Maxxis Updates EXO+ Tire Construction
Maxxis recently made a running change to the casing construction of their EXO+ tires, one that likely flew under the radar for many mountain bikers. Previously, EXO+ used a 120 tpi casing with a layer of SilkShield puncture resistant material. Now, EXO+ signifies that the tires has a 60 tpi casing with a butyl insert around the bead.
The change comes with a 1-5% weight increase compared to the previous version, a relatively small penalty if Maxxis' claims of increased flat protection hold up out on the trail. The new tires are said to sit in between the EXO and DoubleDown casing options, where before the EXO+ tires ended up being closer to the EXO side of things.
The new EXO+ casing uses a 60 tpi fabric.
The old casing design had a 120 tpi fabric and Silkshield insert.
When Maxxis first launched their EXO+ tire casing it was billed as a 'best of both worlds' scenario, a tire that remained relatively light while still providing a decent amount of pinch flat protection. In the real world, results seemed to be mixed. Some riders didn't have any issues (I'd put myself in that camp), while others found the EXO+ tires to actually be more prone to flats then the standard EXO casing.
When it comes to threads per inch (tpi), in general the lower the number the thicker the threads, and the more rubber required in the tire's construction. That means if you had two identical tires, one with a 60 tpi casing and one with a 120 tpi casing, the 120 tpi tire would be lighter, but potentially more susceptible to punctures due to the thinner threads. It's also common to add additional layers of fabric to create an even more durable and supportive casing – for example, Maxxis' DH tires use two layers of 60 tpi fabric, and their DoubleDown casing uses two layers of 120 tpi fabric.
The updated tires were released at the end of last year, and are currently starting to show up on new bikes and available aftermarket. There may be instances when a retailer has both the old and new versions for sale, but that's not expected to last very long. I currently have a couple tires in the test fleet with the new design - we'll see if the EXO+ designation now delivers the extra level of puncture resistance that many riders were looking for the first time around.
The 120 TPI hot patch (left) isn't present on the new models (right).
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327 Comments
How hard would it be to instead right 3 compound, 120tpi dual compound.
Or Dual compoind 60tpi.
They use dumb names for stuff we already have names for.
Then where does conti black chili lie,
Do you see what I'm saying, marketing is making the tire market harder to navigate for consumers. Sure you and I may know the difference, but shops shouldn't have to spend time educating people on every brands stupid nomenclature, when we can just call them what they actually are.
Sorting tires even on the best websites frankly sucks. Because they have too many names.
Oh and I guess you really prove your point. Conti black chili actually refers to compound mixture, not casing toughness.
And how would that equate or help compare conti “single compound” (which is top of the range) with maxxis “single compound” (which is bottom of the range)? Or conti raceking vs conti derbaron, which are both blackchilli but different rubbers?
Edit: while were at it why dont we start labeling tires widths consistently. Like Measured the the outside of the widest knob on a 30mm rim. I'm sure more than just myself gets frustrated that 2.6 from one brand is the same width as a 2.4 or a 2.8 in others.
Focussing on the first part of the ISO-ETRTO scheme can give an accurate enough comparisons between different tire manufacturer. As it is a standart, there is clear conditions for its measurements. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_5775
The thing with imperial measurements is, like you said, inconsistent. Which rim width/tire pressure manufacturer measure it with? Do they measure it from the outside of the shoulder knob or the widest point of the sidewall? Which tire manufacturer used which method of measurement?
and same with marketing speak, wanting to accurately identify how the tyre was made, but avoid the words (yes made-up words) that accurately describe that production process/technology.. what does dualply mean? Is it all the way? How do you label reinforced sidewalls? Beads? What if the material is differrnt, is it still a second ply? How to differentiate between maxxterra and maxxgrip? All 3 durometer values should be mentioned on the patch? Would it really make it easier to navigate for consumers?
Just try and name a DHR2, with all your universal correct technical terms. I wonder how that will look like. You will probably run out of space on the tyre.
DHR2 - 2ply SOFT 622-65 60tpi.
Rumor is that Schwalbe is at least going to be more accurate with their names. Punctured Pete, Torn Tom, and Flat Frank are all in the works…..
In terms of sizing, I took the hot tip to leave the tires inflated at a higher pressure of 45 psi for twenty-four hours to allow them to fully stretch out to their full capacity. After that, both the front and rear, despite its smaller appearance, measured at 2.4" wide across the casing and 2.5" from edge to edge.
Maybe this is the answer, time to let us know.
