CONTINENTAL KRYPTOTAL RE
Tester: Bam da Silva
Casing: Enduro
Compound: Soft
Weight: 1159g (29”)
Size: 29 x 2.4” (27.5” also available) Width on DT Swiss 30mm rim: 58mm PSI for testing: 21psi
RRP: $144.99
TMOsports.com.au
The Continental Kryptotal RE is a natural partner to the FR version with similar characteristics that really allow them to work as a unit under you. The Kryptotal Rear shares the same Enduro casing and soft compound. This tyre has felt more than adequate for everything I’ve thrown at it, however more aggressive or heavier riders would potentially want to look at the downhill casing as an alternative.
Having not tested the other compounds, I can’t speak for how well they’d perform, however the soft compound, in my opinion would be suitable for the vast majority of all use cases.
Durability seems to be quite high, which is always a plus when you’re paying premium prices. Looking at the tread, the tyre follows a conventional 2-2 blocky pattern but due to their size and hard edges on the back-side of the knob, there is no doubt this tyre is designed to grab dirt and grip tight. The rear tyre shares the same side knobs as the front, maintaining the angled position and beefy appearance.
Mounting the Continental tyres was the hardest of the three sets I tested – mainly due to the aramid bead that really stiffens the edge of the tyre. I didn’t need any more than a single tyre lever, but this is a consideration if you are using a high-volume tyre insert such as CushCore. Inflation was easy, just as like all the other sets, only needing a floor pump.
I have been very impressed with the Kryptotals combination. The rolling speed is ample. They roll faster and with less effort than you’d expect considering how much raw grip they boast on steep terrain. The rear performs just like the front – predictable, while making it easy to push to and sustain you at your limit. You feel like you know exactly what the tyre is doing and how it will respond to your input and to the trail changes.
Under heavy braking, there is a real on-off feel from the lugs when applying heavy brake forces but under controlled modulation they will respond just as well, which really helps in conditions where control is more important than outright power. That could be loose over hardpacked earth, steep and technical trails, or even just feathering speed on high speed flow trails.
A rider looking for a confidence inspiring rear tyre should really consider the Kryptotal Re as a great option – the price will certainly be an obstacle for some, but the tyre will reward you with some of the best characteristics you could ask for.