New Tires from Maxxis, WTB and Vee - Taipei Cycle Show

Mar 23, 2017
by Vernon Felton  
2017 Taipei Cycle Show

Who cares about new tires when there are new forks and wheels and drivetrains and bikes to geek over? Tires? Pshaw. Lowly hoops of rubber. No sex appeal at all. Move on. Nothing to see here .

Except, of course, for one fact: Tires might be the most important (and underrated) components on your bike after brakes. Tires are you contact with the dirt, the key to grip, the things that keep you from yardsale-ing all over this green earth. So, while they may lack the bling factory of a gold-anodized fork stanchion, let's give rubber some respect. Here are some new pieces coming down the pike.

Quai s Stepped Carbon Rims - Taipei Cycle Show

Maxxis has been on a tear of late, releasing both new models and new variations on models that have been around for years. We recently attended a Maxxis press launch in Georgia, during which the company unveiled 27.5x2.6-inch Minion DHF and DHRII models as well as tubeless-ready, downhill versions of their 27.5 Minion DHF, DHRII and Shorty models.

There are more new tires in store, however. Maxxis has come to Taipei with WT versions of the 27.5x2.5 High Roller II and Aggressor models (with Double Down casings), plus a new 27.5x2.6 Ardent Race and 29x2.6 Rekon.

The four new tires are still several months away from showing up at a bike shop near you, but they’re in the pipeline. Wheelmakers have been marching to the wider-is-better drumbeat for years now and tire technology has been sorely out of step. The end result has been that a lot of tires are no longer optimally shaped when mounted to rims that are a 10 or more millimeters wider than the rims most tires were designed around way back when. It’s good, then, to see more tire models (such as the WTs) specifically designed for internal rim widths of 30 millimeters or more.
Quai s Stepped Carbon Rims - Taipei Cycle Show
Maxxis' new Rekon 29x2.6

Maxxis' 29x2.6-inch Rekon is noteworthy both because it's 2.6 (which wasn't even a thing a year ago) and because it's just one of many new burlier-than-thou 29er models hitting the streets these days. We're starting to see more tires and forks hitting the streets, aimed squarely at the long-travel 29er market. It's worth keeping your eye on.

2.6 IS THE NEW BLACK
As for the growing crop of 2.6-inch tires? I guess 2.6 is suddenly the new black…or the new 2.8 or, I dunno, this week’s flavor at any rate. Time will tell how that one shakes out. At any rate, if you’re 2.6-curious, you’ve got more options than you did yesterday. Speaking of which, Vee Tire Co. is announcing the release of their Flow Snap 2.6… in both 29 and 27.5-inch trims.

Vee originally rolled out the Flow Snap in 2015 as a 27.5x2.3-inch tire, but feels that a 2.6-inch version will be well suited to enduro riders. We’ll see. Those enduro transfers may not be timed, but a lot of them still involve a crap ton of climbing. Can the industry churn out 2.6-inch tires that don't impose a weight penalty, yet still hold up to the abuse doled out in an enduro race? You have to wonder...

The 2.6-inch Flow Snap models will hit the street in June.
Quai s Stepped Carbon Rims - Taipei Cycle Show
Vee Tire Co. is rolling out 29 and 27.5x2.6 versions of their Flow Snap tire.

What isn’t new and 2.6-inches wide? WTB’s 29x2.25-inch Ranger. The Ranger is aimed at XC riders and, according to WTB, is a good wet-weather performer with excellent mud clearing traits. The Ranger 2.25 will be available in both TCS Light and TCS Tough casings. If the tire looks familiar, it’s because it’s a skinnier version of the company’s Ranger 2.8 and 3.0 plus-size models. Apparently, a tire can occasionally go from fat to skinny and not the other way around.


Quai s Stepped Carbon Rims - Taipei Cycle Show
What isn't 2.6 or 2.8 or 3.0 inches these days? The new WTB Ranger 2.25. Get your XC on.
2017 Tires Maxxis 2.6 WTB Kenda Honey Badger


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Tires WTB Maxxis Taipei Cycle Show


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191 Comments
  • 214 20
 I saw a 2 and a 6 and got excited....
  • 170 68
 My friend, 26'' is dead, has been for a bit, but its ok, there are a ton of fun bikes here in 2017, come join us you'll like it.
  • 123 58
 @racecase: 26 AIN'T DEAD!
  • 75 7
 @dtax let be real here...

a lot of people including me have 26 bike just because there is no plan to purchase a new bike in then next couple of years (budget???), if there was a plan (and budget) mot of them would be purchaing 27.5
  • 56 12
 @racecase: We will have less of that attitude my friend, 26 may be dead in your shed, but it ain't in mine, and my money, and many like me, is as good as yours, and will be until I hang up my boots, if your company makes me 26 tyres.
  • 6 3
 @racecase: I'd love to! You gonna foot the bill? Alrighty then.
  • 5 4
 @orientdave: Dave, what about the next bike you will purchase, will it still be 26 inch? dont trying to create conflict just curious,
  • 8 20
flag lee-vps-savage (Mar 23, 2017 at 7:50) (Below Threshold)
 @racecase: My friend who's 26 just died... Funny how the world works!
  • 15 4
 @Narro2: Exactly. All my MTB's have had 26" wheels. I'll only change if i really have to.
  • 5 30
flag dtax (Mar 23, 2017 at 7:56) (Below Threshold)
 @Narro2: duuuuuuh that's because by in large they don't make 26" bikes anymore..... no sh!t Sherlock
  • 47 4
 @Narro2: I just bought a 26 inch Cotic BFe frame, they sold out last June when the container arrived. I honestly have no plans to buy any more frames (ever, at this point because the gains would be marginal and I am pushing 50). I have a shed full of 26 rims and pre-boost hubs and forks.

