Built for Racers, Loved by Marathoners – Continental Race King 2.2

You’re lined up at the start, the trail ahead a mix of hard-packed dirt, loose gravel, and rooted switchbacks. You need a tyre that rolls fast, corners with confidence, and doesn’t flinch when the terrain gets rough. The Continental Race King 2.2 in 26" is exactly that tyre — a proven race weapon trusted by XC competitors and marathon riders worldwide.

With its low-profile, directional tread pattern and voluminous casing, the Race King delivers low rolling resistance on firm surfaces while its side knobs bite hard when you lean into corners. Add ShieldWall puncture protection and Tubeless Ready technology, and you have a tyre that performs at the front of the pack without leaving you stranded on the trail.

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 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 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 (e.g. RevoSealant) 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 — all without significant weight penalty.
Voluminous casing with excellent self-damping: The generous 2.2" volume absorbs trail chatter and smooths out rough terrain, reducing fatigue on long rides.
Low rolling resistance: The directional, low-profile tread pattern minimizes friction on hard-packed surfaces, keeping your speed high and your legs fresh.
Foldable bead: Lightweight and packable — ideal for racing and travel.
Black/Black Skin sidewall: Classic race aesthetic with a clean, stealthy look.

Specifications

Size: 26 x 2.20" (55-559 ETRTO)
ETRTO inner diameter: 559 mm
ETRTO width: 55 mm
Weight: 660 g
Pressure range: 3.0 – 4.0 bar
Type: Foldable / Tubeless Ready (TLR)
Puncture protection: Yes (ShieldWall)
Sidewall color: Black / Skin
Compound: PureGrip
Includes: 1 tyre
Manufacturer article number: 0150304
EAN: 4019238797541

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Continental Race King 2.2 truly tubeless compatible?

Yes. The Race 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 and longevity. The revolutionary Tubeless Ready bead makes mounting straightforward even for home mechanics.

What terrain is the Race King 2.2 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 directional 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 where a more aggressive tread is needed.

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. Heavier riders or rougher terrain may benefit from slightly higher pressures.

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 compare to 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 in demanding conditions.

Can I use this tyre with a standard inner tube?

Yes. Although the Race 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.

Is this tyre compatible with 26" wheels only?

Yes — this specific version is designed for 26" wheels (559 mm ETRTO inner diameter). Continental also produces the Race King in 27.5" (584 mm) and 29" (622 mm) sizes. Always verify the ETRTO size matches your rim before purchasing.

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 or rougher 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, grip, and trail compliance.

Continental Race King 2.2 MTB Tyre – 26x2.20", Tubeless Ready, ShieldWall, Black

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