Continental Trail King UST Tire 2.2 Review

Manufacturer – Continental Tires America, Fort Mill, SC
Model – Trail King 2.2 UST
Price -$55

Review-

Sometime last year the Continental Trail King, formerly known as the Rubber Queen not only had a change in name, but also in sex.  But while these changes might seem drastic, don’t be fooled – this is very much the same tire in pattern, thread and compound.

The Trail King comes in two sizes, 2.2 and 2.4 to suite most rider’s needs.  What most won’t expect with the new name though is the extra girth these tires carry, with the 2.4 version surpassing most 2.5″ tires in width and the 2.2 coming a tad wider than most 2.3″ tires on the market.  But before you argue added rotational mass and weight, these tires more than make up for their extra doughnut-like appearance in bump compliance, traction, and rolling speed.  I’m on my third set and will be running these tires on my future builds.  The normal and UST versions both mix Continental’s Black Chili Compound, which from observation creates a tacky tire that’s firm on the sidewall, but wears really well.  I have over 400 miles on my last set and they’re still good to go.

Bottom line-

If you’re looking for a do-it-all tire, the Continental Trail King is hard to beat.  From shale, to hard pack, to boulders, these tires can grip with the best of them.  Let’s also not overlook the fact that these are German made, and we know that German’s don’t mess sh!t up.  Breaks loose as much as you want, and recovers better than you expect.  The Trail King is as predictable as they come.  Share the wealth of berm ripping fun, and feel like a king anytime you’re out on a ride.

Stan’s Tire Sealant Review

Manufacturer – NoTubes, Big Flats, NY
Model – Tire Sealant
Price -$25

Review –

A workshop staple for many riders, Stan’s Tire Sealant has saved many from losing precious seconds in racing, hiking their bikes down the hill or making their riding buddies wait as they change a flat.  Stan’s solution has been around for years and has seen use in many venues from National’s to grass root races.  Pros and weekend warriors alike have used Stan’s sealing effectiveness in preventing flats due to thorns, goat heads even nails  and glass.

Bottomline –

Pulling out 16 goatheads from my tire after riding through a patch solidifies the effectiveness of Stan’s.  The solution – plain and simple works, and I use it even on ust tubeless set-ups for the added confidence and time-saving for when I will not need to put a tube in my tire should I flat.  After using similar products I find myself going back to Stan’s as my go-to tire sealant.  Pour two scoops worth and ride away, its even helped keep pressure and re-seat my tires after a pinch flat situation.