Choosing the right mountain bike tires can feel like decoding a secret language. Between tread patterns, compound names, and the endless stream of “latest” models, many riders assume only the freshest product will do.
But here’s the truth: you don’t always need the newest to get the best. In fact, some of the most respected MTB tires on the market have been around for years, simply because they work, and work brilliantly.
If you’re looking for tires that offer proven performance, attractive pricing, and rugged reliability for your daily ride or your trusty second bike, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into why these four legendary Schwalbe models, Magic Mary, Big Betty, Hans Dampf, and Nobby Nic, still earn a spot on your wheels in 2025.
Why Might You Actually Want This?
Not every MTB tire needs to be cutting-edge to be a smart choice. When you look at what really matters on the trail, grip, durability, and control, several long-standing tire models continue to outperform expectations.
Here’s why sticking with these proven tires might be your best move in 2025:
1. Proven Advantage
These tires aren’t just “old favorites.” They’ve earned their reputation by consistently performing across a wide range of conditions and riding styles.
Trusted by weekend warriors and elite riders alike, their design has been battle-tested on everything from muddy downhill runs to dusty bike park laps. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
2. Price Advantage
One of the biggest perks of opting for established tire models is value. As newer generations hit the market, these tried-and-true options often come at a better price, without sacrificing reliability. You’re getting a premium compound, smart casing technology, and terrain-specific tread design at a lower cost. That’s performance without the premium price tag.
3. Perfect for Second Bikes or Daily Beaters
Got a spare bike for commuting, casual trail sessions, or loaning to friends? These tires are ideal. They’re tough enough for regular abuse, easy to replace, and reliable when you don’t want to overthink tire choice.
Instead of spending big on your secondary setup, you can equip it with tires that punch well above their price, and still hold their own when things get technical.
If you want performance that’s already proven, savings that make sense, and durability that can handle your daily ride, these are the tires you don’t want to overlook in 2025.
Why These MTB Tires Are Still Worth Riding in 2025?
1. Magic Mary: The Legendary Downhill and Enduro Tire
Specifications:
- Aggressive tread with strong shoulder studs for maximum braking traction and cornering grip, even in deep mud
- Special V-grooves to help each stud lock into the terrain
- Angled central studs to optimize rolling characteristics
- Ethically sourced fair trade rubber
- Sizes: 27.5” and 29” in 2.40 and 2.60 widths
- Super Gravity construction, robust yet lighter than a pure DH casing
- Addix Ultra Soft compound for incredible damping, also performing well in cold conditions
- Extremely versatile as a front tire for downhill/enduro, or rear for soft terrain
Best For: Downhill / Enduro
Terrain: Mixed to soft terrain, including very muddy trails
Why it’s still great:
Magic Mary continues to top “best of” lists thanks to its unstoppable traction and cornering bite. Bikeradar highlights its consistent braking grip and reliable feel on everything from bike park jumps to muddy alpine descents.
Flow Mountain Bike describes the Magic Mary as “legendary” for its predictability under hard braking, while The Loam Wolf praises how the aggressive pattern helps riders push harder without second-guessing grip.
Riders also appreciate its fair trade rubber production and versatility, making it an enduring favorite in 2025.
2. Big Betty: The Rear Wheel Powerhouse
Specifications:
- Supported tread blocks for massive braking traction and solid lateral support
- Ramp-shaped center blocks for easy rolling and long wear life
- Fair trade rubber
- 27.5”x2.4 Super Trail (Addix Soft) and 29”x2.4 Super Gravity (Addix Soft) options
Best For: Downhill / Enduro
Terrain: Mixed and soft terrain
Why it’s still great:
Big Betty was revived as the perfect complement to Magic Mary, and it continues to hold its place in 2025. According to Flow Mountain Bike, the Big Betty offers “confidence-inspiring braking and stability” that shines on fast, technical trails.
The Loam Wolf reviewers say it handles big hits and rough lines with poise while still rolling efficiently on transfer climbs. Bikeradar also highlights its consistent rear-end traction, making it a trustworthy rear partner for any gravity-oriented setup.
