Maxxis Tyres - Tech Info

COMPOUNDS

The most important part of a tyre is arguably the rubber compound within the tread. By changing the amounts of various components of the rubber formula, engineers can make two identical looking tyres perform completely differently. A list of Maxxis compounds and their distinct characteristics is below.

SINGLE COMPOUND: One compound throughout the tread optimized for longevity and performance.

DUAL COMPOUND: Two compounds used within the tread of select tyres to offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip.

TRIPLE COMPOUND: Three compounds arranged in the tyre for the ultimate in no-compromise racing performance.

3C MAXXSPEED

Used primarily in cross country (XC) tyres, the two compounds in the outer layer are specially formulated to reduce rolling resistance and optimize treadwear and traction.

 

3C MAXXTERRA

Maxxis’ 3C MaxxTerra is an intermediate triple compound configuration used across our mountain bike tyre line. The 3C MaxxTerra compound offers more traction than 3C MaxxSpeed yet provides better treadwear and less rolling resistance than MaxxGrip, which makes it ideal for trail riding in all conditions.

 

3C MAXXGRIP

Maxxis’ 3C MaxxGrip compound uses the stickiest, slowest rebounding rubber we offer in a mountain bike tyre. This high traction compound is the same one used by our top World Cup Downhill and Enduro World Series athletes and is now available in a variety of casing configurations to cover all riders.

• 3C MaxxGrip + EXO casing = Light duty trail riding in wet/slick conditions
• 3C MaxxGrip + EXO+ casing = All-around trail riding in wet/slick conditions
• 3C MaxxGrip + DoubleDown casing = Enduro racing and e-bikes
• 3C MaxxGrip + Downhill casing = Downhill racing and long travel e-bikes

 

 

PUNCTURE PROTECTION & CASING TECHNOLOGY

EXO

EXO is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of many Maxxis mountain bike and gravel tyres. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the performance of the tyre remains unaffected. Choose EXO Protection for enhanced durability for gravel, XC, and light-duty trail riding.

 

EXO+

EXO+ is Maxxis’ medium-duty puncture protection option suitable for all-around trail riding and light weight e-bikes. We begin with a durable 60 TPI casing, add in our legendary EXO puncture protection layer in the sidewalls, and top it off with a small butyl insert around the bead. The tough casing and EXO material ward off damage from rocks and roots, while the butyl insert protects the tyre from pinch flats and helps prevent rim damage.

 

DOUBLE DOWN (DD)

Double Down (DD) is our casing solution for enduro racing and e-bike use. Two layers of our lightweight 120 TPI casing material are combined with a butyl sidewall insert to create a highly durable tyre with more trail feedback than a Downhill casing tyre. Double Down tyres are marginally lighter than their Downhill counterparts, but it’s really the difference in “trail feel” that sets the two apart. Some riders may prefer the highly damped ride provided by a Downhill casing tyre.

 

DOWNHILL (DH)

As the name implies, Maxxis’ Downhill casing tyres are designed for extreme use in all gravity applications from downhill racing to bike park riding to free riding to long travel e-bikes. A Maxxis Downhill tyre is made with two layers of our durable 60 TPI casing material along with a large butyl rubber insert that extends from each bead into the sidewall. The butyl insert helps prevent pinch flats, protects the rim from impacts, and provides additional sidewall stability.

 

TYRE CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Wide Trail Construction

Wide Trail (WT) construction optimizes the tyre’s tread layout and profile on today’s modern, wider rims. Traditional tyres are designed around older, narrower rims and can create an overly square tyre profile, leading to less-than-optimal performance. WT tyres are optimized for a 35mm inner rim width but are proven to work over a range from 30-35mm inner rim widths, depending on the rider’s preference.

Maxxis Wide Trail XC tyres are optimized for use with 30mm internal width rims, but they will perform well on rims as narrow as 25mm. Maxxis does not recommend rims wider than 30mm or narrower than 25mm.

Tubeless Ready

Tubeless ready tyres provide the rider with many benefits: the ability to run lower air pressures, which improves traction; lower rolling resistance when compared to a tube-type tyre; and less chance of flatting because there is no tube. Tubeless ready tyres are denoted by the letters “TR” on the sidewall.

Tubeless ready tyres must be mounted to tubeless compatible rims and require the use of a liquid sealant to maintain pressure. Liquid sealants have the added benefit of sealing small punctures. Be sure to check your sealant regularly and refresh as needed as it will dry out over time.

Liquid sealants should only be used in the following types of tyres: tubeless road, tubular, and tubeless ready. The use of liquid sealants in any other Maxxis tyre will void the warranty.