{"id":66012,"date":"2024-06-21T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/9c2f22a4-3b3e-4ffc-a36e-09b1b1730dba"},"modified":"2024-06-21T16:25:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T14:25:29","slug":"maxxis-mountain-bike-tyres-buyers-guide-deciphering-the-maxxis-xc-trail-and-enduro-range","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/maxxis-mountain-bike-tyres-buyers-guide-deciphering-the-maxxis-xc-trail-and-enduro-range\/","title":{"rendered":"Maxxis mountain bike tyres buyer’s guide: deciphering the Maxxis XC, trail and enduro range"},"content":{"rendered":"

Catering for all disciplines, we take you through the full Maxxis mountain bike tyre range <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Friday, 21 June 2024 at 11:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Maxxis is one of the leading manufacturers of mountain bike tyres of all disciplines. Known primarily for its downhill and enduro tyres, Maxxis also offers top-level cross-country tyres.<\/p>

The brand has a large range of mountain bike tyres employing varying technologies, so it can be difficult to know what the best Maxxis tyre is for your type of riding.<\/p>

Maxxis also produces a wide range of road bike tyres<\/a>, gravel tyres<\/a> and options for commuting<\/a>.<\/p>

In this guide, we focus on Maxxis\u2019 range of mountain bike tyres, including an overview of its tyre technologies, compounds and casings.<\/p>

