Maxxis’ legendary High Roller III tyre is now grippier in the wet and the dust

Third-generation intermediate tyre gets new tread pattern for all-round performance

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Published: Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at 12:00 PM

Maxxis has released the third generation of its legendary all-around High Roller mountain bike tyre.

The new rubber is designed for downhill and trail riding, and is said to sit between the Assegai and Shorty in Maxxis’ tyre line-up.

Maxxis describes the High Roller III as an intermediate tyre, with the new tread pattern allowing for good soil penetration in wet weather – and the traction and cornering control needed for dry and dusty conditions.

The tyres were launched at Crankworx Whistler, in British Columbia.

The High Roller III is available now and is priced at £74.99 with the DH casing. A version using Maxxis’ DoubleDown casing is set to cost £79.99 when it’s released.

New tread to shred

There are fewer knobs than the High Roller II. – Maxxis

Maxxis has given the High Roller III a hybrid tread that combines an open pattern on the centreline with large, well-supported lugs on the shoulder.

This is said to give the tyre good wet-weather performance, while maintaining good traction on dry trails.

Marin Alpine Trail E2 electric mountain bike
The side knobs on the High Roller II are much smaller. – Alex Evans / Our Media

Compared to the previous generation, the new tyre appears to have less tread in the mid-section, which could result in a less gradual transition of grip.

Maxxis High Roller III on Canyon Sender prototype
The High Roller III has already made tracks on the World Cup circuit. – Maxxis

The shoulder grip looks to have been beefed up, which should result in greater stability and traction on high-speed corners.

Maxxis High Roller III on Jackson Goldstone's Santa Cruz V10
Maxxis’ Test Pilot initiative has kept the name of this new tyre quiet. – Maxxis

Maxxis says it worked alongside downhill riders including Jackson Goldstone, Ronan Dunne, Marine Cabirou and Ellie Hulsebosch when developing the tyre – all of whom have taken prototypes to the top of World Cup podiums.

26 is dead

Maxxis High Roller III being inspected in workshop
Only DH-casing tyres are currently available. – Maxxis

Unlike the previous generation, there’ll be no 26in wheel-size options, with the tyre only available in 27.5in and 29in sizes with 2.4in widths.

At launch, only DH-casing tyres will be available, with DoubleDown and EXO+ options coming soon.

All tyres will come in the brand’s MaxxGrip rubber compound.

The DH-casing tyres are said to weigh in at 1,400g for the 29in version and 1,335g for the 27.5in.

Maxxis says it has also managed to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging by using a 75 per cent recycled cardboard hanger and recyclable plastic straps instead of zip-ties.