I need rubber, cables and pads.

For people like me (loads of us around me), 26 is still very much great thanks.
  • 34 4
 My 26er will never die
  • 10 22
flag ashyjay (Mar 23, 2017 at 8:47) (Below Threshold)
 @racecase: 26 will officially be dead when production dirt jump and slope bikes move to 27.5 or 29er, until then it's still limping on.
  • 30 5
 there are more 26 than any other wheel size out there, just sayin !!
  • 2 2
 @orientdave: But you probably don't buy much product, or if you do you try and get a deal on the net.... not saying its a bad thing, just the facts that people who buy new bikes are more likely to buy higher quantities of tires etc as they are concerned with performance. And thus the bike industry will cater to those riders, pretty simple.
  • 6 0
 @racecase: I think that 27.5 will be great for me because I need a XL frame. However I can only afford 8 to 10 year old bikes:-(
One of the best upgrades I can do is tires.
26 won't be dead for people like me for a long time yet. So I still need rubber!
  • 4 7
 @Narro2 NO, tenem bicicletas con ruedas de 26 porque derrapan mejor y los radios aguantan más. 26 es mejor, si tu eres una putita de la industria es tu problema.
  • 11 1
 @WAtrailmaker, @orientdave
Maxxis still makes a TON of fantastic 26" rubber. Tubeless ready, EXO, 3C, WT, etc. Anything that's meant to be ridden aggressively, and even many of the XC treads are all available in 26". Its gotta be murder on the manufacturers and shops trying to produce and then stock the stuff, but as consumers there are more good options available for every size imaginable than ever before right now. Maybe not in every flavor from every manufacturer, but there are so many good and proven tires available in every size and width right now. I guess I'm just not seeing the gap that you are. What tire/s do you want that are missing? (I personally want to see more Good 26+ options. 2.8, 3.0. Thats a 26" gap I see right now)
Rims on the other hand... Good wide modern TR 26" rims are much more scarce. Both WTB and Stans now make some great new options in 26" though and those are pretty new releases.
  • 3 3
 @fartymarty: it wont, but you'll need to go to walmart to buy tiresSmile
  • 9 2
 @racecase: TwentySix is not dead. I still have two in my stable and a good supply of tires and 26 specific drive train components Wink
  • 6 11
flag mgolder (Mar 23, 2017 at 11:15) (Below Threshold)
 @panchocampbell: More out there, of course. Because it has had a few decades head start ha ha. However, the industry is what denotes 'dead' or 'alive'. And the vast majority have decided that it is very very dead.

Slopestyle and 4x bikes don't count as proper mountain bikes it must be said. And the ones that are still made are either from small companies who have no sway on the uptake of anything, or a single model made to placate the people who refuse to move on.
  • 3 5
 @dars51: It most certainly is! Other than the select few that hang on..
  • 4 1
 @Narro2: Nahh straight from 26 to 29 for me and most of my riding brethren..
  • 1 0
 @ashyjay: That's exactly it!
  • 12 9
 @mgolder:
WTF made you the mtb Police?
I've been riding Dirt Jump / DS / 4X / Slope bikes for 20+ years for everything from DH to Cross country rides and won't be stopping anytime soon just because some marketing guys had a wet dream about selling larger weaker less fun wheels and milking riders for entry fees to ride a regular XC loop on the premise there's an Endurance/Rad component to it. Aye riiight!

#FKENDURO
#264LYFyo
  • 10 0
 @ashyjay: 29" DJ bikes?! Hell no.
  • 5 1
 @isolationismdivision: exactly 26 is so much fun to throw around.
  • 1 2
 @torero: wey, cual putita de la industria, se llama progreso, no mames, si te quieress quedar en el pasado e tu pedo.
  • 3 3
 @racecase: that's why we are called the riding dead


