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Spotted: New Tire from Maxxis

Aug 2, 2023
by Dario DiGiulio  
photo

It's been a while since we've seen a new downhill-focused tire from the biggest brand in the game, but based on some spy shots it appears they have something in the works. The tread looks similar to other short-block loose conditions tires like the Continental Argotal, Specialized Hillbilly, and visually isn't a far cry from Maxxis' own Shorty.

Specialized Hillbilly V3 Review
Specialized Hillbilly
Continental Argotal Review
Continental Argotal

photo
The current Shorty.

photo
The mysterious tire in all its glory.

We don't know much else at the moment, but this one was shot in the pits at a race, so it's safe to say we'll be seeing more of this new rubber in the near future.

bigquotesYes, this is an all-new tread pattern from Maxxis. As some of the astute commenters have noticed, it’s an aggressive pattern designed for current World Cup DH tracks.

We’re still very early on in the development process with real world testing just underway in the last month or so. There’s no current timetable for public release, but there certainly won’t be a full review coming tomorrow (or next week). Sorry to disappoint anyone.— Aaron Chamberlain, Maxxis Bicycle Sales & Marketing Manager


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Reviews and Tech Spotted Tires Maxxis


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127 Comments
  • 144 4
 such knobs. very tire. big braking energy
  • 13 0
 might let you try it off the Hennessy
  • 30 1
 Wow Much sticky Very hero dirt Amaze
  • 1 0
 @rickybobby19: mmmm Minute Maid.
  • 27 0
 Such $110 per tire.
Wow
  • 1 2
 Such a narrow look of the tire
  • 60 4
 Spotted: high resolution photograph, with perfect lighting and uncluttered, dark background. Spy shot in the pits at a race? Sure.
  • 159 10
 I mean, not all spies use potatoes for cameras.
  • 10 0
 @mikekazimer: Yes indeed, although it somehow feels a little more genuine (read; maybe taken on a 007 style pen camera on the sly, etc) if I have to rub vaseline into my eyes before I can begin to make any real sense of the images I’m being presented with..
  • 97 2
 @mikekazimer: I'll be sure to downsize the file next time boss
  • 8 2
 full review tomorrow....
  • 6 0
 @dariodigiulio: add a convincing background while you’re at it
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: maybe potato-ify the thumbnail pic for articles like this to keep the tin foil hat enthusiasts happy
  • 4 0
 We need these guys to focus on UAPs instead.
  • 23 2
 Ha ha!!!! I have no idea how you guys can tell the subtle differences. As long as it holds air, doesn’t cut easily and has some semblance of grip in a British winter I couldn’t care less what height the “stepped sipes” are…
  • 21 2
 High Roller 3
  • 6 0
 I'm over here still waiting on the DHF 2. C'mon @Maxxis
  • 11 0
 Titsegai ?
  • 5 4
 @rglasser: Cockegai. Most run a Cocksegai up front with an Assegai in rear, but some like the Cockegai in the rear with an Assegai in front of them. Some like two Cockegais.
  • 20 2
 WTB verdict
  • 1 0
 THIS
  • 2 0
 I think Bontrager also has a thread pattern that looks almost identical.
  • 3 0
 Bontrager GSpike
  • 1 2
 Back before they were the same price as maxxis, yes
  • 12 1
 Weird they would have another tire that looks so similar to the shorty, when they already have the shorty.

