If you are in doubt and you don’t know what to buy, here are my amateur opinions regarding Continental Race King vs Schwalbe Smart Sam.
Which tire is better in which conditions?
I have used both tires for quite a while and here is my opinion.
The tires are standard basic Continental Race King 29 x 2.2 and standard Schwalbe Smart Sam 29 x 2.25.
Both tires are pretty much in the same price range, the Continental one being a little bit cheaper with like 5$.
Continental Race King vs Schwalbe Smart Sam on the street?
Around the city, Smart Sam is a bit faster because of the pure hybrid tire texture.
It feels faster and softer.
Continental Race King feels a bit slower but much more controllable, having better grip.
Both tires have good puncture protection, they have worn out pretty much the same, not much.
I think a pair of tires can last you at least 4-5 years, around 6000 – 7.000 km.
On the trail?
Both tires do decent on trails but Race King having better grip, it gives you more confidence.
Smart Sam is a bit tougher and less reliable, even though it can do a decent job.
But if I would pick between the two for light trails, I would go for Continental Race King.
Final conclusion
If you are looking for a pair of tires to go around the city, get a Smart Sam if you have no other choice.
I would recommend to get the city 29 x 2.0 inches tires from Continental, they are called “Continental Double Fighter 3”.
They are great for city rides.
In terms of design, both tires look great, Schwalbe Smart Sam having the edge here, looking really like an expensive product.
In conclusion, Schwalbe Smart Sam looks better than Continental Race King and it will attract more views.
If you want tires for trails, get the Continental Race King 29 x 2.2. It is grippy and reliable on the trail.
Note that these tires are entry level, if you plan to do anything serious, get the specific Schwalbe tires for enduro, downhill. It is better to go to your bike shop and ask what would they recommend.
But probably if you plan to do that, you probably know what tires to get.
In terms of weight, both tires are pretty much the same, Schwalbe Smart Sam being a little bit lighter, but insignificant.
My personal preference is Schwalbe Smart Sam as I’m looking more for speed rather than control.