Jesse Melamed Rides The Shore - Video

Apr 29, 2016
by Maxxis Tires  

Plus-sized tires aren’t just for new riders looking for a little more control; savvy experts are using these new, larger mountain biking tires to push themselves to the absolute limit on a new breed of long-travel trail bikes optimized around the new plus bike tire standard. EWS rider Jesse Melamed demonstrates that very point by trying to find the limit of the new Maxxis 27.5x2.80 Rekon+ and Ikon+ tires on some classic technical North Shore single-track.

Riding Rocky Mountain’s new Pipeline bike, Melamed puts Maxxis’ new Ikon+ and Rekon+ tires through their paces. Both tires let him glide comfortably and speedily over chunky trail obstacles and offer increased traction and performance in order to go harder and faster down familiar trails. According to Jesse, "These tires are so much fun! I can get myself into all kinds of stupid situations and come out alive and unscathed."

Maxxis Rekon and Ikon Rider Jesse Melamed Photo John Gibson

Maxxis Rekon and Ikon Rider Jesse Melamed Photo John Gibson

Designed as a front and rear combo, the Rekon+ takes the lead as an aggressive trail tire with large enough knobs to push dirt around and find grip at the harder ground underneath. The Ikon+ pulls from our best-selling XC tire and offers familiar speed and ease of pedaling while retaining taller cornering knobs to keep up with the additional grip of the Rekon+.

Weights start at 715g for the 27.5x2.80 tires, using optional high-thread count 120 TPI construction in order to provide a high-volume casing - without the weight, you would expect from such a large tire. In order to maintain our reputation for having the most reliable and best-performing tires on the market, we’ve made these tires available with EXO protection and 3C triple rubber compounds. Both tires are also available for immediate purchase at Maxxis.com and will be available at your local bike shop in coming weeks.

Maxxis Plus Tires

Maxxis is confident that both the Ikon+ and the Rekon+ will be popular with plus-bike riders looking for more aggressive tires, who will soon have an even wider range of choices: Maxxis will introduce plus-sized versions of the Minion DHF, Minion DHR II and High Roller II by late summer. “We think these new plus tires have it all, with the comfort and grip that a new rider needs, and that an experienced rider can take advantage of to get a faster, more fun ride,” said Maxxis Marketing Specialist Bobby Brown. “We’re excited about what these new products can do.”

Maxxis Rekon and Ikon Rider Jesse Melamed Photo John Gibson

Action photos by John Gibson.

MENTIONS: @Maxxis / @GTron / @scottsecco


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123 Comments
  • 70 0
 I just want to be in the forest with my bike, not stuck in this shitty office.
  • 35 2
 QUIT YOUR SHITTY JOB! Smile
  • 21 1
 @therealtylerdurden: unfortunately I too have an office job, but it pays for all my bikes. :-) The never ending catch 22 of bike life....
  • 5 1
 Is it me or do the 36 forks look fat bike wide, compared to the tyre.
  • 3 1
 @zer0c00l44: I think it's a 34, but yes it does look wide
  • 1 0
 @zer0c00l44:

The 29er boost fork fits a 4" fatbike tire. They're wide forks
  • 6 0
 Plant trees in your office. The rest will sort itself out.
  • 48 1
 Jesse rips those lines so fast!! Wow...nice shredding bud!
  • 38 3
 OH MY GAWD IT'S BRETT TIPPIE
  • 2 0
 One of my favourite videos ever!
  • 3 0
 So much for dumbing down the shore... He made Wade look old and slow... hahaha! jk...
  • 44 1
 He was riding that bicycle quite fast.
  • 5 1
 Fast n smooth a la francaise ..... he probably doesnt use those tires for most races though
  • 3 0
 @Silliker269: Yeah I feel like we'll see plus size tires popping up in races fairly soon though.
  • 10 1
 Was it just me, or did he ride with very high tire pressure? The tires barely compress as they hit the ground when landing or when rolling over rocky edges. I understand that he's a pro and all, but aren't the advantage of plus tires lost when you skip to run lower pressure?
  • 1 0
 @jinx: it just wouldn't have made the tires look as cool
  • 1 0
 @jinx: I was thinking the opposite...
  • 2 0
 @jinx: I was riding at 14psi, which is a lot lower than what I run on regular tires. The tires never felt too hard or too squirmy at that pressure, I was pretty happy with that pressure.
  • 1 0
 @jinx: totally..thought the same thing ?..then I figure plus or no plus, when tires deflect heavily under impact or cornering is when you get that weird squishy squirmy feeling..I guess as with any tire it's about finding that goldilocks pressure between too hard and too soft...
  • 17 0
 That was humbling..