I mean from the tread pattern, it sure looks like it’s another loose conditions specialist tire (like the argotal as mentioned). Which sure sounds like the shortys use case…
  • 13 0
 Could be a second gen. To be honest, this could be a tire geared towards the front given the radial sipes. This should help the tire gain better corner traction. Looks like an excellent wet and loose moon dust tire.
  • 7 0
 @jomacba: Shorty was just updated in 2021 so it feels a bit soon for that. I agree with your other points though, it looks like a cornering monster
  • 3 0
 @AndrewHornor: Fair point. Actually if you take a look at the center knobs, they are allt shorter than the shorty. Almost has a similar height as a DHF. Might be the answer to cutting the small knobs off an Assegai. I'd be interested to try it out. I generally prefer a shallower tread pattern as I find they get along with roots a bit better. I'm also quite a beat heavier, so the tire doesn't seem to squirm as much under me. I really think this will be a good wet weather tire. I hope it will come in a 2.4 option.
  • 4 3
 Ever think it could just be an updated shorty........?
  • 6 2
 @AndrewHornor: You are seeing a prototype being testing in 2023, which means possible late 2024 launch, most likely spring 2025. That would be 4-year life cycle and very plausible to see as a new Shorty.
  • 8 0
 It is an answer to the Argotal being so good. New shorty is great for its intended use but it isn't a DH racing tire for conditions other than wet.
  • 2 0
 Shorter central knobs but wide spacing that still clears well. When the woods are wet and the open spaces are dry?
  • 1 0
 @ka-brap: This tire will be out way before spring 2025. Spring 2024 at very latest.
  • 1 0
 @jomacba: this is what I'm seeing. I'm not a Maxxis guy but this one I would give a try. I loved the old Schwalbe, Rock Razor in Super Gravity but you can't find those anymore where I'm at. This looks like a great fast rolling rear tire with excellent cornering traction.
  • 8 0
 The Shorter
  • 2 0
 @lifeofloon: What tire do you currently run? I honestly would have a hard time finding a tire that provides better traction more consistently than a maxxis tire. I've ridden continental, schwalbe, and the new specialized, and while they all have something I really like, Maxxis has always been the benchmark for me. The DHR2 is hands down my favorite tire for both front and rear, occasionally swapping for an assegai depending on conditions. This is obviously my personal opinion.
  • 2 0
 It might be that the new Shorty didn’t meet the needs of racers. Especially the need for huge, well supported sideknobs which hold up under ludicrous cornering speeds.
  • 1 0
 @jomacba: I like the Magic May front and Big Betty rear in super gravity.
My local is generally hard pack with a soft layer on top and lots of granite. I don't need super soft, it will wear to quickly but good solid cornering knobs are a must. The rock razor was great for corners but also super fast for the hard pack but with all the granite I shred anything less than super gravity casings.
  • 15 1
 An asymmetric tire with longer knobs on the right?? Unless there will be a circle track race this is a joke!
  • 7 0
 Circle Jerk Maxx Grip
  • 2 0
 Will work well with a Lefty fork.
  • 1 0
 It's the Zoolander. It can only turn left.
  • 11 0
 I'd call it the DHS. Love the Shorty2, this looks it would pair well as a rear, or a front for more schmedium conditions.
  • 3 0
 Def. looks like love child of Shorty & DHF. Side knobs look less likely to fold than Shorty, & siping from DHF.
  • 5 0
 Looks to me like a "not so shorty" or a "shorter" with the lower profile knobs. More of a Mary competitor than a Shorty replacement
  • 12 0
 The Shortier.
  • 2 0
 @nozes: adoro o shorty ! my fave tire from maxxis...
  • 9 0
 I’m more curious as why Specialized doesn’t have a tire called Major Tom
  • 1 0
 A missed opportunity if there ever was one.
  • 9 0
 We know it will be overpriced
  • 7 0
 Not in Europe
  • 2 0
 And sold out…so…
  • 7 0
 Should call it the curly wurly ... just like the casing of nearly every maxxis tyre ive owned ....
  • 7 0
 Their tread patterns and rubber are good. R&D ought to be busy trying to improve their casings.
  • 5 1
 Especially the EXO have serious issues with warped sidewalls that should be remedied
  • 4 1
 @CullenHerring: my man, give EXO+ or DD a try. EXO is an XC casing and it's not their fault if you're being a weight weenie about tires.
  • 1 1
 @GTscoob: I'm running 2.5 assegai/2.3 dhr2 combo on my 100mm xc bike when I'm not training or racing. That and a 69deg HA doesn't exactly call for beefy tires lol. Obviously on my enduro builds I always run heavier tires.
  • 3 0
 @CullenHerring: why not run something more XC appropriate then? Dissector is a great front tire on a short travel bike, Rekon too. Aspen is absolutely killer if you can lay off the brakes and trust the cornering knobs.

