these tires are good. The price is really reasonable. I've noticed a more secure feel on sketchy downhill sections as well. All in all I would recommend them.

With my road riding events done for the year I wanted wider tires to better handle dirt and gravel roads.

These fit on my Giant Revolt Advanced with room for fenders.

That provides great grip and confidence when the packed dirt turns to large loose gravel or light mud.

It makes the bike fun on some of the easier and smoother MTB trails in our area.

I am not sure how much of a speed penalty I am paying on pavement, but they feel pretty good on pavement also.

This time of year, I am not looking for speed. I am looking to enjoy the weather and have some outdoor adventures.

Running these on enve 3.4 SES with 25i

I'm 190lbs 26psi front with fox 32tc

28 psi rear.

These tires are fast on pavement and confidence inspiring on loose fast gravel descents.

Really digging them.

I use these tires on all three of my mountain bikes - never have had a problem with them. Relatively easy to put on, but can be nasty getting them back off as they seat extremely well.

Fast rolling, good tread pattern. Had one go loppy on me in the rear but that was probably my fault from hitting on something. Still rolling on mine from over a year ago and I ride to work almost daily. Conti's are great!

Not sure about the composite but the grip is great. Not the fastest rolling tire but you won't be losing traction in the flat turns.

I know this is intended to be a mountain bike tire, but it works great as a gravel bike tire if your frame can fit this. Supple, fast, and the extra volume makes for a comfortable ride.

I have had 2 sets of these tires now. The first set (2.25) performed wonderfully on 650 Km of the Divide Trail - Banff to Whitefish section. These new 2.0 width are perfect for our gravel roads and trails. Bike Tires Direct have been wonderful- even when I order the wrong size. My bad. I like the tread design and the puncture resistance aspect.

Replaced the Maxxis 2.2" tires that came on my Santa Cruz Chameleon with these (2.0") Contis, it transformed the bike. I mostly ride xc. These tires (with tubes) weigh less than the Maxxis tubeless setup the bike came with. They roll unbelievably better at the same inflation. (I also run these tires in a 26x2.2 on my '97 Santa Cruz Heckler.) These are ideal Summer tires for around here. Love them.

Nice light and fast tire for a rigid MTB. On sale. Best tire based on $$$/weight ratio.

I use the Race Kings on a Trek Superfly for mostly gravel riding. The tires are great for gravel work - not sure how they would hold up on a cross country MTB trail. I'm on my second set & no problems with the tires at all - no flats & plenty of miles ridden before they show any appreciable wear.

As mountain bike tires go these are some of the fastest I've used.I am using them with tubes. These should be terrific for anyone doing flat cross country or not super technical courses. I recently did a fairly hilly duathlon that was mostly sand pinestraw and they were great. Anything much more technical I would choose a wider tire.

Swapped these onto a Trek DS for snow and trail riding. Great grip aired down a few PSI. Exceeds bike manufacturer width allowed but works perfectly. Great in the snow and mud.

Excellent XC tire and gravel use. Holds corners well in loose conditions, fast rolling, and stable on every surface I've ridden.

I ride some basic local single track trails & dirt access roads. These tires are exactly what I needed to replace the road friendly tires on my dual sport. I now have adequate traction to climb hills without spinning the tires. If I don't have adequate traction, I probably need to dismount the bike anyway.

Sidewall on my last one stretched on a small drop, but it's a good price and nice profile

3rd set of these tires and they are still unbeatable in hard pack to sand to light mud conditions. They always feel solid underneath the bike and have plenty of traction. Rolling on pavement or hard pack is exceptional. Very quiet compared to normal MTB knobs.