Maxxis Griffin Tire - Review

Aug 25, 2017
by Mike Kazimer  
Maxxis Griffin


The Griffin first appeared in Maxxis' catalog as a DH tire, designed for use in bike parks and on dry, hardpacked trails. Not long after, Maxxis quietly rolled out a folding bead, 2.3” version of that same tire for all wheel sizes.

The Griffin's tread pattern bears a resemblance to their more XC-oriented Ardent, but on the Griffin all of the center knobs are ramped, and there are steps cut into the intermediate knobs. It's a busy looking pattern, the polar opposite of a mud spike, which makes sense given its target trail conditions.

Maxxis Griffin Details

• Intended conditions: hardpack, loose over hardpack
• MaxxTerra rubber compound
• Tubeless Ready
• Sizes: 26'', 27.5'', and 29'' x 2.3"
• Weight: 1,020 grams (29'' x 2.3", DoubleDown)
• Price: $84.80 (DoubleDown), $68.90 (EXO)
• www.maxxis.com

Maxxis uses their 3C MaxxTerra compound on the Griffin, with a harder base rubber compound and two softer compounds layered on top. The Griffin is available with either a 60 TPI EXO casing, or Maxxi's two ply, 120 TPI DoubleDown casing. That thicker casing adds roughly 200 grams to the tire, and bumps up the price by $15 or so.


Maxxis Griffin
Maxxis Griffin


Performance

Due to my location in the Pacific Northwest I typically run wide tires with an aggressive tread pattern for most of the year, but a lack of rain this summer has created trails that are either hard as concrete, or covered with a deep layer of silt, so I mounted up a 29” Griffin with a Double Down casing to see how it handled the desert-like conditions. I ran it as a rear tire paired with a Minion DHF up front on two different wheelsets, one with a 28mm rim width, and the other with a 30mm internal rim width. Getting it set up tubeless wasn't any trouble, and once inflated, the tire measured 2.3” wide from sidewall to sidewall, and 2.25” from side knob to side knob.

I'll admit, I had my doubts about the Griffin. I'm not a huge fan of the Ardent, so the fact that the Griffin looked like a modified version of that tire had me a little skeptical. It turns out those fears were unfounded – the Griffin proved to be a great option for dusty, slippery trails, so much so that I'm planning on keeping it installed until the knobs are worn down to little nubbins, or the winter rains arrive, whichever comes first.

Compared to the Aggressor or the Minion SS the Griffin feels like it has more bite and braking traction, especially on steeper, loose terrain. One more than one occasion I found myself expecting it to lose its grip, but somehow it hooked up, digging in and keeping the rear wheel from drifting from side to side. I'd love to see a 2.4” folding bead version added into the mix, but the current version's narrower width does help it cut through sand and silt like a serrated knife while climbing and descending.

It holds its own on hardpack as well, where it's fast rolling and predictable. The tight tread pattern helps keep it from feeling squirmy on hardpacked turns; there's none of the vagueness or folding over that can occur on tires with taller side knobs. The thicker DoubleDown casing also helps keep it from collapsing in turns, and even though there's a weight penalty, it's one I'm willing to accept for the decreased risk of flats, as well as that additional sidewall support.

The Griffin's lower tread height and smaller knobs means that it's not the best choice if longevity is your top priority, but the rate of tread wear has been acceptable, especially considering that this tire has seen a couple days of bike park usage, which is the easiest way to shorten a tire's lifespan. All the knobs are still firmly attached, and there isn't any undue cracking or separating.


Maxxis Griffin
Maxxis Griffin



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesThe Griffin is a bit of a sleeper, a tire that's not as commonly seen as the other tires in Maxxis' lineup, but I'm a fan. It's fast rolling, but without sacrificing traction, something that comes in handy when descending loose, blown out trails. If you regularly find yourself riding on terrain that looks like the surface of the moon, the Griffin is an excellent choice.— Mike Kazimer