and we'll never join you
  • 5 7
 Dave, with all due respect but it seems more like your love for 26 is more of a personal choice since you hoarded all that inventory sitting on your shed for years my parents have most of the VHS of my favorite childhood movies, if i want to watch one I dont go to my parents to undust and pick up the VCR and tapes in order to avoid paying my Netflix monthly fee. I just hit play in netflix and that's it. let go the past man
  • 1 0
 @ashyjay: I agree. I have a 29er (s.s. geared hardtail, FS) FS 27.5, and a 26 FS. The 26 is a whole lot of fun. I will admit that a bigger wheel size has it benifits, you go over stuff easier and perhaps it's fast on the straights.
I will never say it is not fun though. Just fricking ride your bike.
p.s. just did my first gravel grider here is WA. Hey, it's kind of fun too. 5hr and 30 min of a pain cave.
  • 6 0
 Well everything that is old will become new again. 2 outta three bixe in my shed are 26. The 27.b is there because I didn't have the option of buying 26. I hate also seeing dh/fr bixe disappear from show room floors. Marketing is trying really had to kill my sport and ability to choose. They call it innovation
  • 5 1
 I'm just building a 26" bike at the mo...if I like it then I'm considering buying a Capra and putting 26" wheels on it. 26" isn't dead by any means. One of the main attractions of smaller wheels for me is short offset forks and superior steering. I've done 650b and 29" and both are good but I've got a serious hankering for 26" again especially living so close to some good freeride spots. I once lambasted the 264lyf guys but having tried the rest I'm starting to think maybe they've got a point...if you put aside their obstinate refusal to accept the other wheel sizes for a moment.
  • 2 1
 @Narro2: Yes! Absolutely, you have it perfectly. It is my personal choice.

I think there are a lot of people who, like me, are more than happy not to be the industry's "bitches" (I don't like that phrase but couldn't think of another one). You could say to the unquestioning adopters of the latest trends "Do you like being led like a slave?".

Only no-one does say that, and no-one should. Equally, anyone telling someone who chooses to remain with 26 to "get with the program", can politely go and (insert expletive here). I am adult enough at 48 to make my own decisions thanks.

I like my bikes. Other people like theirs. End of story.

Have a good weekend Narro2!
  • 3 1
 @Metacomet: Absolutely.

When Maxxis brought out the new Minion SS recently and Schwalbe the Rock Razor, I was seriously disappointed when I couldn't see any26 options (I was still running some Maxxis HR semi-slicks I had bulk purchased before they were discontinued and was running out).

Now though, with the addition of 26 sizes, I am happy as! I just bought some Razors bulk here in Japan to keep me rolling along!

Thanks from a satisfied 26er.
  • 4 2
 My current bike is 650b as there were no cheap 26" options, my next bike will be a 26", there still plenty of aftermarket support for 26" from the decent brands, and I just don't get what all the hype about 650b is, it's ok, just a little less fun. Will be looking at a boutique brand that still makes 26" moving forward.
  • 3 1
 @Jsmoke: Morning from Japan.

You make a lot of assumptions there.
I probably think you have absolutely no idea at all about how much product I buy. Nor how or where I buy it or at what price and for what reasons.

Equally, if you could point me in the direction of some consumer behavior survey data that suggests people who buy new bikes are more likely to higher quantities of tyres that would be good.

And crucially, if you honestly think the bike industry only ever 'responds to consumers desires', you should call up Deeight and go for a chat; you might like his company.

Have a nice day.
  • 1 1
 @orientdave: man you take this very seriously and personal, do you at least own a bike shop?, do you bring food to the table thanks to bikes?
  • 2 4
 @Narro2: i take everything I do seriously. Seriously. And yes, I run a business (not bike)
  • 2 4
 So these new tires aren't compatible with the wooden rims on my vintage 1920's Schwinn? I'll pass...
  • 2 6
flag lccomz (Mar 23, 2017 at 18:51) (Below Threshold)
 I'm still holding out for a new Enduro race bike with open dropouts and rim brakes. Thru axles and disk brakes are a marketing scam. Don't even get me started on wheel size...
  • 4 0
 I just saw on instagram @maxxisbikeau that there's gonna be a 26" x 2.3 Aggressor!!!! Yeeewww!
  • 1 0
 @dars51: Not for many 26er fans, true, it's the industry that is and will kill it.
  • 2 0
 @readingracing: LONG LIVE 26!
  • 2 0
 @racecase: But 26+ is coming! WTB, Surly and Vee all make 26+. And now Maxxis is getting ready to release its NEW 26+ tires! Suck on that! 26 ain't dead bitches!
  • 1 1
 @G-A-R-Y: Weird how you suggest I think I'm the mtb police . . . . Then you go and police me all by yourself.

Well, using your flawless logic, who made you the mtb police?

By the way, 'wtf' stands for 'what the f*ck', not 'who'.
  • 2 1
 @mgolder:
ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY UN-PWN ONESELF THROUGH GRAMMATIC PEDANTRY AND REVERSING ONES PWNAGE
Particularly if ones grammar skills are not exemplary.

With an open mind wisdom shall bestow the fool.
  • 1 1
 @G-A-R-Y: Yeah, great use of capital letters there. Compared to your distinct lack of understanding of an incredibly common acronym my grammatical skills are exemplary.

But, you already know that of course. Which gave rise to your shouty caps-lock nonsense as a way to deflect.
  • 1 1
 @G-A-R-Y: Oh, nearly forgot. You ignored the question and the irony over your 'mtb police' bollocks as well. . . . Obviously you had no answer that wasn't also complete bollocks.

You are in form with these comments.
  • 1 3
 @mgolder:

Humour bypass much?

Go ride your shitty weak wheels son. it's sunny out.
  • 1 3
 @G-A-R-Y: Yes, it was all just 'humour', of course it was.

