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Interview with Continental’s Der Baron Projekt 2.6 tyre developer Alex Hänke
The new Der Baron is wider than ever offering more grip and better performance. Read our interview with the developer below.
Q: This year Continental is entering into the plus tyre sector. What drove you all to do this, especially so late, when compared to the competition?
A: Getting into the B+ sector has allowed us to expand our MTB tyre offering up to the 2.6” width. We are following the wide tyre trend and it took us so long because we wanted to make sure our production processes were perfect. We only want to produce and release tyres that meet our high standards and the development process had to be optimized for this.
The new Der Baron Projekt 2.6.
Q: What is different about Der Baron Projekt 2.6? Does it have a new tread or was the old tread just ‘pulled apart’?
A: Der Baron Projekt 2.6 is a new tyre and technically has no previous iterations. However, to get Der Baron Projekt up to a 2.6” width, we let Der Baron Projekt 2.4 pattern inspire us. Some things were reused and other are completely new. We developed Der Baron Projekt 2.6 for classic Freeride riding, which requires optimal grip, agility and low rolling resistance. The art of developing treads is combining contradicting characteristics in the design. For cornering grip, Der Baron Projekt 2.6 has massive, alternating side lugs. This makes for a smooth transfer from riding straight to cornering. The mid-tread features fanned-out lug pairs for increased braking and accelerating traction. The overall open tread design helps with self-cleaning so that muddy trails can still be ridden. Der Baron Projekt 2.6 also has distinct mid lugs to keep the rolling resistance down while riding to the trail.
Q: What is special about the Black Chili Compound in Der Baron Projekt 2.6? Are there various compound consistencies (e.g. softer side lugs for increased grip)? If not, are the lug forms designed to compensate for this?
A: Der Baron Projekt 2.6 overall uses a mono-compound for the entire tread. We have found the optimal way to keep rolling resistance low, have perfect grip and high durability all in one compound. The BlackChili compound and the sophisticated tread design keep us from having to use a dual or triple compound, which are often used by our competitors. Der Baron Projekt 2.6 uses a soft compound to offer enormous amounts of grip. The compound and the tread design need to be worked out together. When we know what the compound can do, we can adjust the tread for the tyres optimal application.
Der Baron Projekt 2.6 uses a soft compound to offer enormous amounts of grip.
Q: What is APEX and what is it good for? How exactly does the ProTection Technology work?
A: the APEX construction is a technology that was originally used in passenger vehicles. An additional rubber layer is added between the carcass layers to increase the sidewall stiffness. This also allows the tyre to run lower air pressures. The APEX layer reduces the risk of snake bikes and burping. Der Baron Projekt 2.6 also has ProTection Technology. This layer on the outer side of the carcass protects against punctures and cuts.
Alex took us through the production process.
Q: What kind of terrain is Der Baron good for?
A: We developed Der Baron for Freeride and Enduro use, but it is also a great all-round tyre. For example, it can be used on hard-packed steep alpine trails all the way to wet, root covered forest singletrack. It is also a great tyre for E-MTBs as well. The combination of the BlackChili compound, ProTection Apex, and tubeless ready, all at a low weight make it a great everyday tyre.
We developed Der Baron for Freeride and Enduro use, but it is also a great all-round tyre.
Q: What rim width is recommended for Der Baron 2.6?
A: 29C-35C
Q: What air pressure is recommended for which terrain?
A: Because B+ tyres, or in this case 2.6”, can be ridden with lower pressures, we also recommended running lower than normal pressures. With the ProTection Apex construction we recommended around 2.0 bar. The low pressure is very important for maximum grip. The contact area is increased when pressures are lowered and this can help in steep or loose ground conditions. The lugs are also put to better use and the tread forms itself to the ground instead of rolling directly over.
A finished tyre.
Q: How high is the TPI and what are the benefits of a high TPI?
A: TPI stands for threads per inch. Our carcasses are made of nylon threads. The lower the treads per inch the heavier and more robust the weave. The higher the threads per inch the more flexible the carcass is. Der Baron 2.6 Project ProTection Apex has a 3/180 TPI carcass with an additional ProTection layer. This means we reach 4 layer weave in the most important parts of the tyre.
This means we reach 4 layer weave in the most important parts of the tyre.
Q: Der Baron is also approved for E-MTBs up to 25 km/h. What are the advantages of Plus tyres on an E-MTB? Are the same as normal MTBs or are there others?
A: The main advantages of plus tyres is the enormous traction and grip when compared to traditional mountain bike tyres. This allows riders to test their limits even more. Many riders also enjoy the increased security that plus tyre provide. Another plus is the comfort that higher volume tyres offer by absorbing more hits and chatter. This is especially useful for E-MTBs who will notice hits more because of the electric assist. Still Der Baron Projekt 2.6 keeps battery use down to keep people enjoying the trail longer.
Alex, thank you so much for your time.
