Prototype Maxxis Downhill Tire - Taipei Cycle Show 2011

Mar 16, 2011 at 20:43
by Mike Levy  
Pinkbike takes a closer look at Maxxis' new prototype downhill tire. Is this the tire that replaces the much loved Highroller?
photo
Could this be the tire that replaces the much loved Highroller?


Found in the Maxxis booth is this prototype downhill tire that resembles the Highroller, a perennial favorite for many riders, but with some major updates that Maxxis feels improves on the Highroller's cornering abilities. The pattern still makes use of ramped center knobs to improve rolling speed, although Maxxis is saying that the new rubber rolls faster than the Highroller. Both the cornering and crown lugs are siped for better traction as well. Expect it to be offered in only one size, labeled as a 2.4", although it is built on the same casing as the Highroller which should make it a very similar width.

photo
The new tire will be available in both FR and DH versions.

Maxxis took advantage of their sponsorship of some of the top racers and called up Steve Peat, Greg Minnaar, and Bryn Atkinson to help test the new tread pattern. While the new tire was labeled as 'Descendant', Maxxis is yet to fully commit to a name.


Maxxis prototype tire details:

• Tested and approved with the help of Peat, Minnaar, and Atkinson
• True 2.4" width
• Built on the same casing as the Highroller
• Name is still undecided


Visit Maxxis.com to see their current lineup.


We'll have more information about the new tire shortly, but in the meantime lets hear what you think about the new tread pattern. Are you excited for what's to come, or do you plan on stocking up on Highrollers?

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

149 Comments
  • 26 2
 hhhmmmm....interesting. looks more to me like a HighRoller and an Ardent mated and this came out.....
  • 35 187
flag saintjimmy (Mar 16, 2011 at 21:44) (Below Threshold)
 Maxxis has been making garbage the last few years, and sitting on how well the Minion/Highrollers have been. Hopefully with the recent push of new tires and tread patterns emerging from Schwalbe and Continental, that Maxxis will make a tire to rival the new brands.
  • 100 2
 What you talking about willis!
  • 8 33
flag cruelty-and-the-beast (Mar 16, 2011 at 21:54) (Below Threshold)
 these tires look like my shwalbe wicked wills...
  • 35 1
 saintjimmy : it looks to me that you use minions, so if you are diappointed with them then buy somthing else !
  • 41 1
 Looks like the nevegal and minion had sex and this is their baby
  • 11 1
 Looks alright, but only time will tell.

Am I the only person in the world that thinks the Ardent is the best tyre?

I can't stand minions, they are too unpredictable for me and I've never really tried highrollers.

On the Conti Der Kaisers now
  • 9 2
 No, Ardent's are definitely the best tire! But they wear out so quickly.
  • 8 0
 ^ seconded! ardents are a dream
  • 4 1
 when 50% worn, you wont be able to tell the difference between from a high roller haha!
  • 2 0
 Hm I dunno. I rode them last season on my DH Bike as 2.4 60a Single Ply and had often the feeling to ride on the edge. Since then I am riding the Minion F on my front and rear tire and I could even go faster, didn't drift and had more control.
Maybe you tell me your opionion, what makes the tire so "a dream".

Ride on
  • 5 1
 Ardents are pure dangerous in the North of Scotland, only mediocre as a rear tyre, put one on the front and go at minion, or even better DerKaiser speeds and book your bead in hospital! Different places ride differently though. Where Conti have it is not the tread pattern but the rubber compound. Softer feel, more grip on wet roots and rocks etc. Maxxis do roll slightly faster though and the HR has better stopping power than a DerKaiser, or even a Rain King.
  • 22 98
flag Budlee (Mar 17, 2011 at 1:31) (Below Threshold)
 The Maxxis must be a small company. I've only heard of Kenda
  • 32 2
 Bundlee mate, please crawl under that rock u've been hidding over the last half a dozen years!! lol

Maxxis is 'just' the world's biggest bike tire company and in the world! They're leaders in developing new designs and rubber solutions for tires...

Dead Horse
  • 4 0
 Wow, where have you been for the past 10 years?