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94 Comments
  • 53 0
 My go-to rear tire! Fast rolling, good braking, consistent cornering and comes in a light DH casing!
  • 2 1
 • Price: $84.80 (DoubleDown), $68.90 (EXO)
Wait... wtf???
  • 42 0
 thank you maxxis for remembering me, the only grown-up in the world still riding in small wheels!
  • 15 0
 That makes 2 of us
  • 25 0
 Don't mind me, I'm just gonna make this a threesome real quick.
  • 6 0
 Here's Johnny!
  • 32 0
 I'm just here to watch..oh you're all dudes
  • 5 0
 Yep me too! Love me some 26"!
  • 8 0
 Yeah I'm still on 26!
  • 5 0
 i'm on 26 as well.
  • 3 0
 No doubt, nice to see them making all 3 sizes. I have all three sizes on different bikes and probably always will just for fun. These would be great for Grand Junction / Fruita / Moab riding.
  • 8 0
 I'm having some new 26" hoops built right now. 26aintdead and Maxxis knows it.
  • 2 1
 #26aintdead
  • 7 0
 26er squaaad! We get the cheap parts and great tires? F*ck yeah!
  • 2 0
 Yeah but would that be available here in my country, cant find the 26 minion ss in any of my lbs Frown
  • 6 0
 There are dozens of us!
  • 1 0
 @something979: I count 13 of you.
  • 4 3
 First thing I look for in a tyre review, availability of 26"
  • 1 0
 can I film this?
  • 2 0
 Yeah me too. I have an Ardent 2.4 on the back and it slides like a line dance at a wedding.
  • 3 0
 hell yeah same here! thanks Maxxis
  • 1 1
 yeeeewwwww 26er on a steel gnartail ????????????????
  • 14 0
 Maxxis, please offer DD casings with harder compounds! Especially for tires designed specifically for dry conditions. MaxTerra gets torn to shreds in 4corners conditions, which are presumably what this tire was designed for.
  • 2 0
 seconded!!
  • 3 0
 3rded! or make more durable soft compounds.....lol jk. just gimme like a 58duro DD cased tire
  • 10 0
 Finally put a Griffin on the back of my SB5.5, it's by far my favorite rear tire that I've used over the Aggressor, Minion SS and the full DHR2 / DHF setup. This tire rolls quickly, corners predictably and works really well in the usual Colorado conditions. I also liked the maxx terra compound for when things got wet or slippery, although it's a dry conditions tire it had respectable grip over an Aggressor on wet roots due to the softer compound. Only problem is at about 200 miles, this tire is shredded. I guess I can't complain too much as this was 50-75 miles of bike park and 100 miles of Crested Butte BME but wears much quicker than an Aggressor. Side knobs didn't wear too badly but ramped center blocks are almost falling off. Take your pick, fast rolling and better traction or overall longevity. I typically get close to 400 miles on an Aggressor. Also ran the EXO compound at 215 lbs at the park and racing with great results.
  • 1 0
 funny i had an opposite experience. i tore the casing between knobs on an aggressor and had a griff last almost a year of heavy bike park riding. admittedly it was only a DD casing on the aggressor and full dh casing for the griffin. worth the extra weight otherwise i just burn through tires.
  • 1 0
 @Gobstopper1 and @adrennan how does the rolling speed on them feel versus the Aggressor?
  • 2 0
 @zutroy: Feels faster rolling to me than an Aggressor with good braking abilities.
  • 10 1
 EXO isn't a compound, it's sidewall protection.
  • 2 0
 @adrennan: Do you run the Griffin in the front range? I also burn through tires and am searching for something that can last more than 10 rides. I'm not exaggerating, I literally get about 10 rides out of a rear tire before a sharp rock gets me or the tread just falls apart. I've run WTB's, Specialized Grid, Maxxis EXO's, and now running an Aggressor in a DD (only 1 ride on it so far).
  • 1 0
 @ryan83: yup. i did have the dh casing but i dont mind weight in exchange for reliability.
  • 1 0
 The review I was waiting on here. I'd take chain tires over the meh feelings I have about the aggressor. I've ran griffins front and rear on dh but I had my curiosities for trail bikes
  • 6 0
 Given I live in Scotland it's doubtful I'll ever see one of these let alone feel the need for one
  • 4 1
 Weird tread pattern... been running the Crossmark II in this same capacity, and its a GREAT dry/dusty/rocky western US rear tire when paired to the DHF up front... just the EXO 800g casing is a bit weak. I wish the Crossmark II tread was a available as DD for next summer, but if not, this might fit the bill.
  • 1 2
 No idea why they don't offer the crossmark, it was undoubtedly a better cornering tire than this one.
  • 8 1
 50a center knobs compound for a dry conditions rear tyre? really?
  • 6 0
 When I hear the name Griffin all I can think about is "Hey Lois"
  • 5 1
 Pee... Tear... Griffin...
  • 3 0
 @gonecoastal: it was a pea not a pee.
  • 2 0
 I love this tire! Ive been through many in the last year here in the Okanagan. Its kinda moon scape here so very well put! I raced the TransBC 6 Day Enduro on that very combination. Not one flat or shredded side wall. Ill take the extra "weight" with the DH casing and not shred any side walls all day long.
  • 5 0
 Hmmm, might be a good Colorado tire
  • 1 0
 it is. was running one for a long time just trying something different now but will go back to it.
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: Right on. I am a pretty aggressive trail rider, few Enduro races a year. However, looking for a good trail tire that is not as aggressive as my usual Minions. Something I can climb easier with on the front range, but can take some hits on the down. That sound good for this tire?
  • 2 0
 @bman33: thats exactly what i was doing with this tire. probably same trails and races. i switched to it one day at winter park after tearing an exo minion and the guy said it was worth a shot and i fell in love.