Maxxis mountain bike tyre technologies explained<\/h2>
The construction of a Maxxis mountain bike tyre involves many layers. – Maxxis – https:\/\/www.maxxis.com\/uk\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Maxxis casing constructions explained<\/h3>
Maxxis offers a variety of MTB tyre casings<\/a> to suit different types of riding. Tyre casings impact how a tyre feels and the level of protection it provides.<\/p>
All else being equal, a thinner casing is usually more supple than a thicker casing, but offers less protection on gnarly terrain.<\/p>
Maxxis uses a range of different options across its tyre range, from lightweight casings to heavy-duty casings for gravity riding:<\/p>
Single-ply<\/strong> casing features one layer of nylon wrapped from bead to bead. This conforms well to terrain, giving a supple ride feel, and is lighter than Maxxis\u2019 other casings.<\/li>
Dual-ply<\/strong> casing features two layers of nylon, adding additional protection and sidewall stiffness for enduro and downhill riding.<\/li>
Wide Trail (WT)<\/strong> construction optimises the tyre tread for 30 to 35mm-wide rims, avoiding the square profile that tyres with narrower designs face on modern wide rims.<\/li>
Tubeless Ready (TR)<\/strong> features sealant-compatible rubber and uses dual-ply 60 TPI (threads per inch). There is a butyl insert for support and rim protection, offering increased grip and reliability. A tubeless-ready bead locks the rim and the foldable bead provides additional weight savings.<\/li><\/ul>Maxxis puncture technologies explained<\/h3>
Even the best mountain bike tyres<\/a> can be punctured by thorns, lacerations and snake bites. Maxxis offers four types of puncture protection to deal with these problems: <\/p>
Silkworm Protection<\/strong> is a puncture- and tear-resistant material incorporated into the tyre’s casing under the tread.<\/li>
EXO<\/strong> Protection is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to a tyre\u2019s sidewall. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and flexible in order to retain tyre performance. EXO Protection is for exceptionally rocky trails, where the chance of tearing the sidewall is high.<\/li>
EXO+<\/strong> combines Silkshield and EXO protection. The Silkshield layer runs from bead to bead, with a layer of EXO along the sidewalls.<\/li>
Double Down (DD)<\/strong> is a dual-ply casing for enduro and downhill racing. Two 120 TPI casing layers are reinforced on the sidewall with a butyl insert to avoid gashes and pinch flats.<\/li><\/ul>
Maxxis tyre compounds explained<\/h3>
Rubber compounds can have a big impact on the grip, longevity and handling of a tyre. Maxxis uses different combinations of rubber compounds for different ride characteristics: <\/p>
Single Compound<\/strong> tyres feature one compound throughout the tread for optimised longevity and performance.<\/li>
Dual Compound<\/strong> tyres feature two types of rubber and offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip.<\/li>
Triple Compound<\/strong> (3C) tyres have three types of rubber arranged for the ultimate traction at the end of racing.<\/li>
MaxxSpeed<\/strong> tyres use a silica-infused compound, inspired by technology from premium road tyres, for ultimate rolling speed.<\/li><\/ul>
Maxxis cross-country tyres<\/h2>
Maxxis Ardent Race<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Maxxis’ Ardent Race is a shallower version of the Ardent trail tyre. – David Rome\/Future Publishing<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C MaxxSpeed<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WT<\/li>
Recommended as front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Ardent Race is designed for technical cross-country<\/a> courses. Borrowing the tread pattern from the full-fat Ardent trail tyre, a smaller tread height is used to achieve faster rolling speeds.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Aspen<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Aspen rolls and corners well, thanks to its large shoulder knobs. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.10, 2.25, 2.40in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Aspen is a lightweight cross-country racing tyre designed with low rolling resistance and straight-line grip in mind. It\u2019s a go-to choice for many racers, because the large shoulder knobs find traction in a variety of conditions, while the rounded-off crown helps maintain speed.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Aspen ST<\/h3>
$\"Maxxis$
The side knobs are the same as the regular Aspen. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Single compound<\/li>
EXO or EXO Team Spec casing<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.25, 2.40in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Aspen ST features a super-low profile tread pattern that has been the reserve of sponsored riders for the past five years.<\/p>
Its low rolling resistance is said to give top-of-the-range speed, while raised side lugs ensure it remains grippy in dry, dusty conditions.<\/p>
Maxxis Crossmark II<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Crossmark II rolls fast and finds plenty of traction in the dry. – David Arthur \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
EXO protection available<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.10, 2.25in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Crossmark II is a fast-rolling tyre designed for maximum straight-line speed. Its low rolling resistance and sharp cornering bite ensure the tyre excels in dry conditions, and the reinforced sidewall shrugs off rocks and knocks well. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis Crossmark II review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Forekaster<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Maxxis\u2019 Forekaster makes for a good downcountry tyre. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.25, 2.35, 2.60in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Forekaster is a wet-weather tyre for XC racing<\/a> and light trail riding. Working well as a front tyre in sloppy conditions, it\u2019s more aggressive than other cross-country tyres and lends itself well to downcountry<\/a> riding.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Severe<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Severe is ideal for wet and loose cross-country terrain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
MaxxSpeed rubber compound<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.25in<\/li>
Recommended as front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Maxxis Severe<\/a> is the latest addition to the Maxxis cross-country line-up and is designed to tackle wet and muddy XC racecourses. The narrow 2.25in profile and spiky tread help it to cut through soft ground and clear mud quickly. It features the new, silica-infused MaxxSpeed compound for ultimate rolling speed.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Ikon<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Maxxis’ Ikon is very fast-rolling, with high levels of traction in the dry. – Oliver Woodman\/Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C Maxx compound<\/li>
Standard or EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Ikon is a lightweight tyre designed for speed and reliability, utilising the 3C Maxx compound. A tightly packed tread pattern with squared-off shoulder knobs makes the tyre fast-rolling but grippy in dry conditions.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Pace<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Pace utilises a shallow but tightly spaced tread for hard-pack conditions. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Single or dual compound<\/li>
Silkworm or EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.10in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Pace is one of Maxxis\u2019 fastest cross-country tyres. The low-profile tread and narrow width offer little rolling resistance, but do limit the tyre on wet, gnarlier terrain.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Rekon Race<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Rekon Race has a shallow, fast-rolling tread, but the shoulder knobs offer good levels of grip in the corners. – Andy Lloyd \/ OurMedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Single or dual compound<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.00, 2.25, 2.35, 2.40in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Rekon Race features a similar tread pattern to the standard Rekon. It has a shallower tread, making the tyre a good choice for dry conditions, where grip can be substituted for straight-line speed.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis trail and enduro tyres<\/h2>