Ardents are good when it comes to Hardpack and nothing else. Used a set on a hired bike in Morzine for a day and just kept washing out on anything remotely loose. High Rollers though have been proven, year on year, to be one of the top DH tyres. Just look at what the WC riders use!
  • 19 0
 Not being awkward or anything, but i think Budlee was joking...
  • 9 2
 maybe we can call it HighRodent. if its a mix of high roller and ardent.
  • 3 0
 Looks like it wont be too bad in mud, Im only saying that because I cant be arsed to change tyers when it rains. and maxxis could do with somthing fresh that could be as big as the high roller or minion.
  • 3 1
 Looks like a faster rolling Minion to me.
  • 3 0
 Ardents have been perfect for me. I dont know if I would even try anything else. This looks good though.
  • 1 0
 i understand that people don't like the Ardent, and that is true grit, they don't work as well on anything loose. Stopping power I found they were not as powerful, but I'm not really trying to stop.

The side lugs on the Ardent mean you need to turn aggressively to hook up, the motion my Ardents took was always;

Turn and grip, then slide, then hook up. I knew exactly when they would hook up and I have never been able to do that with any other tyre.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, the Ardents were very predictable but you had to ride aggresively to use them to thier full potential. Awesome tire.
  • 1 0
 UST version as well?
  • 1 0
 compare this tire to the current minion rear tires, they are pretty similiar
  • 1 0
 @foosfreak99 , idk if people will call these tires highrodents but you could call my mice that after i get done smokin in my room...
  • 1 0
 ardents are a good tyre for the wet not much else
  • 3 0
 -57 comments in less than 24 hours!!! HAHAHAHA i'm doing well Big Grin
  • 1 0
 well ur obviosly not doing well in school cuase that is no where near 57 comments
  • 5 0
 he meant props. and thats 57 people that dont understand the british sense of humour
  • 6 0
 let me guess, another tire verging on £100 a set. bloody joke
  • 1 0
 @raleighvoid ok then that makes sence
  • 18 2
 Don't replace the Highroller! It doesn't need replacing!
  • 7 0
 If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm all for developing a new sick tire but why does it have to "replace" anything?
  • 7 0
 High Roller 2.5s front / rear for the win!! Great all around downhill no nonsense tire.
  • 10 0
 I don't see why so many people see this as an invite to answer the question "what are the best tires?" Its like asking what is the best bike?. There is no best bike and there is no best tire. I prefer vanilla to chocolate, doesn't mean one is better, just means I know what I like and thats what I'll spend my money on. For tires it has to do with riding style, weather, terrain and lots of other variables. An all mountain rider from Nevada is going to prefer a different tire to a DH racer from Port Alberni. If your just buying them cause they look cool or cause some 12 year old on Pink bike with turquoise skinny jeans said they were hot, etc. then perhaps your not getting as much from your tires as you could. The debate is largely useless to me other than hearing where were they tested, under what conditions, what riding styles, what features will be beneficial to what (cornering etc.) and leave it up to the individual to pick if it fits.
  • 7 0
 Looks pretty sweet! I like the sipes in the center lugs (something I have done to High Roller lugs before) Hope to check out a set in 2011
  • 2 0
 wow, looks like the perfect summer tire. will be getting some of these for morzine if available by then.
  • 1 4
 lol in the picture it doesnt look 2.4 inches wide hhhaha but sick new tire
  • 1 3
 Looks badass. I hope theres some sort of folding bead lightweight option...
  • 1 0
 NeoRoller is the name for that New one Wink
  • 2 0
 A evolution of the Highroller..... ssswwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet !!!!!
  • 2 0
 so minion and HR had a love child, hopefully the new rubber is much better and warrants the price hike! (going up to 50quid)

as at the moment they wear far to fast and last like 3 months. conti rubber lasts 12+months with more grip
  • 2 0
 Hello, all. Thought I'd post here and clear up some misconceptions and answer some questions.

Firstly, the design was copied from no other tire besides the High Roller. If the Canfield brothers also used the High Roller as a basis for their design, then it stands to reason that the tires would look similar. I still have not seen the Canfield tire, but I met to Chris Canfield yesterday and he described his tire to me. It didn't sound very similar...

Secondly, Wayne Parsons did assist in the design of this tire. It was a little strange, because I had already begun thinking about a High Roller redesign, and then out of the blue Wayne sent me a picture of the High Roller with some modifications that he thought would make the tire better. Two of those modifications were similar to the ideas in my head, so I thought it would be nice to include him in the design process. He and I worked well together, and it was an enjoyable experience.

Thirdly, we are not yet sure if this tire will replace the High Roller or if it will be an all new tire. I can say that this tire was fully tested (by Peat, Minnaar, R. Cunningham, Lars Sternberg, Bryn Atkinson, and others) and they all felt that the tire was equal to or an improvement over the original High Roller in every performance category. Cornering traction was the biggest area of improvement, with braking improved as well. The transition is gradual with no vagueness/washing, and the tire gives warning before breaking free (an improvement over the original High Roller). We'll release a DH single compound 60a, a DH triple compound 3C, and a folding Exo version first.

