The All-Round King of the Trail – Continental Cross King 2.6

Some tyres are built for one thing. The Continental Cross King 2.6 is built for everything. Whether you’re lining up at a cross-country race, grinding through a 5-hour marathon, or exploring technical singletrack on a Sunday morning, the Cross King adapts. Its versatile tread pattern delivers secure cornering grip, low rolling resistance on hardpack, and enough volume to smooth out the rough stuff — all in a tyre that’s handmade in Germany to Continental’s exacting standards.

The 2.6" width in the B+ format takes this versatility even further. The larger diameter rolls over obstacles more easily, shows more traction, and conforms to the trail rather than bouncing off it. Combined with ShieldWall puncture protection and Tubeless Ready technology, the Cross King 2.6 is the tyre that does it all — race day or trail day.

Key Features

Versatile competition and touring tyre: A first-class all-rounder that performs equally well in races and on long-distance tours. Secure cornering, low rolling resistance, and a tread pattern that adapts to any surface.
B+ Format: B+-tyres offer a particularly comfortable ride. The larger diameter rolls more easily over obstacles, shows more traction, and conforms to the trail rather than bouncing over it. The casing weight remains relatively low. Thanks to the specially optimised carcass, B+-tyres can be ridden at lower pressures than usual, delivering an exceptional grip experience.
PureGrip Compound: Developed from activated silica, PureGrip delivers outstanding grip and long-lasting durability. Continental integrates continuous customer feedback into its R&D — PureGrip sits alongside BlackChilli Compound as one of Continental’s top-tier rubber technologies, used across their road and mountain bike performance range.
Tubeless Ready (TLR): The user-friendly TL system is specifically designed for the demands of cross-country racing. Easy to mount and reliable in use. The specially developed Tubeless bead seals tightly against the rim for a stable, airtight fit. Continental recommends using RevoSealant for optimal results.
ShieldWall System: An additional circumferential puncture protection layer made from a finely woven cross-fabric sits beneath the tread. Exceptional resistance to punctures and cuts, with excellent damping and flexibility — without significant weight penalty.
Handmade in Germany: Manufactured at Continental’s German facility to the highest quality standards.
Foldable bead: Lightweight and packable — ideal for racing and travel.

Specifications

Size: 29 x 2.60" (65-622 ETRTO)
ETRTO inner diameter: 622 mm
ETRTO width: 65 mm
Weight: 1,020 g
Pressure range: 2.0 – 3.0 bar
Type: Foldable / Tubeless Ready (TLR)
Puncture protection: Yes (ShieldWall)
Sidewall color: Black / Black Skin
Compound: PureGrip
Format: B+
Origin: Handmade in Germany
Includes: 1 tyre
Manufacturer article number: 0150502
EAN: 4019238037258

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the B+ format and why does it matter?

B+ is a tyre format that uses a larger-than-standard diameter (typically 2.4–2.8") on a standard 29" (622mm) rim. The increased volume means the tyre rolls more easily over obstacles, generates more traction by conforming to the trail surface, and can be run at lower pressures than a standard tyre — all without the weight penalty of a full plus-size setup. The Cross King 2.6 B+ delivers a noticeably more comfortable, grippy ride compared to narrower 29" tyres, while remaining fast and efficient on hardpack.

What terrain is the Cross King 2.6 best suited for?

The Cross King is designed as a versatile all-rounder for cross-country racing, marathon riding, and trail riding. It excels on hard-packed and mixed terrain — forest trails, gravel paths, rooted singletrack, and XC race courses. The 2.6" width adds capability on looser, rougher terrain compared to narrower XC tyres. It is not designed for deep mud or very aggressive enduro terrain, where a more aggressive tread pattern would be needed.

Is the Cross King 2.6 truly tubeless compatible?

Yes. The Cross King TLR (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. The revolutionary Tubeless Ready bead makes mounting straightforward even for home mechanics.

What is the recommended tyre pressure for the Cross King 2.6?

The recommended pressure range is 2.0 – 3.0 bar (29–43 psi). The B+ format and larger volume allow you to run lower pressures than a standard 29" tyre, which improves traction and comfort. For tubeless setups, many riders run 1.8–2.2 bar. Always adjust based on your body weight, terrain, and riding style.

What is the ShieldWall System?

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 does “handmade in Germany” mean for tyre quality?

Continental manufactures the Cross King at their German production facility, where strict quality control standards are applied throughout the manufacturing process. Handmade construction allows for tighter tolerances in the carcass and bead, resulting in more consistent roundness, better balance, and longer service life compared to mass-produced tyres. It’s a mark of premium quality that Continental is proud to maintain.

Can I use this tyre with a standard inner tube?

Yes. Although the Cross King TLR 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.

How does the Cross King 2.6 compare to the Race King?

The Race King is Continental’s pure XC race tyre — optimized for maximum speed on hard-packed terrain with a very low-profile tread. The Cross King is the more versatile sibling, with a more aggressive tread pattern that handles a wider range of conditions including looser terrain and technical trails. The 2.6" B+ width of the Cross King adds further comfort and traction. Choose the Race King for pure speed on hardpack; choose the Cross King for all-round trail performance.

Continental Cross King 2.6 MTB Tyre – 29x2.60", Tubeless Ready, ShieldWall, B+, Black