Continental presents new enduro racing tire, “Der Baron 2.4 Projekt,” at Eurobike

At this week’s Eurobike conference, a high point of the cycling world’s industry calendar, Continental is revealing the long-awaited production model of its enduro racing tire, “Der Baron 2.4 Projekt.” Developed in collaboration with top trail riders and enduro-riding athletes, it’s a model that’s been in the production phase for the last two years. This week, the fruits of many expert’s labours will finally be released.

The product is a strong, versatile and universal enduro tire. Grippy and agile, it’s protected from the impact of rough terrain by a highly-durable and puncture resistant design. Over the two years that the tire has been in development, Continental’s engineers paid close attention to optimizing that grip, incorporating a deep-tread profile to meet the requirements of both enduro and freeride tracks. Importantly, the design required that a reliable grip be maintained, but also that the low rolling resistance not be compromised, either — even on loose, muddy ground.

Those needs are met by the tire’s 2.4″ carcass, combining optimal rolling characteristics and inherent damping without the addition of further weight. Additional protective layers completely wrap the structure, enhancing its puncture-resistant strength.

The tires, of course, come rigorously tested under some of the toughest conditions there are — both in competition and in the trial phase. Dan Atherton and Martin Maes from GT Atherton Racing Team have both used the Baron 2.4 in the Enduro World Cup Series. Other users, putting the design to the test, include the full rosters of both the BMC Factory Trailcrew and the Radon Flow Team, with the Focus Trail Team having rounded out a podium win at the 2015 German Enduro Championships with Continental rubber on their wheels, too.

Dirt-jumpers Martin Soderstrom, Andrew Lacondeguy and Sam Pilgrim have also tested the design in extreme, punishing fashion, with their expertise contributing to the design process. Richie Schley and Danny MacAskill, legends in the freeride and trials scenes, round out the list of names who have successfully put the Baron 2.4 Projekt through the dirt-riding ringer.