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Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial front tyre showing the tread on an Amflow eMTB

Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial review

The Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial Gravity Pro Ultra Soft was fitted to the front of our Amflow test bike, which impressed us with its grip and confident changes of direction. For riders who put confidence on technical trails ahead of minimum weight or rolling drag, it is a compelling starting point.

This review covers the photographed 29 x 2.5in version, combining our Amflow riding impressions with Schwalbe’s construction information. The radial casing is the interesting part beneath the familiar tread, but compound, casing and pressure all matter. Here is how it fits into an eMTB setup, and how the exact version compares with alternatives from Maxxis and Continental.

ELECTRIC MTB UK
MTB & eMTB tyres
Reviewed by Electric MTB UK

Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Pro Radial Ultra Soft – 29 x 2.5

A grip-focused front tyre that contributed to the confident feel of our Amflow test bike, with a substantial Gravity Pro casing and ADDIX Ultra Soft rubber.

Lowest price when checked
£68.99
RRP £83.99
Save £15.00 on item price
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At Tredz

Magic Mary Radial Gravity Pro Evo, ADDIX Ultra Soft, folding TLR E-50, black, 29 x 2.50 (63-622)

+ Pros

  • Confident front-end grip on our Amflow test bike
  • Radial casing designed to conform locally to the trail
  • Gravity Pro construction suits demanding riding

− Cons

  • Substantial listed weight of 1,340g
  • Grip-focused setup rather than a fast-rolling priority
  • Not tested back-to-back against another tyre on the same bike

Compare prices

Item prices shown. Delivery charges may apply.

Magic Mary Radial Gravity Pro Evo, ADDIX Ultra Soft, folding TLR E-50, black, 29 x 2.50 (63-622)

LOWEST PRICE WHEN CHECKED
Tredz
In stock when checked
£68.99
View deal

Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 22:08 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.

Our verdict

A convincing front-tyre option for riders who value grip and control on technical trails. Our riding impressions come from the complete Amflow test bike: the Magic Mary was part of a confident front end, but we have not isolated its contribution with a tyre swap. The exact version matters. This card covers the 29 x 2.5 Gravity Pro Radial with ADDIX Ultra Soft rubber, not the Soft compound. Its listed 1,340g weight and traction-led construction make it a considered choice for demanding riding rather than an automatic upgrade for every eMTB. Pressure setup remains important.

Key specifications
Size
29 x 2.50
ETRTO
63-622
Casing
Gravity Pro Radial
Compound
ADDIX Ultra Soft
Construction
Folding, tubeless ready
e-bike marking
E-50
Listed weight
1,340g for this retailer-listed version
Test context
Front of Amflow complete test bike

Construction: what the radial casing changes

A tyre’s casing is the fabric structure beneath the rubber. Schwalbe changes the angle of its threads so the casing can deform more locally around obstacles. The aim is to let the tyre wrap around uneven ground without disturbing as much of the surrounding structure.

Schwalbe claims around 30% more contact area at equal pressure. That is its own design comparison, not a promise of 30% more grip. Surface, load, rubber and pressure still influence traction. This construction is also different from a fully radial automotive tyre.

Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Pro Ultra Soft Radial sidewall on an Amflow eMTB
The sidewall identifies the Gravity Pro Ultra Soft Radial version. Photo: Myles Warwood.

Our tyre’s sidewall identifies Gravity Pro, Radial and Ultra Soft. Those details are essential when shopping: a Magic Mary with a different compound or casing is not the same product. The linked UK retailer lists this 29 x 2.5in version at 1,340g. That is a quoted specification, not a weight measured on our scales, and should not be applied to every Magic Mary.

On the trail: our Amflow riding impressions

In our Amflow PX Carbon Pro review, the bike gripped well and changed direction confidently. The Fox 36 fork also stood out for its support through corners. The Magic Mary formed part of that reassuring front end, and the overall impression gives us good reason to consider it for a grip-focused build.

This was a complete-bike test. We have not swapped tyres on the same bike to isolate the radial casing or Ultra Soft compound, so we cannot claim a measured improvement over a conventional Magic Mary, Assegai or Kryptotal. Likewise, this test does not establish a long-term wear rate, puncture advantage or battery-range penalty. The useful finding is the confidence of the Amflow package with this tyre fitted.

Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity tyre

Pressure and tubeless setup

Schwalbe recommends starting with the pressure used in a comparable conventional casing, then adjusting to suit conditions. Radial construction is not an instruction to automatically remove several psi. Your starting point still needs to suit rider weight, rim width, speed, terrain and which wheel carries the tyre.

Use a gauge and make small changes on a familiar section of trail. Look for support under braking and cornering as well as comfort over rough ground. If the tyre feels unstable or you strike the rim, address the setup before pushing harder. Follow the limits on your actual tyre and rim; specifications and versions can change.

For a tubeless setup, check tyre and rim compatibility, bead seating and sealant condition. Our eMTB tubeless sealant guide covers formulas and maintenance. Sealant cannot correct an unsuitable pressure or damaged bead.

Where it makes sense on an eMTB

The front wheel is where we would prioritise this version. Steering confidence matters on technical descents, and that is a clearer reason to choose it than simply wanting the newest casing. Riders who mostly use smooth tracks or long road links should give rolling efficiency and weight more consideration.

Fox 36 fork and Schwalbe Magic Mary front tyre

Schwalbe acknowledges that the increased contact area can add rolling resistance. A motor helps with climbing effort, but extra drag still requires energy. We have not measured the size of that effect on our bike, so there is no defensible percentage range penalty to quote. A front-only change also lets you retain a rear tyre chosen for the rest of your riding.

Value for money and alternatives

The exact Magic Mary Gravity Pro Radial Ultra Soft 29 x 2.5in was £68.99 at Tredz when checked on 28 October 2026, against a listed £83.99 RRP. The alternatives below were also listed in stock in the specified sizes. These are tyre-only prices; delivery is excluded from the comparison and prices can change.

Compare the whole specification before chasing a discount. A lighter casing or a different compound can explain a lower price, and a tyre carrying the same tread name may have a different purpose. The two competitors below are researched alternatives, rather than tyres tested head-to-head for this review.

Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DoubleDown

The 29 x 2.5 WT Assegai in 3C MaxxGrip and DoubleDown was £59.95, £9.04 less than the reviewed Magic Mary. It is the closer alternative in intent: a grip-focused front tyre with a reinforced casing. Maxxis lists DoubleDown with two 120 TPI layers, while the WT profile requires an appropriate rim width. Choose it for that specification and price, rather than assuming it is interchangeable with the cheaper MaxxTerra EXO+ version.

ELECTRIC MTB UKSelected for UK riding
MTB & eMTB tyres
Researched pick · Not reviewed by us

Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DoubleDown – 29 x 2.5 WT

A front-tyre alternative for demanding trails, combining Maxxis’s grip-focused compound with a reinforced DoubleDown casing. Researched comparison, not a back-to-back test.

Lowest price when checked
£59.95
RRP £79.99
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At Tredz

Assegai 29 x 2.50 WT, 3C MaxxGrip, DoubleDown, 120 TPI, folding TR, black

+ Pros

  • 3C MaxxGrip compound targets demanding traction
  • DoubleDown uses two 120 TPI casing layers and a butyl insert
  • Relevant front-tyre alternative for enduro and eMTB riding

− Cons

  • Grip-focused construction is not aimed at minimum drag
  • WT profile needs appropriate rim width
  • Not ridden back-to-back with the Magic Mary in this review

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Item prices shown. Delivery charges may apply.

Assegai 29 x 2.50 WT, 3C MaxxGrip, DoubleDown, 120 TPI, folding TR, black

LOWEST PRICE WHEN CHECKED
Tredz
In stock when checked
£59.95
View deal

Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 22:08 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.

Why it makes the shortlist

The Assegai is the closest of these alternatives in intent: a front tyre for riders who put traction ahead of easy rolling. This exact version combines 3C MaxxGrip rubber with DoubleDown construction, so a cheaper EXO+ MaxxTerra listing is not a like-for-like price comparison. Maxxis recommends the Assegai for front use, and the WT profile is intended for suitably wide rims. At the checked price it costs less than the reviewed Magic Mary, making it worth comparing before buying. That is a specification and price comparison; we have not established a grip, damping or durability winner in a controlled test.