(i think we have been at ruby hill at the same time the past couple days)
  • 2 0
 @adrennan: Thanks man! Yes, I live 1.8 miles from Ruby Hill. I was there a week ago for the first time in a while. Green Transition Triple. I travel a good bit for work so it's been a pain lately. I might sneak over to Ruby this afternoon. Ha!
  • 1 0
 @bman33: nevermind then thought you were someone else haha but i have a red triple and work near the park. see ya there man
  • 1 0
 Are you guys running this front and back, or just back? Just transplanted here from the Southeast and running DHF/DHRII. Looking for tires.
  • 3 0
 @jm2e: I am front the southeast natively as well, Georgia. Currently on my trail bike I have a DHRII on front (it works) and an Aggressor on the rear. I will be trying this Griffin on the rear soon enough.
  • 3 0
 also works as a dj tire. i have it front and back on my slopestyle bike and it makes the bike so rad at trestle. so fast.
  • 2 0
 Yep, run mine w/ a DH casing on back of my slope bike. Works great on dry Colorado blown out conditions.
  • 1 0
 @grabtindy: this tire is getting a lot of love from the coloradans in this thread.
  • 1 0
 Seriously. With all this ranting and raving from colorado riders now i have to try it
  • 1 0
 @artusbiker: it might not be gnarly but it does have sharp rocks and high speed so it puts tire durability to the test
  • 4 0
 I believe Melamed was using this as his rear tire at Whistler this year.
  • 1 0
 This is true! Jesse has been a longtime fan of the DHF/Griffin combo.
  • 1 1
 Mr. Kazimer, how do you think the Griffin, at 2.3", would do on a 40mm external width rim?

I'm really liking the Maxxis Wide Trail stuff but would like to try something from them with a bit better rolling resistance in the back.
  • 2 0
 I think 40mm will be a little too wide - you're probably better off going with a 2.5" WT Aggressor for less rolling resistance and a better profile on those wide rims.
  • 1 1
 @mikekazimer: that's what I thought.

Neither the Aggressor, nor the new High Roller are available in WT as of yet. But should be within the next month I think?

At that point I'll prob go with the High Roller for these dusty SoCal trails.

Thanks for the advice!
  • 2 0
 @MasterSlater: Correct. The WT Aggressor and High Roller II tires should be available to most North American distributors and bike shops in early October.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: thanks for the update!