What 'shitty weak' wheels are you blathering on about? And calling me 'son', my god you really are just a cretin aren't you.

Still notice you didn't answer any points put towards you as well. And as for it being sunny out, why are you replying and not riding then. Weird that.
  • 2 1
 @orientdave: I totally agree that people should just ride what they want, without being pressured, and there's nothing wrong with a 26. Although I do have to say, for some riders who either want to go as fast as they can, or chew through a lot of parts, need utmost reliability and replaceability (e.g. road biking across the country, wan to have what all the shops will have), or whatever else, it's easier to just get on whatever is the latest. For instance, at my current stage, I enjoy racing and chasing strava times and I even wear bib shorts (gasp!), so I will stay on a fairly current, fs 29er 5-6" bike (my preference). I'm not using Eagle or Di2, but I don't feel there's anything on my bike holding me back. As soon as I care less about competing with the clock, I will probably stick to a DH/mini DH bike and a slack 29er hardtail as my mtb collection, because that will make sense for what I will be riding. I will never be buying a "press fit, integrated, carbon with a proprietary shock mount" type of bike at retail price, because frankly, the gains are too marginal. I mean guys and gals are winning EWS races on aluminum frames with threaded bbs, but there aren't even any privateers out there on, say, mechanical disks.


TL;DR: I don't think that everyone who is on a fairly current bike and has accepted the changed "standards" is necessarily the industry's bitch (I know you don't mean it harshly, I get what you are saying). A lot of us are just balancing the actual improvement with our needs and finances, but aren't hopping on a bandwagon just to keep up with the Jones.
  • 1 0
 @BCIYA: mountainbikesdirect.com.au has the 26" aggressor in stock in exo and DD casings, I'm using the DD 650b version on the rear and it's awesome. Nearly as much traction as high roller 2 when climbing steep loose stuff but rolls almost as fast as an ardent, corners as well as a Minion, amazing all round tyre with a nice controllable and predictable drift when u really lean them over and corner hard, no sudden uncontrollable slipping. Got it combined with a DD DHF 2.3" up front.
  • 50 2
 no need for 2.6" if the 2.5" were actually 2.5" - Schwalbe, please share your vernier calipers and explain that width should be measuring the casing and not cheating by using the side knobs
  • 16 1
 Agree, will be the same wide as current schwalbes 2.35's. Maxxis are Waaaay off.
  • 12 1
 Just measured my Schwalbe Nobby Nic TL Easy 26" x 2.35" on WTB i25 26" rims with a vernier calipers and it came out at exactlly 2.35" across the casing.... just like it should. The tires were a bit heavier than stated on their site : one was 2g over + the other was 14g over, close enough for me. All companies should be this honest.
  • 6 1
 @mikeep: got a 2.5 WT with a wide rim and it measured to 2.3. Couldn't believe it, literally the same width as my previous 2.3
  • 4 1
 @dvp8: Name and shame it Bro!
  • 3 0
 @dvp8: ditto on my 2.4 WT which measure 2.3.
  • 5 0
 100%, bang on correct! In have the 2.5 wt Shortys and they measure up the same as the 2.35 Magic marys.
  • 2 0
 @Manx: Funny, I have this exact tire rim combo on one of my bikes and it is deecent! I don't suppose you have hope hubs on your wheelset too?
  • 9 0
 This is completely true. If Maxxis 2.5 was what it is supposed to be there would be no need at all for 2.6!
  • 3 2
 the rims has a huge impact on tire width, some rims will "expand" the tire diferently
  • 1 0
 rims width doesn't actually have that big of an impact on tire width - what it'll really impact is the profile, round vs square, which in turn impacts cornering and how susceptible the combination will be to hitting rim during hard impacts
  • 1 0
 @Grmasterd: mm