3. Hans Dampf: The All-Rounder for Any Trail
Specifications:
- Balanced mix of grip, durability, and puncture resistance
- Predictable traction across a variety of trail surfaces
- Often used on the rear with a Magic Mary up front, especially for e-MTB
- Broad range of sizes, casings, and compounds
Best For: Enduro / Trail
Terrain: Mixed and hardpack
Why it’s still great:
Hans Dampf is the definition of a dependable all-rounder. The Loam Wolf describes it as “surprisingly tough and consistent” with great corner support and a predictable, easy-to-control feel. Singletracks also highlighted how it withstood weeks of hard testing without letting them down, calling it “shockingly durable.”
Flow Mountain Bike points out its versatility for riders who switch between technical terrain and smoother trails, while Bikeradar lists it among the best all-round trail tires thanks to its balanced performance.
4. Nobby Nic: The XC and Trail Favorite
Specifications:
- All-conditions performance
- Excellent mix of grip, rolling speed, and durability for long distances
- Ideal for trail, all-mountain, and XC bikes
- Made with fair trade rubber
- Available in a wide range of casings and sizes
Best For: Trail / All Mountain / XC
Terrain: Mixed and hardpack
Why it’s still great:
Nobby Nic is famous for being a do-it-all trail tire. Flow Mountain Bike calls it “the all-purpose weapon” with well-balanced handling that inspires confidence in variable conditions.
Bikeradar includes it among the best mountain bike tires for its solid grip, reasonable rolling resistance, and dependable longevity, making it a favorite for multi-day adventures and daily trail missions alike.
Riders value its easygoing character, fast when you need it, grippy when it counts, and durable enough to handle thousands of trail kilometers.
Perfect Combinations: Proven Pairings That Still Work in 2025
[creative 5 ALT] MTB Tires perfect pair
Choosing the right front-rear tire combo can do more for your ride than just chasing the newest models. A well-matched set can completely transform the way your bike feels, giving you confidence, consistency, and control tailored to the trails you love.
Here are some classic pairings that riders all over the world still trust, and for good reason:
| Front Tire | Rear Tire | Purpose | Ideal Use |
| Magic Mary | Magic Mary | Maximum Grip & Control | Wet, muddy, rooty, or very technical terrain; enduro and downhill, where grip and braking are critical |
| Magic Mary | Big Betty | Aggressive Enduro/Downhill | Steep, technical trails, enduro racing, bike parks, and wet/muddy conditions |
| Magic Mary | Hans Dampf | Aggressive Trail / All-Mountain | Technical trails where confident front-end traction meets a faster-rolling rear |
| Hans Dampf | Nobby Nic | Trail / All-Mountain | Mixed terrain, light enduro, and long trail rides with a balance of grip and speed |
| Nobby Nic | Nobby Nic | XC / Light Trail All-Rounder | Dry trails, marathon/XC rides, everyday trail use with lower rolling resistance |
These combinations prove that even in 2025, older tire models (if you match them wisely) can easily outperform many so-called “new” setups.
It’s all about knowing what works for your style, your bike, and your terrain. When you get that dialed in, you’ll see how much confidence and fun a proven tire pairing can bring to every ride.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect set of MTB tires doesn’t always mean chasing the absolute newest model or the latest compound. At the end of the day, the right tires are the ones that suit your riding style, your trails, and your bike, no matter when they were released.
Tires like the Magic Mary, Big Betty, Hans Dampf, and Nobby Nic have proven themselves for years, offering trustworthy performance and unbeatable versatility that still hold up strong in 2025.
If you’ve been thinking of giving your bike a refresh, now is a great time to pick up these proven models at the best price before they’re gone.
And if you ever want to explore the very latest tire technology, check out our guide to Schwalbe’s new radial carcass construction, the next evolution for riders chasing cutting-edge performance.
While you’re upgrading, don’t forget to check the essentials that keep your bike dialed in: Schwalbe rim tape for a reliable tubeless seal, Schwalbe sealant to ward off punctures, an Elite bottle cage and Elite Fly MTB bottle for easy hydration, and Topeak tools to keep everything rolling smoothly.
After all, the right gear (old or new) is what makes every ride that much better!