Any other questions- just shoot.

Bryan Holwell, Senior Tire Design & Development Engineer, Maxxis
  • 1 0
 I've read your post and must thank you. Your explanation of improved handling areas, and expected release versions allows me to dream of something new... say, 2.35 folding, Exo, about 750g in weight. Now that would just ROCK! in my home town of Whistler.
  • 2 0
 Horses for courses. Some tyres suit different riding styles. I hate Ignitors, but other people I know swear by them. Similarly, I can't get on with Minions, despite the hype.

High Rollers however, I love, in all flavours (2.5, 2.35 and even 2.1).
  • 3 1
 I designed these to be a replacement for the HR. The knob height will be increased for production. They are meant to be a good all conditions tire with better braking and cornering than the HR. So far the tests are good! I've been riding a set since the fall.
  • 2 0
 I don't like them, the pros use them becase they "roll" better.
Minions have much more grip on everything, Highrollers are unpredictiable and I find they loost grip easier than Minions.
  • 1 0
 I ride Sticky Swampthings and they have never let me down. Tried the minion once and went back after a week. There is a lot of deep mud where I ride and I haven't found any other tyre that works as well as swampy unless you guys have any suggestions.
  • 2 1
 The knob height will be increased, making it better for soft conditions. As it stands, it a good soft-intermediate tire for most conditions. If you are racing in mud, you use a spike, but this one will suffice in a pinch. I made this one to give good rolling resistance but offer way better braking characteristics than the high roller. Just tap the brakes and you'll notice how well it bites. Just remember, for tire design simple is good. Overly complicated designs are usually not so good in the real world, even though they might look good on paper.
  • 1 0
 You can get high rollers in 2.7 and 2.5s..Are they saying that these tyres will offer same grip with less of a contact spot?? If so then I look forward to trying them Smile .
However will people buy them over the already legendary High Roller Super Tacky?? Only time will tell
  • 1 0
 I think I must be one of the few people who think that high rollers are the most over rated tyre on the market. I just dont feel in control of the bike on high rollers and I'm forever crashing and loosing grip on them.I'm also not the only rider who thinks the same. I swear by Minion F's on both front and rear, 100% predictable and grip like hell. These just look like another high roller to me but it will be interesting to see what its like.
  • 4 4
 Maxxis are the best. FULL STOP, there's no other tire company out there that can match there performance or confidence inspiring grip that they offer, this new tire will of cause follow on well from the much loved and used High Roller.
  • 5 1
 Ever heard of schwalbe?
  • 1 0
 hell yeah! should have heard of it. Chopped down dirty dan on front and something fast rolling on the back.
  • 1 0
 I just go with a pair of muddy marys for nearly everything
  • 1 0
 I ride maxxis and they're great but you can't say they are the best full stop, sure they are very popular but the other tyre companys also have very good tyres. Never write anything off before trying it.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, years ago I used to Factory DH 2.5, which were the best bask in the 90's. recently i used Conti Digger which were terrible, had one of the worst crashes/blow out with them on, it the alps, and Panaracer after that, they were okay. Then i got a pair of high rollers, and my life changed at that moment. I was blown away by the grip they offered and the predictability of them. I have since bought a pair of Conti mountain king 2.4 singe ply, and there very good on SS bike, very fast rolling, but not so confident on the tech stuff. So i have used a lot of different tires over the years.
  • 1 0
 I've a highroller and a minion in my dh bike...and a highroller in my dirt bike, and I think highroller is a good tyre, but minion is better. This new tyres look symply perfect to me!!
  • 1 0
 I think as a tread pattern that the side tread is too close together (for damp riding), I am guessing it is still designed to be cut, just as the current high roller is for when it gets a little damp?
  • 2 2
 oddley enough this is almost identical to the tire lance and chris canfield designed and had maxxis start making for them this year as well as they designed thers as a minion highroller mix... kind off sucks to have the company you source to copy your design... kind of like banshee at pacific cycles copying the jedi and its made there for the brothers for several years... industry is full of design borrowers... See sicklines on the 2011 jedi to see the canfield tire maxxis is making for them and I saw this tire a year ago when chris and lance brought it by the house, they designed it then had maxxis make it...
  • 5 1
 Oddly enough this tyre is also very similar to the Highroller, which was originally designed and made by Maxxis!