Personally I don't see the need for an Assegai on a bike that's not going to be blazing fast on the DH, you're just slowing yourself down everywhere.
  • 2 0
 @GTscoob: Aspens are my go-to race tire and I can absolutely find reliable grip with them, but I don’t have time to go on many rides that don’t include significant training impetus so I need something to slow me down when I ride with friends who aren’t pedalheads. Also it’s more fun + I talk too much shit about how short travel bikes are faster down most trails under a competent rider so I need tires that can back me up when I have to prove it Smile
  • 4 0
 In line w the Tacky Chan - a cut spike that rolls fast with better corner knobs than the Shorty. Seems great for racing on current World Cup tracks.
  • 1 0
 That’s what it looks like to me.
  • 6 0
 $140 ea and out of stock everywhere?
  • 2 0
 This morning I noticed Remy was running a new tire in his most recent video with Vanderhoek in Whistler. Clearly similar to the Shorty II but different.
Link: youtu.be/a_o221Wh_jk?t=279
  • 6 1
 Calling it now, DHF2
  • 1 0
 WTF? is more catchy
  • 3 0
 Similar to Conti's Argotal I've been running this season which I've been impressed with in all conditions.
  • 2 0
 Same. Love it for loose winter and summer. Does fine on hardback too.
  • 2 0
 Looks like Argotal has longer knobs, so I'd call this a Mary competitor. Love my Argotal - proper cheater tyre when it's wet. I have taken it off for summer, as it just feels a bit much!
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex: Agreed, and I should as well for the same reason but I left it too late into the summer to change and fall is just around the corner here.
  • 1 0
 @james182: my area turns to dust in summer and it’s been stellar. Been gravitating to more spikey tread patterns for a while now. Magic Mary works great too
  • 2 0
 Gotta stay relevant when the competition is releasing tires left and right! Must be a response to the Argotal & the Tacky Chan?
  • 3 3
 Side knobs seem to have an extended stepped rear end. Overall, a T shaped block. Possible Names?
1 Fatty
2 booty
3 Big Diff
4 T bone
5 Mr T
6 Step up
7 Capital T's
3,4,5 sound like Schwalbe names
  • 8 0
 Big Booty
  • 1 0
 Those "extended stepped rear ends" are shadow lines from the center knobs. Which is why you don't see them on the right side of the tire also.
  • 3 0
 Maxxis Milf
  • 1 3
 @nateb: I thought that too
Beut very second side knob stepped extension on the medial/central- distal side.
this knob has a smooth top surface vs the alternating knob have a vertical central scooped depression.
Its more of a boot shape than a T on closer inspection. look at the knobs at the top of the picture. seems a bit clearer.
Big Booty it is
  • 2 0
 Magic Minion
  • 2 1
 If they’re for current World Cup tracks, then what’s the use case for these cut/short spike tires that an Assegai or DHF isn’t good for?
  • 3 0
 Both the DHF and Assegai clog easily. Both are great tires, but neither are ideal in deeper loose dirt, either wet or dry. Maxxis really doesn't have a tire that competes with the Mighty Mary.
  • 4 0
 Maxxis Mary
  • 1 0
 Looks like Remy is running it in front on his DH bike:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQlUHSgN7Dc&ab_channel=R%C3%A9myM%C3%A9taillerRAW
  • 2 1
 It's literally a shorty with alternating L corner lugs, thank you dhf, and the outer lugs sipes turned 90. I bet they could have modified the current mold to do that.
  • 2 0
 Never seen anything like this before
  • 1 0
 Finally! A successor to the og high roller. Those are totally high roller side knobs, best cornering rear ever
  • 1 0
 DHF is definitely due an update... I'd probably stick with symmetrical molds if it was up to me though....
  • 3 0
 The root slipper 5000
  • 1 1
 I bought an Argotal as it's supposed to be the best thing since superman... Anyone want to buy it, it's no dhr or original shorty. Sometimes new isn't for everyone.
  • 1 0
 Should of bought a kryptotal
  • 1 1
 @savmeister: for sure but they didn't have any at Dyfi before Champs.
Gonna just stick with maxxis, they work for me.
  • 2 0
 Looks like a Shorty. With some turned sipes.
  • 1 0
 This and alternating L corner lugs pulled off a dhf.
  • 1 0
 Call it the Zoolander, because it looks like it can't turn left! All the right edge knobs are worn way more than the left.
  • 2 0
 Magic Mary has existed for 10+ years and no mention of it?
  • 1 0
 this appears to have side knobs angled outward, like the magic mary, like wtb dissent which is the first tire i saw it on. whenever i try to imagine it, it makes no sense to angle them outward, either no angle at all or inward to get more grip if you're braking in a corner. what sorcery is this? is it sorcery at all?
  • 1 0
 Could it be a cut down Wet Scream? Like Wet Scream and Shorty were left alone for too long?
  • 1 0
 Well this will push the Assegai to rear only, so naturally this front specific tire will be the "Tiitman"
  • 1 0
 We already buy your overpriced tires Maxxis, stop drawing attention to yourselves
  • 2 0
 It looks like a shorty
  • 5 0
 The Shorty-er
  • 5 0
 It shorta does
  • 1 0
 Don't short change the tire
  • 3 1
 its 2023, the term shorty has been replace with 'little people'...
  • 1 0
 @stacykohut: Fine, call it the "Oompa Loompa"
  • 2 0
 SMS - Slightly More Shorty
  • 1 0
 Shorty v3 or something a bit more subdued?
  • 1 1
 Looks like they noticed the racers cutting DHRII's. I see more Minion than Shorty in this design.
  • 1 0
 Damp Screams, the diet Wet Screams.
  • 1 0
 New wet scream? Or updated shorty v2
  • 2 0
 Maxxis Shawty?
  • 1 0
 Doe they only turn right at Ft. Bill?
  • 1 0
 insert "they're the same tyre" meme
  • 1 0
 Looks good actually. Those spaced side nobs of the Shorty are crap imho.
  • 2 1
 does it come with the traditional wobbly casing technology from maxxis?
  • 1 0
 maxxis is copying continental lololololol. The tides turned.
  • 1 0
 Looks like the Tacky Chan as well.
  • 1 0
 Sunset on the high roller
  • 2 0
 Thats the Shorty Race?!
  • 1 0
 Your mom could have designed this tire.
  • 5 4
 Spy shot huh
  • 3 2
 It’s like a better DHF
  • 1 2
 whats so wrong with the assguy that they have to go and rip off WTB (and/or schwalbe)
  • 3 0
 And or any other tire brand for bikes or moto. There's only so many sensible ways to design a tire. This design is as basic as it gets, no rip off.
  • 1 0
 Shorty’er
  • 1 0
 Cut spike
  • 1 0
 Call it the 2 Short!!
  • 1 0
 touch my knob
  • 1 2
 Shorty V2?







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