Maxxis Aggressor<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Maxxis’ Aggressor tyres roll fairly fast, yet still provide plenty of bite. – Max Wilman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
EXO or DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30in<\/li>
Recommended as a rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Aggressor is a good all-rounder, offering great cornering ability and puncture resistance in dry, rocky terrain as well as ample grip in looser conditions. The tyre struggles with wet-weather grip, and the aggressive tread pattern affects rolling speed. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis Aggressor review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Ardent<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Ardent performs like a trail tyre, but isn’t much heavier than a cross-country tyre. – David Arthur \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Single or dual compound<\/li>
Standard or EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.25, 2.40in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Ardent is lightweight trail tyre that offers bite in the corners, with high rolling speeds. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a fast and tough tyre for mixed conditions, perfect for downcountry riding. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis Ardent Review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis High Roller II<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis High Roller II offers high levels of grip in most trail scenarios.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Single or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO or DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30, 2.40in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The High Roller II offers high levels of grip even on the loosest of trails, with predictable slip-to-grip cornering characteristics. This grip comes at the cost of fast wear, though the tyre deals well with rocky terrain. Its high duro crown makes the High Roller II fast in a straight line, considering its heft. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis High Roller II review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Tomahawk<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Tomahawk covers ground well, and its chunky shoulder lugs keep grip in most conditions. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO or DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Tomahawk features aggressive side knobs that dig deep into the terrain to find grip in all conditions. A rounded-off crown offers good rolling performance, making this tyre a good all-rounder.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis downhill tyres<\/h2>
Maxxis Assegai<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Maxxis’ Assegai is well respected as one of the best front tyres on the market. – Ian Linton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.50in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Assegai is one of the grippiest, most controlled front tyres on the market. Maxxis describes this as a downhill tyre, but it’s equally at home on enduro trails if you\u2019re pushing hard. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis Assegai review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Dissector<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Dissector’s shoulder lugs provide good traction through the corners. – Ian Linton \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.40in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Dissector is designed for high-speed downhill courses, but it\u2019s also suited to general fair-weather cycling. This zippy tyre can be pushed hard downhill and features slip-to-grip cornering characteristics that may be off-putting to some on wet trails. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis Dissector review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Minion DHF<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Minion DHF is renowned for its grip levels. – Max Wilman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO or DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30, 2.50in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Minion DHF provides grip in the sloppiest conditions. Its predictability on various terrain has seen it remain virtually unchanged for over a decade. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis DHF review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Minion DHR II<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Minion DHR II offers great braking traction and complements the Minion DHF well. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO or DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30, 2.40WT, 2.50in<\/li>
Recommended as a rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Minion DHR II is the Yin to the Minion DHF\u2019s Yang, providing excellent braking and cornering traction, as well as fast rolling speeds. It’s widely considered one of the best rear tyres on the market, offering excellent all-around traction. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis DHR II review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Shorty<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Shorty excels in sticky mud, thanks to its tall shoulder tread. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
EXO or DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30, 2.40, 2.50in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Shorty performs well on wet, muddy trails, thanks to its mid-spike tread design. The tyre continues to roll well even when the trails dry up, and offers high levels of comfort. <\/p>
Read our full Maxxis Shorty review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Maxxis Wetscream<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Wetscream is Maxxis’ most extreme mud-spike tyre. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual or 3C compound<\/li>
DD protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.50in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
This spike tyre will find you grip on off-camber pistes where other tyres would have you in a pile at the bottom. Drag is the penalty for this, making the Wetscream a niche option for the muddiest of conditions.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Minion SS<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Maxxis’ Minion SS is a semi-slick tyre designed for dry courses. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
Standard or EXO or Silkworm protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29in<\/li>
Width: 2.30, 2.50in WT<\/li>
Recommended as a rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Minion SS offers high rolling speed thanks to its semi-slick crown, while the large side knobs offer high levels of grip in dry conditions. Braking ability does suffer due to the shallow tread pattern in wet conditions.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis fat tyres<\/h2>
Maxxis Chronicle<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Chronicle features a tightly packed tread pattern. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
Standard or EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 27.5in<\/li>
Width: 3.00in<\/li>
Recommended as a front or rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
Designed for trail rides and bikepacking<\/a> expeditions, the Chronicle is a versatile plus tyre with a tightly packed tread pattern.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Minion FBF<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Minion FBF is a front-specific fat tyre. – James Huang \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
Standard or EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5in<\/li>
Width: 3.80, 4.00, 4.80in<\/li>
Recommended as a front tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Minion FBF offers high levels of cornering ability and low rolling resistance. It’s recommended only as a front tyre.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Minion FBR<\/h3>
$\"\"$
The Maxxis Minion FBR is a rear-specific fat tyre. – Maxxis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dual compound<\/li>
Standard or EXO protection<\/li>
Tubeless-ready<\/li>
Wheel diameter: 26, 27.5in<\/li>
Width: 3.80, 4.00, 4.80in<\/li>
Recommended as a rear tyre<\/li><\/ul>
The Minion FBR features a rear-specific tread pattern designed to minimise rolling resistance and maximise traction in all conditions. It’s designed to be paired with a Minion FBF on the front.<\/p>
<\/div> <\/body><\/html>\n
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