never thought of that, i guess it would be alittle bit of both
  • 26 6
 when will maxxis just give up on the ardent series. it isnt even grippy enough to be a dirt jump tire.
  • 14 3
 Yeah and it drags like fook. The worst of both worlds. Only ever specd OEM as nobody in their right mind would buy one aftermarket. Complete tripe.
  • 6 2
 total junk. OEM sales must be it.
  • 10 9
 Couldn't disagree more, it's my favorite tire for a few years now. Even in the PNW, I only even put on the DHF's when it gets really nasty in the winter.
  • 12 4
 @Tarekith: that's cute, but the reality is that a lot of people think they suck, because they suck. I don't think any maxxis sponsored riders even use them anymore. Why? Because they aren't good at anything. DHF would get packed up quick here and isn't considered a good wet weather tire whereas the shorty is.
  • 15 0
 Theyre great if you want to drift every single turn
  • 5 0
 @BryceBorlick: Yup - pair it with a 2.5 DHF Minion up front, and let the sensation of hoonage begin.
That said, predictable breakaway into drift sounds amazing, until I realized that I was quite literally faster around corners on a bike running worn out 2.1 Asspens front and rear, because I could actually get some meaningful grip out of those. No joke.
  • 6 0
 The ardent RACE theyre talking about here is quite different from the ardent. It's a great tire for that segment. The original ardent is obsolete though.
  • 1 1
 @BryceBorlick: I love Ardent for that, best for drifting!
  • 4 0
 The 2.4 Ardent is pretty sweet
  • 1 0
 @cunning-linguist: I like one on the back, or I did until it welded itself to the rim
  • 1 0
 I won one I'm going to wear out on the back once my Minion SS is worn out. I wouldn't buy another Ardent. The Ardent Race ain't bad though, has an extra row of knobs so you don't have that vagueness in the transition zone. The AR is sort of the only tire they offer between Ikon XC tires and Minion like AM/DH tires. I ran an Ardent Race in the back, with a Tomahawk up front before the SS came out, and it was a fast setup.
  • 2 0
 Ardent rolls ok, but has no traction on steep climbs if it's slightly loose or wet as the centre knobs are too close together and if you lean the bike past a certain angle they just lose grip entirely, no warning whatsoever... The aggressor is a much better tyre with similar rolling speed, would like to try the tomahawk too
  • 1 0
 @m-t-g: That's what I'm using.
  • 1 0
 Ardents are popular as XC / trail tyres. Thinner 29er sizes sell loads aftermarket.
  • 1 0
 @S3tigoHide: these do look a lot better than the original, I could possibly be convinced to try one out back
  • 1 0
 I hear the 2.4 is decent. I really want the Rekon in 2.3....
  • 1 0
 honestly if i had a true xc bike/my trails werent all blown out dusty/sandy, i am sure i would like it. there are just so few trails in my part of colorado where the ardent makes sense.
  • 3 0
 The 29" 2.4 is a pretty good tire when set up on wide rims (30mm) due to its volume. That bigger footprint helps overcome the less than stellar traction as a rear tire and makes it less sketchy as a front tire. Rolling straight, they're not hogs and soak up chatter pretty well on account of the volume. I'd give them a 7/10 in the 2.4 version at lower pressure (19 psi).
  • 2 0
 @sevensixtwo: Check out the Forekaster
  • 2 0
 @bjh0003: I've been really impressed with the 2.35 Forekaster as a rear tire (in dry southwest loose-over-hard conditions, with lots of sharp rocks and cacti) - one came with a bike and I expected to pull it off in short order, but I literally haven't reached a moment where I'm unhappy with its performance.
I'm actually really excited to see how good the 2.6" variant is, especially in the Exo/TR/3C setup, because the Forekaster is going to be a genuinely impressive tire.
Some of the new tires from Maxxis (Ardent Race, Forekaster, Rekon) are sporting super-impressive tread designs, and the WideTrail/Plus remixes of the Minions are going to be awesome: so I'm really happy about the current direction Maxxis is going in.
  • 2 0
 @tehllama: I'm with you on the Forekaster as a rear tire. I've spent the past few months running it. Light, pretty fast rolling, and amazingly predictable. I've cut it once, but overall it's got roughly 1,000 miles on it.
  • 19 0
 I like that 2.25 is the new XC... Anybody still running 1.9 on their XC rig?
  • 18 0
 the sound of crickets indicating to you that you are, in fact, in the wrong place. spandex for life!
  • 5 0
 I see 2.0's from time to time, but most XC racers around here are on 2.1-2.3's. I've got 2.3's all around on my Top Fuel and Superfly SS, roll fast and plenty of grip.
  • 3 0
 One caveat was the old 1.95 Renegades running on the rear for hard pack short XC courses. But those always measured over 2.0 when I mounted them up on 20-22mm rims.
  • 10 1
 I'm calling it now: there will be a 1.9" tire resurgence in a couple of years - basically trying to hit the 350g mark on a beefed up CX tire (Basically a 48c/50c tire) that can handle light duty XC use, but still work for CX courses. It won't be sold to mountain bikers necessarily, but be marketed as adventure bike wheels... but with some wider aero rims the concept will very quickly bleed over into XCO racing on faster courses.
Paired with slightly deeper section 700c rims, and a 'generous' 21-23mm internal width -- I'm predicting that: bike journalists will be tripping over themselves with glee at discovering how enjoyable a drop bar bike can be with these 'new versatile high volume adventure' setups. For roadies, this will of course involve having to buy a completely new and different disc brake compatible bike, but that's how the industry rolls.
  • 5 0
 @tehllama: It's happening already. There are several drop-bar bikes available designed for 27.5x2.00 or 29x2.00. We've had a 29x2.00 MaxxLite available for years that's 345g with the 27.5 model weighing in a 340g. Some of our racers use 2.00 Ikons as well and they also have been around for some time as a weight-weenie XC option but now being grabbed up by the gravel/endurance cyclists who want more volume than a 40C tire allows.
  • 3 0
 @Maxxis: I just want to be able to buy Aspens in Exo casing, and hopefully widths other than 2.1. My set of those are finally looking trashed after 1000 miles of doing everything between road and all mountain riding.
  • 7 0
 @tehllama: You're in luck! We just released a 29x2.25 Aspen that was reworked by Nino Schurter late last year, reducing the knob height down the middle for speed and increasing the knob height on the shoulders for cornering grip. Optimized around wider XC rims, 24-25mm inner. This tire was modified according to Nino's preferences and lab testing in Switzerland prior to the Olympics to create the lowest rolling resistance competition-ready XC tire.
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: Just saw that the 2.25 Aspen is now live - such a massively over-achieving tire for what it is, I'm excited to see it. Probably warrants its own significant press release, especially given the success enjoyed by Nino with that tire in Rio.

