MAXXSPEED XC TYRES
When choosing tyres for cross-country and marathon mountain biking, speed, efficiency, reliability and predictability are key. Maxxis have a few iconic treads in the XC game, with classics like the Ikon and Aspen, and more recently the Rekon Race. The Severe was seen around a lot before debut in 2023, as a wet conditions tyre to fill whyat was a big gap in the Maxxis line up.
In 2023 Maxxis also revamped one of their compounds. Many of their XC treads had been available in 3C MaxxSpeed (triple compound), like the Ikon. However the 2.4” WT (wide trail) Aspen and Rekon Race only came in dual compounds. Like any manufacturer, Maxxis wanted to improve specific traits of their XC tyres, working with top teams and athletes to get the mix just right. I spoke to Gordon Wadsworth, one of the US athletes behind the scenes trying the different compounds.
‘We came up with some pretty cool compounds that play pretty well on both trail and gravel. But they have to raise all bars in order to make it into production. The devil is always in the details and in this case it was silica ratio and type that gives the new rubber its magic. The outgoing 3C MaxxSpeed was a great set of compromises with each hard, medium, and soft compound playing a role where its strength suited. But when we started playing around adding silica into the mix we found we could begin removing the various rubber compounds because of the silica additions.’ Maxxis were able to combine some of the best traits of soft and hard compounds in one compound for the new MaxxSpeed rubber.
‘This has been happening in automotive tyres for a while but the advances in bike tyres we are seeing with MaxxSpeed yields some of the best combinations - 25% faster, on par wear characteristics, and even cold and wet weather ride performance improvements. Removing varied compounds has some weight benefits as well as wear but the target was a faster, better tyre, and I think we nailed that!’
Over a summer of riding in a range of conditions, I can attest that the treads do roll faster, and the wear rate seems better as well – which is most noticeable on a tyre like an Aspen, which had a tendency to lose effective grip after a couple of hundred hard kilometres.
MAXXIS IKON 29 X 2.35” | 853G | 59.5MM
The Ikon tread pattern has been around for well over a decade. I previously rode and raced extensively on this tyre in 2.2”, and came back to the 2.35” 3C model in recent years for rear use. The tread is taller than many semi slicks but the close centre knobs still roll fast, with good edge knob support for a fast tyre. No questions, this is a fantastic rear tyre when you want more braking and accelerating traction. But compared to the 2.2” size the 2.35” does have slightly larger tread, and the contact patch puts more edges into the ground than you may think. This a really versatile tyre for a lot of conditions, and this has been a go-to pair for training and local racing. Throw a Rekon 2.4” on the front and it makes for a very capable combination for more aggressive trails. The latest MaxxSpeed has made this classic even better.
MAXXIS ASPEN 29 X 2.4” | 762G | 60.5MM
The Aspen is another classic, designed with speed and a favourite with fast kids around the globe. The Aspen has a round profile and minimal centre tread, the shoulder knobs still offer good corner support that pushes towards the transition area as well – but you need to accept that this is a semi-slick XC tyre. It moves and pushes in a controlled manner, but it also rolls so fast! I have spent a lot of time riding the previous 2.25” and 2.4” Aspen in a number of major stage races. It is fast, but can lack proper braking traction on loose terrain, bringing moments where it feels the rear wheel wants to pass the front. That’s not changing with the new compound, but I have found the wear rate is a lot better. The small centre ribs would typically tear up after a few days at a hard stage race, but I’ve found even after a few hundred kilometres of hilly training with plenty of road kilometres, the new MaxxSpeed is rolling fast and wearing better. This is a fast tyre and a great choice for race day on hardpack – or rear only for mixed conditions.
MAXXIS REKON RACE 29 X 2.4” | 828G | 61MM
I first rode the Rekon Race in 2.25”, and it became a popular semi-slick tyre for many XC mountain bikers. The 2.4” model was my go-to race front tyre for most of 2023 – with enough grip and fast rolling speed. So testing the new MaxxSpeed compound felt very familiar, again with better wear characteristics and rolling speed. The Rekon Race has a lot of small edges thanks to the wide array of low tread, but they are ramped for fast rolling. However under cornering as the front wheel pushes they are like tiny claws into the ground – or little anchors under brakes. This edge has worn reasonably quickly in the past, reducing overall traction a fraction – but I’ve found better wear rates with MaxxSpeed. It’s not a crazy light tyre, but it has a big volume and is a great dry conditions tyre for both ends with a large contact patch. I often run it with an Aspen in the back, or paired an Ikon or Rekon in the front for different setups. If you want something a little bit faster than the Ikon, this is a good front and rear combination for dry and lightly mixed conditions.
MAXXIS SEVERE 29 X 2.25” | 729G | 58MM
Maxxis have lacked a true wet weather tyre. I have a set of unused Beavers, but have typically relied on the Ardent Race, Rekon or old Forekaster in damper conditions. The Severe laughs at all of these in wet and soft conditions. Thanks to close centre tread it still rolls well – unlike a Forekaster – although the raised ribs do resemble the older model. The narrower 2.25” width cuts weight but also aids in frame and fork clearance. I found the round profile and smaller size very agile, and putting some lean into these tyres even in mixes of wet clay and roots was a blast. I was actually really surprised how effective the tread is. The alternating edge knob and transition knob find plenty of grip in soft terrain – although they do feel quite odd on fast road corners. I didn’t ride in any peanut butter death mud thankfully, but I think in most wet and loamy conditions this will be my go to front and rear. For any rider with wet winter months, or racers who want to have something on hand for any conditions – a set of Severes is a must-have.
Mike Blewitt