And thanks for making such killer tires! The WT's are my all time favorites. California is so dusty and treacherous and they really shine on my 40mm rims!
  • 4 1
 Just mount it on Richie's bike and it's going to sell like hotcake.
  • 2 0
 How does it handle anything damp/wet out of interest? I know it isn't it's intended usage, but sometimes rain happens.
  • 1 0
 Same - would like to hear if anyone has used it 'in the woods'?
  • 3 1
 They couldn't call it the MAXXIS Gripen.... its Swedish for Griffin but allows for better puns.
  • 1 0
 Used the Griffin , DH casing on the back for Trans Savoie. Worked great in all conditions, no flats and was still OK to pedal up a lot of hills.
  • 1 0
 One more time: why don't people like the Ardent? Maybe the sandy conditions at mammoth and South Lake Tahoe just require wide tires, cause Ardents work well for me, 2.4x29...
  • 1 0
 I despise the 2.4 Ardent. I liked the smaller version so gave them a shot but hate the roll of the big side knobs anytime I corner on hardpack.
  • 3 0
 @jdt086: yeah, really not a fan of the Ardent. Just sucks at braking traction and in turns in in dusty, dry conditions in my opinion.
  • 4 0
 Its a great rear xc tire. It pushes horribly on the front.
  • 1 0
 I like it, only in diferent shape and rubber coumpound, same casing thought. On-One Chunky Monkey dual coumpound, pratically a MaxxTerra, 50/42a and a much lower price tag. Better traction almost bald than a new DHR 2 dual coumpound.
  • 1 0
 Side knobs fold over in the the hardpack. You can actually see dirt free spots under the side knobs at times.
  • 1 0
 Oddly I've had good luck with my Ardent 26x2.4, single compound, wire bead, have worn superbly, run at 29psi or so on 21mm rims, predictable, decent braking traction, roll quick, I run Minions now which are more of everything, including rolling resistance, but I'm a fan o Ardent.
  • 1 2
 I am using "Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo Downhill 2.5x26" Vertstar wire bead" on both front and rear, and I have been using them ever other weekend since December 2016 on local a DH and Trail tracks in Norway. The rear tyre is a bit more worn but it has not worn down as fast as I read in forums - "One weekend at Whistler and the its all worn down!" - none of that. I got worried in the beginning since you could see that they did not look new anymore, but there is plenty more life in them still, after 9 months of weekend warrior.
The only time they skid is on small gravel on top of rocks, and wet roots (ofc), but I think they are great in wet conditions. I actually prefer a rainy day or the day after because dry ground with small gravel on rocks can be more of a surprise. I mean when everything looks fine and dry and then the front tyre slides as if it was on a wet root.
The extra size is comfortable when you are cruising in high speed in rock gardens. In size the Maxxis 2.5 is more like my old Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1, and that is why I have not tried Maxxis yet. The Schwalbe Thunder Burts has btw no business off road. Only dirt roads.
www.chainreactioncycles.com/se/en/schwalbe-magic-mary-evo-mtb-tyre-downhill/rp-prod118247
  • 1 0
 Anyone had a chance to compare to the Rekon 2.6? @MikeKazimer, any thoughts? Looking for a fast-rolling rear that will hold in the PNW moon dust as well.
  • 2 0
 not many UK users I notice
  • 2 0
 Been using one of the DH versions on the back as my bike park tyre. It's really, really good especially at BPW. Will be trying one of the new, lighter versions when I can get one. I'm sure Maxxis will have them here by next winter, along with some more DHF's..
  • 2 0
 How does it compare to the Specialized Purgatory?
  • 2 4
 I like how you call dry PNW "desert" conditions. I rode up there in August a couple years ago and everyone was saying the trails were horrible, dusty, blown out, and such but they were still hero dirt compared to SoCal and Arizona in the winter. I'd like to see the tire reviewed again in proper dry conditions...
  • 8 0
 If you don't believe me, you're welcome to head north and see for yourself. A portion of my testing took place in Whistler - check out the images from last week's Canadian Open DH race for some evidence of how dry it's been: www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-crankworx-whistler-canadian-open-downhill.html
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: what do you think about bend, Oregon in with regards to how suitable it would be for volcanic fluff during the peak summer?
  • 2 0
 @Longtravel, definitely, especially with a more aggressive tire up front.
  • 1 0
 "Desert like conditions", haha. This is the first summer I left bellingham to find better traction east of the pass!
  • 1 0
 And my dumb *** drove all the way up to Bellingham to race. Smile Although I'll say the DHF 2.6/DHR II WT 2.4 combo performs admirably in the moon dust.
  • 1 0
 sorry, to narrow for me...
  • 1 0
 Looks like a Klein Death Grip.
  • 1 0
 Doesn't look like it will work too well here in the Northeast
  • 1 0
 Nah this tire destroys creek. Definitely summer only
  • 2 2
 But does it come in +?

//Throws self out
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