Once the Minion-SS 2.4 WT in DoubleDown is released, then I'll probably be happy for life with those tires (at least for my applications going faster than sensible in the desert southwestern US)!!!!
  • 16 1
 YES! 27.5x2.5 WT Aggressor will make all my hopes and dreams come true!
  • 15 0
 It appears Maxxis is doubling down on WT tires
  • 1 0
 GREAT news, great tire.
  • 1 0
 @guycharlesvalois: As they should be, Maxxis is known for "narrower than advertised" tires, and the WTs are making them reasonably large with good profiles on wide rims.
  • 1 0
 what's the purpose of the aggressor? like, what conditions does it handle best?
  • 4 1
 @xeren: all of them
  • 1 0
 @slyfink: ha, fair enough, let me try a different tack.

what separates them from, say, a DHF or HR2?
  • 15 0
 @xeren: The Aggressor is a great option for riders wanting something faster rolling than a DHRII or HRII but with a similar cornering limit. The DHF front, Aggressor rear setup is the combo to beat in the Enduro World Series due to how fast it rolls and how predictably it handles most terrain.

It is a tire that packs up with really sticky peanut butter mud but sheds more watery mud easily if you find yourself riding in wet conditions. Otherwise it's great in all sorts of loose-over-hard to intermediate conditions. For more hardpack terrain the Tomahawk and Griffin roll faster and the Minions and High Rollers do better in loose and loamy terrain, Aggressor slots right between the two conditions in our lineup.
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: Thank you for the detailed explanation!
  • 3 0
 @xeren: NP.

@mikekazimer spent a good while on Aggressors last year before writing the review below, detailing how the tire performs in several different trail conditions and different rim widths.

www.pinkbike.com/news/maxxis-aggressor-tire-review-2016.html
  • 3 0
 @Maxxis: Ha! DHF/Aggressor is exactly the combo I will be running this year. Until it gets really dry, then it will be DHF/MinionSS. THANK YOU for making both those tires in 26x2.35" with DD casing. (but if you could sell them for less, that'd be great mmmmmkay?!)
  • 1 0
 @xeren: aggressor wears a lot better than a dhf on the rear. I was having issues with lifespan of 27.5 dhf tr on the back but no complaints with an aggressor. The two I've used have both died from cuts fairly quickly however...
  • 1 0
 @Bob-Agg: that's good to know - unfortunately i'm forced to run a relatively aggressive tread on my rear wheel where i live, as in the summer, there is so much loose rock that a lot of steep punchy climbs become impossible (or, at least, exhausting due to lots of wheel spin) without something pretty knobby
  • 2 0
 @xeren: I ride similar terrain to what you're describing, the HR2 has the best out and out grip but the aggressor really isn't far behind at all, it only loses grip on those climbs where you might as well walk anyway, it also rolls waaaay faster than the HR2, I use the DD casing in 2.3"
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis The Aggressor 2.5 is awesome news! Seems like there is room in the lineup for a high volume fast rolling, all-mountain/enduro/whatever worthy Front tire, that can be paired well with any of the faster rolling rear tires in that category. Right now its the DHF and HRII, but neither are particularly fast rolling for fast summertime hardpack/loose over hard/medium type terrain. The 2.3 aggressor, tomahawk, and Minion SS are all good cornering fast rolling rear tires but not so ideal for front. 2.5 aggressor should fit the bill well. Anything else you would recommend?
  • 1 0
 @ctd07: good to know, thanks! i might just give it a shot once i'm due for a new rear tire
  • 1 0
 @slyfink: I'd seriously consider trying DHR2/SS Minions for dry weatther - maybe do the trim/sipe on the wide blocks of the DHR2 out front to get better cornering traction at the limit, but in dry conditions that pairing rolls fast, brakes better than you'd expect, and the only thing holding it back is lateral load limit because of the tall shoulders on those blocks... That said, I think running DHF/Aggressor year-round is probably plenty legit, I'd just run that all year and spend the differential on traveling to more fun places.
  • 2 0
 @tehllama: I actually ran pretty much that combo last year: DHR2 front and Slaughter rear. Though I didn't do the side knob trim; I didn't feel the need. I guess for my dirt conditions, I don't need the extra bit that it provides. When I switched to the DHF in the front, the difference in rolling resistance was noticeable. Cornering was pretty similar, and braking was definitely not as aggressive. The Slaughter GRID was ok, but I cut it at the base of the sidewall (as I do pretty much every one of my tubeless tires). I'm hoping the DD casing fixes that issue.
  • 13 0
 Will the new marketing term for 2.6 tires be : "Not quite +" ?
  • 3 0
 27.5 semi-plus.... ?
  • 27 0
 27.5 +-
  • 13 1
 We're calling all of our 2.4-2.6 tires Wide Trail and optimizing them around 30-35mm inner width rims. Basically you have XC, Trail, Wide Trail, Plus, Fat as the tires get larger.
  • 6 0
 Husky tires. Not fat, not plus, not chubby - but definitely not petite.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: Well that makes sense. And here we didn't think there was a method to madness. You realize that now you will have to add a "Wide Enduro" category for a heavier casing Wide Trail tire.
  • 1 0
 @carym: DoubleDown. DDWT!
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: forgot about that, ironic since a DD 2.5 WT DHF is on the front of my sons DH bike.
  • 1 1
 650Bloated
  • 12 0
 I love Maxxis tires!! Best rubber I've ever used...stoked to see them in larger sizes!! Ha ha
  • 11 0
 Maxxis is supposed to have those Minion 26X2.8 out in April...Any word on those at the show?
  • 5 0
 That's what I was looking forward to seeing as well...
  • 7 0
 @CarlMega we should be seeing those in the next few weeks.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: can hardly wait - THANK YOU!!!!
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: Yes, awesome. Thanks!
  • 4 0
 Ah man, I was getting excited for a 29" WTB Convict 2.5. I guess I'll keep running a Magic Mary upfront and WTB Vigilante in the back.
  • 2 0
 I won free tire vouchers from Vee Rubber at a race at Fontana a few years back, filled em out and mailed them it. Still haven't gotten them and every time I email them I don't get a response. Never buying Vee tires that's for sure.
  • 7 3
 Any clues if a Maxxis 2.6 is as big as a Schwalbe 2.35? Maxxis rubber in Schwalbe sizing sounds like heaven to me.
  • 1 1
 I'll be there if it is. Stopped buying maxxis a while back when I got wider rims. 2.3's were just too square.
  • 1 0
 I have been confused with the Maxxis DH section of tires on their site. Are they all tubeless compatible? The ones I have looked at have not had that TR tag.