If plus tires are so good why not give us say 2.5/2.6" tire options to bridge the gap? Theyd fit for me and id guess most others
  • 2 0
 they have 2.4 tires that set very wide that almost bridge it. if that works for you
  • 1 2
 I've been running WTB 27.5 x 2.5's for a few months. They are heavier at 1100 grams because they have thick sidewalls. Anyways the difference between Maxxis 2.35's is insane. They are tall and super grippy. If you have a 27.5/29 and want massive tires look at WTB's. There is some tradeoff due to the weight but the benefits are worth it.
  • 1 0
 @ryan83: Those WTB 2.5s pretty much are the gap-fillers at the moment. I think Specialed do some 2.5s as well. Tread width is actually wider than WTB 2.8" tires yet they aren't as tall and still fit in many non-plus frame/forks...
  • 18 3
 These PNW edits just make me wanna go out and ride! And move to the PNW.
  • 5 2
 Do it, we have bikes and beer and life is short. Spend it shredding.
  • 13 2
 I wouldn't recommend moving here man.

It absolutely sucks. Overcrowded with constant rain and despair. Nothing to do no matter what the season and everybody has dandruff and herpes or some other form of contagious skin irritant. You'll get food poising at almost every restaurant and pay 83% of your income in taxes.

I'm not sure why I live here or how much longer I can take it so if you don't hear from me again, I checked myself out of this miserable existence so count your blessings you have it so good where you are at.
  • 3 1
 @johnnygolucky: funny man..we all know Bellingham has some of the best trail systems in the world
  • 3 0
 @weebleswobbles:

Shhhhh..................................
  • 3 0
 @johnnygolucky: oh did I say that out loud? What I meant to say was that the place is terrible and the people are skeevy
  • 2 1
 @johnnygolucky: exactly! And in Canada it's the same, but our taxes are worse and our dollar is actually just I.O.U.s from our government now. Not awesome at all.
  • 1 0
 There's no chicks... Move to SoCal...
  • 1 0
 yup
  • 15 0
 I think that riding was "Jesse" and less tires. Shreds.
  • 3 0
 I have to agree. That was quite rowdy.
  • 13 0
 The Dudes that build those trails are Animals! All that crazy rock work and wooden bridges!!!!
  • 3 0
 The trails feaured in the videos and ads for the pipeline all look pretty amazing.
  • 11 0
 Well that was dope! That's about as good as it gets for proving your product and marketing. And nice job Scott Secco!
  • 5 1
 Thanks @trimakas! Stoked you liked the video, Jesse is a shredder for sure.
  • 8 0
 That first huck made me yell out loud, that's confidence, not so much from good rubber but from being a really skilled rider. You know very well we want more edits just like this pinkbike. Not to come across as rude however, it's really hard to ask for more when you give us such motivation to ride already. Thanks
  • 9 0
 I would ride this trail at least once a day, forever.
  • 8 1
 Eco casings/sidewalks are alright for a month then they're fleecy noodles. Bikes are so dialled now, except for tires and derailleurs
  • 2 0
 *exo. *flexy *sidewalls. New phone autocorrects "a" I think
  • 7 0
 @won-sean-animal-chin: I liked the first comment you made.
  • 2 0
 @vicrider: well ya. The 2nd one sucked
  • 4 0
 Be sure to check out our new DoubleDown (DD) construction tires. If you're finding that you want a stiffer trail tire with some built-in bottom-out protection, they're the ticket. Lightweight dual-ply 120 TPI casing with a Tubeless Ready (TR) bead and a butyl insert on the sidewall for added cornering support and rim protection. ~150g heavier than an EXO tire with performance approaching out DH tires which would add on another 200g.
  • 3 0
 @Maxxis: when is the aggressor gone be available in qbp with the DD casing? I'm jonesing for it, being a heavier rider the DD is ideal!
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: yes I was looking around for dd's . Can't find them anywhere(lbs or online). Exo was fine initially but I've got plenty of tread left on a 3c and 60d and I'm pinch flat ting holes thru both. Into the bin and picked up some special Ed butcher grids 2br's . $25 cheaper . Not to mention besides the exo' , the hr2's (3c and 60d) I bought for my Dh bike last a couple weeks. 3c on the front had a bunch of side knobs rip off in a week and the 60d rear tire diameter was a bit big and just spun around the rim. After 12yrs it might be time to try something else. Sorry
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: regardless, thanks for the reply. Also wondering if the dd is a rebadged "lust" . The maxxis lust tires I had retained their sidewall integrity much longer and also noticeably better support in the corners and I think they had butyl insert in the sidewall. Not sure on that or the thread count
  • 2 0
 @doodooboy: QBP should have the 27.5" and 29" Aggressors any day now, along with the Ikon+ and Rekon+ from this video. Glad to hear you're excited about the Aggressor!
  • 2 0
 @won-sean-animal-chin: The DD Tomahawk was released last year, DHF last fall, Aggressor in the coming days, and we'll be working DD construction through the rest of our classic hard-hiting tires over the next few months. If you're not happy with how these tires held up and fit, please submit a warranty claim at the link below.
www.maxxis.com/warranty/bicycle-warranty
  • 1 0
 @won-sean-animal-chin: LUST tires were designed to the UST standard meaning they had additional casing material to allow the tire to be airtight without the use of sealant, additional material which made the casing stiffer and thicker than an EXO tire. DD tires are even higher performing with a specially tuned butyl insert for sidewall support during hard cornering and reliability you would expect from a dual-ply tire.
  • 2 1
 @Maxxis: good to know. Thanks. I wouldn't normally bother trying to warrantee tires ,but because they were either defective and/or didn't last long at all, I did try and warrantee them thru your website. They weren't tubeless and I tried to run them tubeless so the pics I sent showed sealant on the sidewalls , so my warrantee claim was rejected, inspite of the issues having nothing to do with sealant or tubeless issues(knobs ripping off on the 3c and the 60d spinning around the rim with air with a tube after initial tubeless try). That was on the Dh 2 ply hr2's. Possibly that was an initial batch or bad batch. Either way, a lot of headache and money down the drain. The exo' are what they are, just not for my usage at the moment. Dd's and/or lusts could work but after the hr2's and warrantee rejection I am not impressed. Bad customer service(at least from the person I dealt with) and the ever growing options definitely made trying something else a no brainer. Hope you get things sorted . they were the definitive choice for me
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: still no sign of the Agressor in the DD casing. I have a lot of customers waiting for this now since I've been hyping it up and wanting to get a pair myself. So hope QBP gets them sooner than later.
  • 1 0
 @doodooboy: look at michelin wild rockr2. amazing tire that will last waaaay longer and has better grip and waay better sideknobs. has reinfoced casing all around the tire, not just sidewalls. wild rockr2 and e13 trs are the best right now. its all about the side knobs. unparelled edging. check the pb reviews. spot on
  • 1 0
 @won-sean-animal-chin: I've tried those already and they are awesome, but I'm looking for a better balance with grip, cornering and rolling resistance. But I put the rolling resistance as slight priority.
  • 1 0