As for the Banshee thing - are you for real? Banshee have been PUBLICLY developing the Legend for over 3 years now... there have been at least four iterations of CAD design published over the years, as well as at least 3 actual iterations of the frame. To claim they "copied" the Canfield is flat out ridiculous - especially when there are huge and obvious differences in the designs anyway. Like if there was ever a claim that has simply ZERO credibility, that was pretty much it.
  • 1 0
 I designed this tire from looking at the HR. Nobody stole anything. It retains all the HR good qualities but offers better braking and cornering control.
  • 1 4
 Hey Socket lets take a trip back in time.... Pacific cycles has been making hte jedi for 4 production years and the original prototype was 5 years ago they made for Chris and Lance so yeah I stand on my quote above.... If you think it doesnt look like the jedi then look at a frame to frame set up they are close and it was to try and follow the same direction... As far as tire design Chris and Lance were designing this a while ago and spacing lugs etc... IT WAS SUPPOSED to look similair to the highroller... They quote that tire as being the best tire to date as well as merged it with a minion to try and make the ultimate tire.... So as far as I know and talking to Chris over the course of the last year and half that this design for tread has been there focus and designing it I stick to that...
  • 3 0
 Right, so it's OK for Canfield to base their designs on someone else's, but when somebody else builds a bike where the two links look similar (despite not being oriented the same way, ignoring the fact that the swingarm is totally different and that the front triangle is NOTHING alike and that the Banshee doesn't have a very similar axle path or use an idler for the chain...) it's some kind of ripoff? Trust me I've looked VERY closely at the two bikes, and you are indeed making a big stretch there. bansheebikes.blogspot.com/2007/11/banshee-legend-mki-light-and-fast.html - note that this was posted in 2007, and Keith was working on it since his Masters thesis 2 years prior... that's SIX years ago now, so your claims of copying can pipe down right about now thanks.
  • 1 0
 im a high roller lover BUT THE MICH ROCK'R is an amazing tyre !! and reasonably similar to the above, and the roller for that fact, just with a little more spacing on the centre lugs
  • 1 0
 minion DHF and high roller just had a kid. not sure which one assumed the female role (suppose minion). the best or the worst of the two? will never know without trying. For now Storm DH will be the first tire to try out.
  • 1 0
 Love my High Rollers, and also my DHF/DHR combo. Now I run a DHF/DHR combo but I also used to use HRs front and rear. High Rollers brake better, but DHF/DHR has better lean.

I'd try these tho.
  • 1 0
 Won't be the first to admitt that this is more or less the same to the DH minion tyre im runnign at the moment with a few different angles on the outer ruts... but it could make a difference ( and high rollers are shite )
  • 2 0
 Don't replace the high roller! just have both, maybe high roller customers won't like this new tyre!??!?
  • 3 0
 these will be good on my apollo fs26
  • 2 0
 looks like a lot of side grip and self cleaning to me.. totally interesting.. time will tell!
  • 6 3
 The High Roller is getting old, it's about time for an update!
  • 4 1
 But this prototype looks pretty similar to the High Roller, they just made some changes on the side lugs and some other minors changes, for me they are just refreshing the High Roller by changing its name
  • 2 3
 imo, If it's not broken don't fix it but high roller could have been improved for better cornering. I always wanted a Minion Lust UST but Maxxis never seem to think about it much. :\
  • 1 0
 dont call them descendants please! saying i have descendants could mean the cranks.. or the tires where as minion and hi roller are well known names that are not copied..
  • 1 0
 A bit like having a podium could mean a pedal and a frame? Both chosen in a competition which makes it kinda funny Wink
  • 1 0
 Lol. I say they look like they were inspired by Nevegals and I get neg propped. Another dude does, and he gets +30. People love me.
  • 1 0
 they need to up date the hollyroller but over here in kansas its like 50 dollars a tire which is crazy
  • 4 0
 50 is pretty standard. Try buying them in canada. When i was up at whistler over the summer there were maxis tires going for over 100 bucks. Now THAT is crazy hahaa
  • 3 0
 seriously, I wouldn't mind paying $50 a tire
  • 1 0
 $50 msrp standard?!? Most Maxxis DH tires bottom out at $65 retail!
  • 2 0
 word.
  • 3 0
 £47 GBP so i wouldnt complain at $50
  • 2 0
 Those look pretty sweet, but they better not get rid of minions...
  • 2 0
 KaiseRoller... Looks good.
  • 1 0
 looks very much like the specialized butcher...could have something to do with maxxis making most of specialized' tyres Razz
  • 2 0
 they should just call them maxxis prototypes.
  • 1 0
 should call them maxxis inbetweeners as there from two types of tyre simples lol
  • 1 0
 im looking forward to running these when they arrive.im sure they will be the same class maxxis always deliver
  • 1 0
 im looking forward to running these,im sure they will be of the same class that maxxis always deliver
  • 1 0
 mesmo não sendo um fã desta marca (por más experiencias anteriores) pode ser de se pensar, se o preço for convidativo...
  • 1 0
 high roller and minion all rolled in to one best of all worlds can wait to get a pair
  • 1 0
 i just bought this tire (or it is a coincidence that it has the exact same tread pattern) and it works great!
  • 2 0
 this will be my new go to tire as soon as i can get my hands on them.
  • 7 7
 That's pretty sweet looking. It may be just me, but I think it looks like it was inspired by the tread-shape of the Kenda Nevegal.
  • 1 0
 looks so sweet! everything i love about a minion plus everything i love about a high roller! =D
  • 1 0
 Well if it's better than a high roller that's only a good thing,looks as though it might roll faster too.
  • 1 0
 Tred pattern is really similar to the Ardent but with a wee bit more space between the knobbly bits, looks good.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a combo of a fr minion and r high roller looks like my new fav tire
  • 1 0
 be good for them to replace the High Roller, personally i find them SHITE, but thats just my opinion.
  • 1 2
 I designed these to be a replacement for the HR. The knob height will be increased for production. They are meant to be a good all conditions tire with better braking than the HR. So far so good!
  • 1 0
 looks like the awsome offspring of a highroller and a minion il be having that !
  • 1 0
 It looks like a cross between the Highroller and Minion Dhf. Looks pretty sick though Big Grin
  • 2 0
 der baron my new tyre of choice, but these look nice
  • 1 0
 The highroller is not a great front tire , this should help a bit.. I'd still run the old highroller rear.
  • 3 6
 New Maxxis tyre that's gonna "take over from the highroller."

