In winter, there are plenty of excuses not to ride your mountain bike. Short days, bad weather, and the increased maintenance effort for your bike are just a few reasons. However, with the right MTB tires, the winter season takes on a whole new meaning. But which tire from Continental, MAXXIS, and Schwalbe came out on top in this test?
There are plenty of reasons to lock up your mountain bike during the winter months. However, there’s also an abundance of specialized gear for those cold and wet rides. One of the most important performance boosters are the tires, as the right type of rubber makes the difference between having plenty of grip and control or sliding down the mountain as a passenger.
While most modern MTB tires are true all-rounders, providing excellent traction on many trails, they’re always a compromise. This is especially true in winter when wet and muddy conditions dominate most home trails for months. If you don’t want to miss out on long bike sessions even during the cold and damp season, it’s worth considering MTB tires that are specifically designed for muddy conditions.
During the many months of bad weather some of us face each year, switching to more aggressive MTB tires is a smart move. These specialized models are designed to deliver the control and traction that make all the difference on wet, slippery, and muddy trails.
To provide you with an overview of the best mud tires, we tested three models from leading manufacturers: the Continental Hydrotal, the MAXXIS Shorty, and the Schwalbe Shredda Front. Over the course of several weeks, we rode these three MTB tires through sticky mud, wet roots, and rocky sections. While all three are designed as mud-specific tires, the differences on the trail are striking. We’ll show you what these models are truly capable of and which tire comes out on top in winter conditions.
Why special mtb tires for riding in winter?
With the right winter tire, you can make the most of wintry trail conditions – with less effort and investment than you might think. Essentially, a single winter tire on the front wheel is enough, as it plays a key role in control and safety on the trail. Rolling resistance? Think of it as bonus training for the next season. Plus, since most of the load during climbs is on the rear wheel, rolling resistance becomes almost negligible.
If you’re not keen on buying two new tires, simply move your old front tire to the rear. This way, you’ll save money, recycle proven material, and the worn front tire is perfect for the job. Our test made one thing clear: the effort is absolutely worth it! The improved control and extra grip on slippery trails are a huge boost for both fun and safety during the wet and cold season.
While you’re already in the process of swapping tires, take the opportunity to give your MTB tires some care: refill with fresh tubeless sealant, thoroughly clean the valve, or blow it clear if necessary. If you’re not familiar with the process, be sure to check out our comprehensive tubeless guide.
With an investment of around €100 for tires and sealant and just half an hour of your time, you’ll be ready for five months of winter fun on your bike. A fair deal that truly pays off on the trail!
Testing the mtb tires for winter riding
We tested three MTB tires from leading manufacturers that were designed specifically for winter conditions: the Continental Hydrotal, MAXXIS Shorty, and Schwalbe Shredda Front. All tires were tested in the softest rubber compound offered by their respective manufacturers – a must for winter to ensure optimal control on wet roots and slippery trails.
While the models from Continental and Schwalbe are thoroughbred mud tires, the MAXXIS Shorty isn’t the manufacturer’s most aggressive option and therefore features slightly shorter knobs compared to its competitors.
With weights ranging between 1,207 g (MAXXIS), 1,314 g (Continental), and 1,421 g (Schwalbe), the tested models are not the lightest tires out there – primarily due to their robust casings. MAXXIS’ Doubledown and Schwalbe’s new Radial Gravity represent the enduro category, while the Continental Hydrotal features a pure DH casing, as it’s only available in this variant. In terms of price, all three models are closely matched, ranging between € 80 and € 90.
The advantage of sturdy casings: you can significantly lower tire pressure without worrying about pinch flats or punctures. This is a clear advantage in slippery conditions, as the reduced pressure greatly enhances traction.
When it comes to width, there’s little difference on paper. MAXXIS and Continental measure 2.4”, while Schwalbe come in at 2.5”. However, real-world measurements reveal some differences: MAXXIS and Schwalbe each measure 60 mm, while the Continental is notably narrower at 58 mm. But what advantages or disadvantages does this bring?
| Modell | Chasing | Rubber compound | Width | Measured with | Measured weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAXXIS Shorty | Doubledown | MaxxGrip | 2,4” | 60 mm | 1.207 g | € 84.90 |
| Continental Hydrotal | Radial Gravity | Ultra Soft | 2,5” | 60 mm | 1.421 g | € 79.90 |
| Continental Hydrotal | Downhill | Super Soft | 2,4” | 58 mm | 1.314 g | € 89.95 |
The MAXXIS Shorty in our comparison test
The MAXXIS Shorty proved to be a solid tire for winter conditions but showed weaknesses in deep mud, where it lacks traction particularly in corners compared to its competitors. However, it performs better under braking, though it remains a tire more suited to intermediate conditions than pure mud, as its side traction isn’t particularly strong for wet ruts or deep sludge. On the positive side, the tire’s excellent self-cleaning ability effectively reduces mud buildup.
Due to its shorter knobs, the Shorty doesn’t generate maximum grip in deep mud. On the other hand, they don’t fold under pressure on drier or harder trails, or when steering over rock slabs. This makes the MAXXIS Shorty a great middle ground between a pure mud tire and a summer tire. If you live in a region where trails rarely get muddy or where dry and muddy conditions alternate, the Shorty is the clear favorite in this test group.
The Schwalbe Shredda Front in our test
The Schwalbe Shredda generates a very high level of traction in mud, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process. However, the wider knobs and overall broader tire don’t cut as deeply into the ground as the Continental, which occasionally comes at the expense of traction in very soft terrain.
On firmer surfaces, particularly on hardpack trails, rock slabs, roots, or sandier trails with superficial mud, the limitations of the Schwalbe Shredda’s design become apparent. Here, the knobs tend to fold quickly, leading to vague side traction and making precise handling more difficult.
On softer trails, however, the Shredda fully plays to its strengths, providing a high sense of security, excellent control over the front wheel, and very effective self-cleaning. Overall, this tire is well-suited for winter conditions on soft terrain, though it requires some compromises on firmer ground.
The Continental Hydrotal in our comparison test
The Continental Hydrotal generates plenty of grip in mud, providing a high level of security. In terms of sheer traction, it outperforms even the Schwalbe Shredda. Thanks to the narrower profile and slim knobs, the Hydrotal cuts more effectively into the ground, offering an extra level of control in soft terrain.
Die Stollen des Hydrotal sind stabiler als die des Shredda und sorgen für eine verbesserte Seitenabstützung. Diese Stabilität macht sich vor allem auf härteren Böden, Steinen oder Wurzeln bemerkbar, wo der Hydrotal auch noch eine solide Seitenführung und ein präzises Handling bietet.
The knobs of the Hydrotal are more robust than those of the Shredda, thus providing more lateral support. This stability is particularly noticeable on harder surfaces, rocks, and roots, where the Hydrotal still offers solid cornering traction and precise handling.
Another strength of the Hydrotal are its excellent self-cleaning qualities. The wide spacing between the knobs prevents mud buildup, ensuring the tire works effectively even in extremely muddy conditions. For muddy trails, the Hydrotal is the best choice, offering a great compromise between grip, stability, and versatility.
Which is the best mtb tire for riding in winter?
All the models we tested – the MAXXIS Shorty, Schwalbe Shredda, and Continental Hydrotal – offer a noticeable upgrade compared to standard all-round tires, especially in wet and muddy conditions. But how do they perform on dryer, harder terrain? On hardpack surfaces like rock slabs, dry ground, or sandy sections, all three face the same challenge: the long knobs create a spongy feel, reducing front-wheel control. However, rocks and roots remain firm even in winter, so the tires must still provide sufficient control in these conditions.
In this category, the MAXXIS Shorty stands out as the best all-rounder. The shorter knobs are less prone to buckling and still perform well on wet trails. While the reduced contact patch does slightly compromise grip, the Shorty is a solid choice for mixed conditions.
The other two models feel significantly spongier in firmer trail sections, where the longer knobs struggle with lateral support in these conditions but excel when the trails turn truly muddy. In corners, the longer knobs grip better, providing noticeably more hold, control, and safety.
Here, the Continental Hydrotal takes the lead: the narrower tread pattern cuts into the ground more effectively, while the sturdier knobs resist buckling. This ensures excellent control even in the muddiest conditions, making the Hydrotal the top choice for muddy trails.
Conclusions about the best mtb tire for riding in winter
The difference with MTB winter tires is remarkable: more grip, control, and fun on slippery trails – with minimal effort. The MAXXIS Shorty is a solid all-rounder, performing well even on dry ground. In muddy conditions, the Schwalbe Shredda and Continental Hydrotal take the lead, with the Hydrotal standing with superior grip and sturdier knobs. If you want to ride safely and enjoyably through the winter, investing in winter tires is totally worth it – guaranteed!
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker, Julian Schwede
