Maxxis' New Rubber - Taipei Show 2015

Maxxis' New Rubber

There was a time when the bright yellow Maxxis hotpatch was an expected sight on nearly everyone's wheels, at least in most riding areas, but that's changed over the last handful of years as their competitors have made up a lot of ground. Maxxis is hoping to take some of those customers back, though, especially with their already shown Shorty tire that looks to be just the ticket for someone who likes to throw a bit of dirt around. They've also been working on some more niche tires, as shown by the new Tomahawk, Minion semi slick, and beastly 4.8'' wide fat bike versions of the Minion that are all pictured below.


The new Tomahawk (shown above left) is quite a departure from what we've seen from Maxxis in the past - this certainly ain't no High Roller or Minion. Minimizing rolling resistance was the goal, and the crown and transition lugs on the Tomahawk are relatively low in height with this in mind, but there's still some very aggressive and bitey looking side lugs for when you lean it over. It's likely a more useable, all around tire than a true semi-slick, but still carries more speed than a traditional tire. Maxxis will offer the Tomahawk in 26'' (yes, 26''), 27.5'', and 29'' diameters, but all in only a 2.30'' width and with their 3C Maxx Terra rubber compound. All versions will be tubeless ready as well, and weights range between 810 and 1,005 grams depending on tire size.

Who remembers the High Roller semi slick? That thing was so badass when the conditions were right, but it was also just sketchy enough that things could go south quickly if you came across a patch of dampness. The new Minion SS looks a bit meatier down the middle, which should make it a whole lot more usable than that old High Roller SS, but the low profile and ramped center knobs (they're hardly lugs when they're that small) should still have you coasting away from your buddies on hard packed ground. It'll be available in 27.5'' and 29'' sizes, as well as with a proper downhill worthy casing should you want to run it on some rowdy terrain. No word on weights or pricing at this point.




Well, they've gone ahead and done it. The tire that was once the go-to choice for downhillers all over the world, and then by trail bike shredders who wanted serious meat, is now available for fat bikes. Maxxis is now offering their legendary Minion tires for fat bikes, but not just in a sorta-fat width, but in monster sized 4.8'' behemoth models. Just like with the standard Minion, there is a front and rear specific tread pattern, although these are referred to as the FBF and FBR instead of the DHF and DHR nomenclature that we've seen for years now. The basic tread pattern is the same, but Maxxis has obviously had to make some changes to the lugs to compensate for the increased casing size. This is most obvious on the FBF (shown above left) is the different crown lugs for a more pronounced center line, as well essentially two extra rows of staggered lugs on each side between the crown and corning knobs.

The FBR (shown above right) also sees changes compared to its smaller sized cousin, with broader lugs extending across the casing and an additional set of transition lugs. Both the FBF and FBR see their dual rubber compound laid over a cut resistant 120 TPI EXO casing, as well as being tubeless ready. No weights were listed, but don't expect them to be terribly light.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Maxxis