I've had this too and I know how to put a tire on. It seemed to be a Maxxis problem.
You're dealer should reimburse you. Haven't had it for a while now, always been on EXO+.
There is definitely a manufacturing issue on occasions, but some people are too heavy handed and ruin the tyre.
heard somewhere that sweat/humidity ingress during construction can cause the dreaded womble
If you've got a big old hole it doesn't work. Actually if you're extremely cheap, it does with car plugs, but only for a few rides. Ask me how I know
If you're on the trail I've found that pulling the bead away from the rim then laying a plug in between the rim & tire works enough to get your home. I use car tire plugs cut down. They are thicker and stickier.
Also any adhesive, patches etc., will require the tire to be treated with vulcanizing fluid first, a noxious chemical that only comes in large containers, to adhere properly. Even then it doesn't stick like it does to a tube.
So much easier and more effective to use plugs. If the tear is too big for even large plugs, the tire is toast.
My general impression over last year of frequent punctures is that rims with 30-35mm inner width sit right under the channel of tires like Minion and HR. Long time ago when Syntace released their W35 wheelset they actually said it was the case in their experiments. WT tires make it only more likely to happen, not that there's anything wrong with WT tire on wide rim, just it increases the risk of puncture by simple fact that if there is a knob between the rock and the rim the likelyhood of puncture is less.
Also.. check your pressure gauge from time to time. Had two pumps that were off by 3-4psi so it's good to have a trusted guage to double check.
It is NOT only available in large containers.
It is not some verboten top secret material.
ShooGoo is not a contact adhesive.
Have you tried patches and/or Shoo goo?
I have used both with prolonged success in patching tires, and Shoo goo does work.
Your tire needs to be extremely clean and dry for the above to work, but they do work.
I disagree. I've sewn up sidewall cuts with upholstery thread using a leather sewing needle. Sew it closed and patch it from the inside. Also works in big tread punctures. I like to use bright red thread to show off my handy work / aka poor man's skills. I had one tire get a sidewall cut 2nd or 3rd ride. Sewed it up and got another 600+ miles out of it. Tread wore out before the patch.
@MattyBoyR6: This is awesome. Gave it a try once and failed miserably, but feel renewed hope in humanity knowing it's possible.
I've personally not had any luck whatsoever with Shoegoo, and pretty limited luck with patching from the inside, but I'm stoked others more capable than me have.
Never seen a bike patchkit that contained vulcanizing fluid, be a useful item if it exists? Reason I tried this was RC did an article on it ages ago, said quart size minimums and toxicity were the big downsides.
I've found for plugging tires tiny size bacon strips are pretty useless as your sealing fluid patches tiny holes anyway. Kits with medium size plugs and up are the way. Way better even than doubled up tiny plugs.
I've gotten so many free tires this way, that just needed a little repair. Cheapskates ftw
Rema is one of the most common.
I've read all kinds of conflicting opinions about these tires based on marketing, but never an actual back to back test.
Weight vs puncture/ pinch flat protection vs suppleness
Schwalbe supergravity vs Wtb TCS tough vs Kenda AEC vs Vee EnduroCore etc anyone?
enduro-mtb.com/en/maxxis-mountain-bike-tires-review
casing type weight and toughness comparison from enduro-mtb.com/en/the-best-mtb-tire-in-review
Listed manufacturers: Schwalbe, Maxxis, Kenda, WTB, Michelin, Continental
Graph (sorted by toughness): www.pinkbike.com/photo/22022155
It is a pretty similar feeling to a DD tire, but I think offers additional rim protection.
If I blow through this tire, I'll consider a naked DD.
Big casing tyres are for Racing or clowns who dont pick lines and just "me hulk smash i dumb dumb"
Getting Cushcore off has been a bit more unpleasant....
as far as subject is concerned, ive not had any issues on exo or exo+ if you run correct pressures - i also have no reason to be tearing down Wornout/no maintance tracks with actual sharp rocks that have appeared, Will ride proper double black tech no issues on exo+.
Rode every trail i had time to in whistler on exo+ and never had an issue.
Low pressure will always give you trouble with trail tires/tyres, exactly why they suggest higher pressure on those ones....
Man 30psi in exo+ would be rattling the crap out of me
im guessing you run Some sort of expensiveish rim/hoop?
As you said: "low pressure will always give you trouble"
That is a subjective statement in many ways. Hard telling what your definition of low pressure is. Also hard telling what trouble is. While this is just anecdotal evidence. I can assure you that running 27 psi in an exo+ tire gave me a lot of flats. