Continental Race King 2.2 MTB Tyre – 27.5x2.20", Tubeless Ready, ShieldWall

Dominate Every Trail – Continental Race King 2.2 MTB Tyre

Picture yourself at the start line of a cross-country race, the trail ahead winding through packed dirt, loose gravel, and rooted forest paths. You need a tyre that rolls fast on the straights, bites hard in the corners, and shrugs off punctures without adding dead weight. That tyre is the Continental Race King 2.2.

Trusted by XC racers and marathon riders worldwide, the Race King is Continental's benchmark for speed and versatility. With its low-profile tread pattern and advanced compound technology, it adapts to almost any terrain while keeping rolling resistance impressively low.

Key Features

• PureGrip Compound: Developed from activated silica, PureGrip delivers outstanding grip and long-lasting durability. Continental integrates continuous customer feedback into its R&D — PureGrip is the result. It sits alongside BlackChilli Compound as one of Continental's top-tier rubber technologies, used across their road and mountain bike performance range.
• Tubeless Ready (TR): The user-friendly TL system is specifically designed for the demands of road and cross-country racing. Easy to set up and reliable in use. The specially developed Tubeless bead seals tightly against the rim for a stable, airtight fit. Continental recommends using a compatible TL sealant for best results.
• ShieldWall System: An additional, circumferential puncture protection layer made from a finely woven cross-fabric sits beneath the tread. This gives the tyre exceptional resistance to punctures and cuts, while the soft outer coating maintains excellent damping and flexibility to conform to any surface — all without significant weight penalty.
• Foldable bead (Faltreifen): Lightweight and packable — ideal for racing and travel.
• Black sidewall: Clean, classic race aesthetic.

Specifications

• Size: 27.5 x 2.20" (55-584 ETRTO)
• Weight: 700 g
• Pressure range: 3.0 – 4.0 bar
• Type: Foldable / Tubeless Ready
• Puncture protection: Yes (ShieldWall)
• Sidewall color: Black
• Material: PureGrip Compound + ShieldWall layer
• Includes: 1 tyre
• Manufacturer article number: 0150292
• EAN: 4019238797565

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Continental Race King 2.2 truly tubeless compatible?

Yes. The Race King TR (Tubeless Ready) version features a specially engineered bead that seals tightly against tubeless-compatible rims. You will need tubeless rim tape, a tubeless valve, and a sealant — Continental recommends their own RevoSealant for optimal sealing performance and longevity.

What kind of terrain is the Race King best suited for?

The Race King excels on hard-packed and mixed terrain — cross-country race tracks, marathon routes, forest trails, and gravel paths. Its low-profile tread keeps rolling resistance minimal on firm surfaces, while the side knobs provide enough grip for moderate cornering. It is not designed for deep mud or very loose, rocky terrain.

What is the recommended tyre pressure for the Race King 2.2?

The recommended pressure range is 3.0 – 4.0 bar (43–58 psi). For tubeless setups, many riders run the lower end of this range (around 3.0–3.2 bar) to improve traction and comfort. Always adjust based on your body weight, terrain, and riding style.

What is the ShieldWall System and how does it protect against punctures?

ShieldWall is Continental's integrated puncture protection technology. A finely woven cross-fabric layer runs around the full circumference of the tyre beneath the tread. It significantly increases resistance to sharp objects like thorns, glass, and trail debris — without adding excessive weight or compromising the tyre's natural flex and damping characteristics.

What is PureGrip Compound and how does it differ from BlackChilli?

PureGrip is Continental's activated silica-based rubber compound, developed through ongoing rider feedback and R&D. It offers an excellent balance of grip and durability, making it ideal for long-distance racing and training. BlackChilli is Continental's softer, higher-grip compound used in more aggressive or wet-condition tyres. PureGrip prioritizes longevity and all-round performance, while BlackChilli prioritizes maximum traction.

Can I use this tyre with a standard inner tube?

Yes. Although the Race King TR is optimized for tubeless use, it is fully compatible with standard inner tubes. Simply install a tube as you would with any clincher tyre. Note that you will not benefit from the puncture-sealing properties of tubeless sealant in this configuration.

Is this tyre suitable for hardtails and full-suspension bikes?

Absolutely. The Race King 2.2 is designed for both hardtails and race full-suspension bikes. Its voluminous casing provides natural damping that complements both frame types, and the low tread profile keeps the ride fast and efficient regardless of your setup.

How does the Race King 2.2 compare to the 2.0 version?

The 2.2 version is slightly wider than the 2.0, offering a larger contact patch for improved traction and comfort, particularly on looser surfaces. The 2.0 is marginally lighter and faster on very hard-packed terrain. For most XC and marathon riders, the 2.2 strikes the better balance between speed and grip.