Such as the DHRII in the downhill section doesn't list TR, but the Mountain section does. Are the wire beads not tubeless compatible?
  • 3 0
 The vast majority of our DH-casing tires are not Tubeless-Ready. At our press camp a few weeks ago we unveiled new Tubeless-Ready DH-Casing Minion DHF, Minion DHRII, and Shorty tires. These new TR models also utilize our Wide-Trail (WT) design process in order to correct the knob layout when using modern 30-35mm wide rims as the original molds were optimized around the rims in use at that time.
  • 3 2
 Maxxis, awesome grip horrible weight. Still, decent price so guess they are the go-to brand. But personally, I love new tyres, be it bike, car or whatever. Cheapest way to transform your ride, I get super excited over tyres.
  • 1 0
 I love 26" wheels. Have all three sizes in my garage. 29" handles like an SUV by comparison, yes it goes a little faster, rolls over logs easier ok. 27.5 feels robust and solid very forgiving. 26" feels like a nimble little cat. I like.
  • 2 1
 Until they bring back 60A compound, my money will be going to Trek with their Bontrager tires...Maxxis 3C rubber last about a month in the rear and thats if I stay away from bike park.Sticky tires are overrated for dry summer months, the wear out in no time , add more rolling resistance and quite frankly the added grip on loose dusty trails is hardly noticeable. Bontrager seems to have the perfect balance somewhere between a SuperTacky and a MaxxPro...
  • 1 0
 Nice bro. I was wondering if u still ride much, sounds like it.
  • 1 0
 As someone who buys new bikes every year or two, I can say that the advancements in the 27.5 and 29ers far out weigh the 26, but with that said, the 26 is a great bike still and I understand not everyone has the financials to make such big purchases. With that said, 26 support will be around for a while yet, albeit not forever but there is still a big crowd. Maybe not so much where I live and ride, but none the less still very popular.
  • 1 1
 Dear MTB industry.
My bikes are also all 26" and there is no realistic chance that I will be able to buy new bikes just because there are no more 26" tires and rims available. Please keep making rubber fore people in my 26'' situation. Don't leave us out to dry Frown
  • 1 1
 I have both 26" and 27.5" like them both. But why not make a propper 26" pluss dh tires. 3.0" with good volume. Not maxxis valume. More like the old gazzaloddis. Only soft rubber. 650b frames would accomodate without any problems.
  • 1 0
 Yes please. I'm usually running my Duro Leopard 26 x 2.8's. Old skool, better than gazzas, but at 1800g each they're pigs! Indestructable though, LOVE em. Some lighter 2 ply modern plus tires would be nice to see though. Most are much too thin. Stoked to try the new Minion plus but I'm skeptical about durability when charging in rocky terrain.
  • 1 0
 Maxxis, since you appear to be active in this thread, any idea when you might have 2.8's for your popular wheels (such as minion)? Also, any idea on when to expect a website update for the new tires and selections?
  • 1 0
 Hey! We have 26x2.80 Minion DHFs coming, 27.5x2.80 and 29x3.00 Minion DHFs in stock. DHRII availability is the same, in the same sizes.