Not gonna happen in my opinion - why Maxxis felt the need to create a whole new tyre instead of just updating the existing benchmark is beyond me! All the same, it's going to be a fantastic tyre!
  • 1 1
 wow, looks like the perfect summer tire. will be getting some of these for morzine if available by then.
  • 2 1
 you would put an un-tested tyre (by you) on your bike for your holiday, rather than sticking with what you know...... bold!
  • 1 0
 i would try these out today if available
  • 1 0
 This looks like the perfect tyre for me, looking forward to it coming out.
  • 1 0
 This tire looks Agressive, can't wait to try it out!
  • 1 0
 Looks like the love child of high rollers and minions!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a specialized Butcher
  • 1 0
 Looks nice. I have Ardents and have not had any issues with them...
  • 1 0
 negeval and a high roller?
  • 1 1
 whats so new about that tire? no big deal there..lol . there tires suck .. i would never buy them again!
  • 1 0
 looks awesome! what's the weight?
  • 1 0
 The info above is all that I could get out of them for now. We'll have more soon though.
  • 2 1
 to me it looks like a minion and a high roller mated and I love my minions
  • 1 0
 Always good to have another choice! Love my Geax Neurons for now.
  • 2 1
 these should be great for the socal area.
  • 2 2
 they better not replace high rollers! positive props if you want the highroller to continue its legacy!
  • 1 0
 I bet it will hook up great..!
  • 1 0
 its tyre, i tire of reading tire
  • 1 1
 It's "Tire" on this side of the pond.
  • 1 0
 Are they allready available to buy?
  • 1 0
 no, they are not yet available, Maxxis is still working on some things and as Mike mentioned in the write up are still deciding on a final name
  • 1 0
 Highrollers are all I use so Ill have to give these a try.
  • 1 0
 ahhahaha the same as the old spz chunder dh.. look that! hahaha
  • 1 0
 They need to name it the 'Sharpie'
  • 1 0
 NeveRoller
  • 1 0
 that looks sweeet!! (Y)
  • 1 0
 look nice
  • 1 0
 they look legit
  • 1 0
 Two please.
  • 1 0
 it is soock!
  • 1 0
 fuck eveyone!
  • 1 0
 nevegals?
  • 1 0
 i want 2.5 Big Grin
  • 1 1
 whoa my replies are being placed in a weird spot
  • 1 0
 kenda nevegal.....?
  • 1 0
 I'd name it The Gummer.
  • 1 1
 I have the same but from Nokian ;P the same shape .
Wird
  • 1 3
 maxxis swampthing are the best by far Smile
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