 @doodooboy: right on. good luck with the search. have you tried the trs? wondering how they roll compared to wild rockr2. more ramp on the center knobs but similar to wr2
  • 8 0
 That was some of the gnarliest riding I've seen in a while.
  • 6 1
 My lord that was quick. The shore. Been once, eye opener. That was insane fast for what it is....videoprobably doesnt even do jjstice to the grade and overall size of features as hes whizzing threw this......unreal
  • 2 0
 i've ridden a fair amount of the trails in this video... the dude is hauling fuckin' ass.
  • 12 6
 Anyone else noticed that you can´t ride any corners on plus tires?
  • 6 4
 Apparently, you didn't watch the video
  • 8 1
 I thought the same thing! He sort of lost control for a tiny duration of time on those one or two corners (in total) shown on video. Anyone can ride straight, right?
  • 3 1
 The side-knobbies don't square up well it seems.
  • 8 1
 @bikekrieg: Jesse was clearly not sliding out.....Any of you ever even ridden a plus bike??? Or can you see??? Apparently, when people who ride, that know how to ride, are pretty good on plus bikes! Just Sayin'....
  • 10 1
 @Novakki: It's called drifting... losing control but not losing control in a corner... you should try it, it's a blast!!!
  • 3 0
 @millsr4: AMEN!
  • 3 2
 Every edit on plus tyres looks the same to me. They just look like hard work.
  • 1 0
 @soups250: well duh. and then unless your sponsor wants you to do a promo video, you realize that they are slower. Ask Jesse if he wants to race his next race on that bike... I'll believe it when when I see them actually proven, not just through a video ad. Put him on a rigid single speed with rim brakes, and, "when people who ride, that know how to ride, are pretty good on..." rigid single speeds.
  • 1 0
 Depends what kind of corners you are talking about. High speed berm corners make the tires squirm a bit, but every other type of loose and technical corner the plus tires do their thing and give more traction. Like most bikes it is designed for a purpose and this bike loves technical trails.
  • 2 0
 Plus tires are good unless you like to go really fast in corners .....honestly I feel like half the time these sponsored riders are talking out thier asses. Plus tires are pretty dumb unless you absolutely love technical climbing....there I said it.
  • 2 0
 I was afraid of that too (tire issues in corners). I've been on plus tires for 1000km so far this season. I got 3 pinch flats before going tubeless and since then haven't had a tire issue even though I'm on a hardtail and riding the same trails as my regular tire Full Suspension AM bike at the same speed (running 16 to 17 psi on the plus tires). If I end up being able to outride the plus tires in corners then I will only be able to thank the extra confidence and speed they gave me going into corners.
  • 1 0
 Who doesn't love technical climbing? You may not be able to go as fast into a bermed corner, but I felt like I could go faster through most other technical corners as the tires weren't deflected by roots or rocks as much and held their line better.
  • 1 0
 no Plus tires are for folks who don't like technical climbing. they want to be able to clear the technical climbs and get to the good downhill stuff sooner without hike a biking like the 26er guys are doing.
  • 3 1
 Great rider. But I noticed that he had a hard time in this video keeping the bike level on most take offs. He's essentially pulling hader on the front end and is in "wheelie" mode and is landing frequently on his rear wheel.
This delays front wheel traction and underutilizes the front Suspention. My point is that this is obviously an amazing rider. Is simply apears to be working hard with the bike at certain moments of the video when getting the bike off the ground. Is this perhaps because of the added weight? Maybe I'm seeing something that's not related to the tire size? Don't know just an observation, look for it...
  • 6 0
 THIS DUDE SCHMOBBING
  • 2 1
 I need to watch this a few more times, but on second watch, it seems that the tyres were bouncing a bit, specially on the rocky sections. maybe pinkbike can do a comparison with plus tyres and good ol reliable 2.4's, how does it compare when pedaling for long climbs,
  • 3 0
 God I miss the shore. Great job guys, wasn't at all surprised that Scott Secco filmed this.
  • 2 0
 @Pedro404 Stoked you liked the video! The Shore is soooo gnarly, Jesse makes it look too easy.
  • 2 0
 @scottsecco: Thanks for the reply, what trails did you shoot on? I recognize Pipeline (that drop to flat off the second hump of that rollercoaster feature? aargh) and maaaybe Floppy Bunny?
  • 4 0
 @Pedro404: We shot: Pipeline, Severed D, Dale's, Forever After, and Baden Powell. Hope that helps!
  • 1 0
 Okay someone bring me up to speed. Could I put these tyres on Roval Fatties wheels, with an inside diameter of 29mm or will that not work on a normal Spec Enduro 650b? I have a tyre addiction and these look like a laugh!
  • 2 0
 You could but we do not recommend these tires be installed on any less than a 38mm inner width rim in order to provide the proper tread layout and casing shape. The much narrower rim will make for a very rounded tire with side knobs that might engage later than you would expect.
  • 1 0
 The specialized 6fattie comes with those rims from the factory. I thought they looked too narrow but specialized doesn't think so.
  • 4 0
 If they came in 26 2.80 I would buy a pair today.
  • 2 0
 We're definitely keeping an eye on where 26+ ends up. Check back in a few months!
  • 3 0
 That rock roll drop to flat on pipeline is awesome haha i like to hit that from time to time
  • 1 0
 yeah that was cool, i've never even considered doing that before. you definetely don't get the sense of scale in the video.
  • 2 0
 Another vote for a 26 plus version. I've already seen a couple of 26 plus prototype bikes on the trails here in Squamish this season - it's coming !
  • 3 0
 Well composed Sirs, bravo bravo
  • 2 0
 The knobs on those tires look a little thin for that trail, wonder what he normally rides?
  • 3 0
 Dear Rocky Mountain:
Stop making + tires look fun!

