Just got these straight from Germany for the USA based Topeak-Ergon riders. This is a new tire that the Europe team has been collaborating with Continental on to bring to the public.
The tires that were sent are 2.2 and 2.4 width. They are also all Protection. I love the new all black Protection tires....as well as the new graphics.
Tread pattern looks good for the loose and dry terrain here in Colorado. I know the tire does well in damp and moist conditions as well, as the Europe based riders have been using it in such conditions.
Here are the tires mounted up to DT Swiss 1450's with tubes for size comparison. The left tire/wheel is the 2.4....the right tire/wheel is the 2.2. The X-King 2.4 is very similar in footprint and casing size to the current Race King 2.2. The X-King 2.2 is just a little bit narrower....but not that much...similar to the current Mountain King 2.2. I just added the X-King 2.4 to my Colorado Trail Race bike.....replacing the Mountain King 2.2. I can say that these new tires from Continental do inflate and Stan's out very easily....which is important to the Topeak-Ergon riders here in the USA.What are the weights? I don't know...as I do not have a digital scale. In my hand, these Protection tires feel lighter than the current.
29er version? Yes....that is all I know.
Availability to the general riding public? My reliable source says late Fall 2010...sometime after Eurobike and Interbike.
Testing and on-trail thoughts to come in the next 4-7 days.