Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have, for the first time, provided concrete figures on the abrasion of mountain bike tyres in off-road conditions. Their findings contribute to a better understanding of the global microplastic cycle. They report on their research in the journal „Science of The Total Environment“.
I would bet on different rubber being the culprit. My downhill and trail tires are super soft in order to grab the rocks and roots better. They wear out quicker than road tires because of this. Still takes a few years in with me riding every day but it’s noticeably faster than the roadies.