Key specifications
Size
29 x 2.50 WT
Compound
3C MaxxGrip
Casing
DoubleDown, two 120 TPI layers
Protection
Butyl insert
Construction
Folding, tubeless ready (TR)
Rim guidance
WT; retailer specifies 30–35mm internal
Suggested position
Front
Evidence
Researched comparison

Continental Kryptotal Fr Enduro Soft

The 29 x 2.4 Kryptotal Fr Enduro Soft was £66.99, just £2 less than the Magic Mary. Its front-specific mixed-terrain tread and Enduro casing make it relevant to technical trail riding, while Continental’s Soft compound offers a different grip-and-rolling balance from its SuperSoft option. It is worth considering for varied trail days, but its narrower nominal size and different rubber mean this is not an identical specification. We have not measured an efficiency advantage over the Schwalbe.

ELECTRIC MTB UKSelected for UK riding
MTB & eMTB tyres
Researched pick · Not reviewed by us

Continental Kryptotal Fr Enduro Soft – 29 x 2.4

A front-specific mixed-terrain alternative with an Enduro casing and Soft compound, for riders comparing grip with rolling efficiency. Researched recommendation.

Lowest price when checked
£66.99
RRP £78.99
Save £12.00 on item price
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At Tredz

Kryptotal Fr, Enduro casing, Soft compound, folding tubeless ready, black/black, 29 x 2.4

+ Pros

  • Front-specific tread for mixed terrain
  • Enduro casing with Apex reinforcement
  • Soft compound offers a different balance from maximum-grip options

− Cons

  • Narrower nominal size than the reviewed 2.5in Magic Mary
  • Soft compound is distinct from Continental’s SuperSoft option
  • No direct same-bike comparison in this review

Compare prices

Item prices shown. Delivery charges may apply.

Kryptotal Fr, Enduro casing, Soft compound, folding tubeless ready, black/black, 29 x 2.4

LOWEST PRICE WHEN CHECKED
Tredz
In stock when checked
£66.99
View deal

Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 22:08 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.

Why it makes the shortlist

The Kryptotal Fr Enduro Soft is a useful alternative if your riding combines technical descents with longer trail days. Continental positions its Soft compound as a balance of grip and rolling behaviour; that makes this a different proposition from simply choosing the tackiest available rubber. The front-specific tread and reinforced Enduro casing keep it relevant to demanding eMTB use. Check the name carefully: Trail Endurance, Enduro Soft and Enduro SuperSoft are separate versions. The checked 29 x 2.4 Enduro Soft costs slightly less than the reviewed Magic Mary. We have not tested the two back-to-back or measured an efficiency advantage.

Key specifications
Size
29 x 2.4
Position
Front (Fr)
Casing
Enduro with Apex reinforcement
Compound
Soft
Construction
Folding, tubeless ready
Colour
Black/black
Terrain
Mixed
Evidence
Researched comparison

For a broader shortlist, see our eMTB trail tyre guide. If most of your riding is in soft winter ground, our eMTB mud tyre guide is a useful next stop.

Schwalbe Magic Mary tyre

Verdict

The Magic Mary Gravity Pro Radial Ultra Soft makes most sense as a front tyre for technical MTB and eMTB riding, where grip and control take priority. It contributed to a confident Amflow test bike, although that complete-bike experience does not prove that the radial version outperforms every conventional alternative.

At £68.99, it deserves a place on a grip-focused shortlist. The compromises are its substantial listed weight, the potential rolling-resistance cost and the need to get pressure right. Buy the precise casing and compound you want, and treat it as a deliberate choice for your trails rather than an automatic upgrade for every ride.

Frequently asked questions

Is every Schwalbe Magic Mary a radial tyre?

No. Magic Mary is the tread family, and conventional versions also exist. Check for Radial, the casing designation, compound and exact size before ordering. This review concerns the Gravity Pro Radial Ultra Soft 29 x 2.5in version.

Would you fit this Magic Mary to the front or rear?

Our test tyre was fitted to the front, and that is where we would prioritise it for technical riding. A rear-wheel choice should also account for rolling efficiency, wear and impact demands. This review does not assess a matching pair.

What pressure should I run in the radial version?

Start from an appropriate pressure for a comparable conventional casing, as Schwalbe recommends, then adjust in small steps. There is no single pressure for every rider and rim. Stay within the limits of both components and check support as well as comfort.

Does Gravity Pro make it puncture proof?

No. Cut protection, resistance to rim impacts and retention of air at the bead are different issues. Gravity Pro does not guarantee survival of every impact, and our complete-bike riding impressions do not establish a puncture-resistance advantage.