The rest of us.
  • 1 0
 This trail makes me want to load up the bike and drive straight to the trail head. Must find this trail and add to my list of trails to ride this year.
  • 2 0
 they're all on the shore and sanctioned Smile
  • 2 0
 name of video should be Root Eaters ,,,,,Will Slay on Demand,,,,,,RAMFB....
  • 1 0
 Appreciate the riding, the location superb, love Maxxis and Rocky mountain too... but why would you speed up the video in places? Odd, when there is clearly no need
  • 5 0
 Hi @topsedit, I made the video and can guarantee that none of it is sped up. Jesse is just really fast!
  • 2 0
 @scottsecco: Great response! You and Jesse did such a good job on this edit.
  • 2 0
 @scottsecco: i apologise profusely, could be an internet thang' ...
  • 2 0
 Watched the Vid.. got Stocked... watched vid again. Rowdy! .. Was there something about tyres? .. i didnt notice
  • 3 1
 He was absolutely shredding ! What's the name of this trail??
  • 5 0
 Severed dick, Pipeline, Baden Powell
  • 2 0
 Most of that paving looks like 7th Secret on Fromme at 100 times the speed I do.
  • 2 0
 Most reliable tires?... Good edit though!
  • 2 0
 5 days of filming and shooting photos and 0 flats. Pretty reliable I'd say.
  • 3 0
 Sick riding!
  • 3 0
 Killed it! Awesome.
  • 3 1
 Haven't seen those trails ridden that fast, wow is right!
  • 3 0
 Shred-ding
  • 1 0
 Jumping into jank is such an awesome feeling and this video captured that; loved it!
  • 1 0
 So would my 24" x 3" nokians be considered + or fat?
Maybe we call those husky tires
  • 2 0
 Any way to ajuste the high speed rebound on those tiers. Nice edit BTW.
  • 1 0
 What a shame. All that beautiful stone work and he barely used any of it. Smile
  • 1 0
 @maxxis I want a 2.5" DHF for my 27.5 trail bike in a non wide trail version! Bring it back!!
  • 1 0
 We hear you but it's not likely to happen given how well the WT design works down to 28-30mm inner rim width.
  • 2 0
 Just hella fast. Go Jesse!
  • 2 0
 shred-o-matic
  • 1 0
 Nice vid!!! He's killing it!!!
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know if he races this bike in the EWS? Just curious.
  • 2 0
 Not yet! I would like to do some more testing. It may be faster on certain courses. Keep an eye out!
  • 2 1
 nice edit. not sold tho.
  • 1 0
 What Rocky is that?
  • 2 0
 The new pipeline







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