The plus tires are found in a separate category of Plus/Fat tires on our website:
www.maxxis.com/tires/bicycle/fatplus-tires

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions about the new products!
  • 1 0
 Intresting. I have been using a 2.5 dhf in front and an ardent 2.4 in the back. perfect tracking in the front, just the right amount of dangerous sketchy-ness in the back. hehe.
  • 1 0
 I am also curious if Maxxis 2.6 tires would clear my standard 650b fork and chainstays on Stan Flow wheels. I wonder this, because Maxxis tires are always under sized in terms of width.
  • 2 0
 Maxxis just release a 3" High Roller and the thing looks like a freaking MX tire.
Heck, it's only 5mm less than the front tire on a 250F
  • 2 0
 Have you seen a Shorty yet? It's basically a moto tire sized for a mountain bike.
  • 1 0
 I've been thinking about running 26" plus wheel build with a small new Meta 4.2 27.5 boost frame.
I'm short 5'7". Tell me I'm stupid to consider this. I live and ride Squamish.
  • 3 0
 Cant wait to see the new bigger Aggressor, my fave rear tire these days
  • 3 0
 have you tried the griffin yet? i am in love with that tire
  • 3 0
 too many knobs in corner channel. next.
  • 3 0
 I've got a pair of end cutters ready to remove a row of transition knobs on a Rekon; I expect it'll make that tire pretty great on loose terrain.
  • 2 0
 So why does every editor write that WT's are for 30mm+ rims yet Maxxis states they are for 35mm+?
  • 5 0
 WT is optimized around 35mm inner but works really well on 30-35mm rims.
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: This sums it up perfectly. While they're designed around being appropriately squared off on a 35mm IW rim, the 30mm gets you nearly the same volume, slightly better sidewall protection, good sidewall support under cornering, and the cornering knobs aren't dragging constantly on the rear.
Can't wait for the MinionSS in WT configuration (especially DoubleDown casing) - for all of these reasons.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: appreciate the prompt response!
  • 1 0
 Has anybody actually seen how much clearance these 2.6 have compared to the 2.5 wt tires? Im sure they would be fine in my pike, just wondering about the rear.
  • 2 0
 On paper they are 3mm wider but overall have 7% more volume than a 2.50WT tire (measured on 27.5x2.50 vs 27.5x2.60). Are you asking for vertical clearance as well?
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: 3mm wider should be fine, roughly how taller are they? 2.6 front 2.5 rear could be a safe bet. Also, whats a realistic time frame for them to be available in the UK? Summer, or we looking at autumn.

Ps. you guys are been doing a great Job of replying questions, much appreciated.
  • 2 1
 Skip Maxxis on wide rims and go right to Bontrager XR Teams or SEs. They were designed only for wides with a rounded profile from the start. And they grip and last.
  • 4 1
 that's why maxxis designed WT tires...
  • 1 0
 really interested to see what Bontrager is going to come out with this summer. hopefully those 2.55 will rolling out soon!
  • 2 0
 Nothing like slapping on some 1000 plus gram tires on to improve your ride.
  • 1 0
 Do i need a Plus bike to be able to run Wide Trail 650b tires or can i fit them in regular 650b bikes?

How much taller are these compared to regular tires?
  • 1 1
 Why can't they make 26 dhf in 2.6??? I have 3 bikes, 2 are 26in and it would be nice to have the same options as my 27.5in... c'Mon maxxis some of us still live our 26 and want more options.
  • 2 1
 When I first started racing DH, I had a 26x3.0 front and 26x2.8 rear. Why is 2.6 a huge deal? That was in 2010
  • 2 1
 Maxxis is still making 26, kudos to them....but still expensive cause they know there's still a market for it!
  • 2 0
 There are still so many 26" bikes out there, would be silly to ignore all these customers. Right now you may not see as many 26" WT options due to the lack of compatible rims but we have released 26" Tomahawk, Crossmark II, Aggressor, Griffin, and Minion SS tires.
  • 1 0
 Maybe they'll start selling the old 2.3 stuff at clearance prices now. I'll gladly buy it up.
  • 4 6
 I need Maxxis Minion SS Double Down - who stocks them in Europe? Can't find anything. The tyre is expensive enough on it's own on Ebay US to pay 40€ for shipping. No local shop can fix me one.
  • 3 0
 Rock Razor Supergravity instead?
  • 1 0
 You and me both. It also needs to be a WT offering - put the cornering knobs out, oh, I don't know - where they're useful for cornering. This means they'll get to call it a 2.4WT Minion SS - but that's the tire I need as well.
  • 1 0
 They have a SilkWorm version with higher puncture resistance than EXO already.
  • 1 0
 What about Ardent 2.6? Was a thing back in the Day of 2s and 6es!
  • 1 0
 Exactly! - I've been running that tyre in the front since 2012, and I don't plan to switch it out.
  • 1 0
 call china and make some 26" tires rip these off
  • 1 0
 Hey Maxxis, do you need 148 rear and 110 front to run these 2.6 tires?
  • 1 0
 I are not Maxxis, but NO. You don't. There's plenty of riders on Canfield Riot's rocking 2.8 Rekon tires on 142/100mm width axle spacing, so these 2.6 tires will fit fine.
  • 1 0
 The ranger 29x2.25" looks really decent
  • 1 0
 Nice write up!
  • 1 0
 I call 2.6 +-.
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