Choosing a mountain-bike tyre can begin with a string of names that makes the important differences hard to see. For 2026, Schwalbe plans to reduce its MTB range by 30 percent and give it a simpler structure. The former Active, Performance and Evolution lines become two product levels: Schwalbe for everyday use and Schwalbe Pro for more performance-focused riding. The change does not remove the need to match a tyre to its surface, riding style and bicycle.
Casings are being reorganised too, from five constructions to three: Gravity, Trail and Race. Those labels point to different priorities. Gravity targets steep, technical descending; Trail balances protection and weight; Race emphasises low mass and rolling efficiency. A tread pattern alone therefore cannot tell the whole story. The casing affects how a tyre handles impacts and how it feels on the trail, even when the visible tread looks familiar.
The rubber-compound names are changing as well. The ADDIX label is being dropped, while the former Speedgrip becomes Mid. Speed and Soft remain in the range, alongside a new Ultra Soft compound for demanding downhill use. Buyers should avoid assuming that an old name maps directly onto a new packet. Intended terrain, casing, size and compound still need to be checked together. A shorter catalogue makes the options easier to navigate, but the rider’s actual trails and habits remain the deciding factors.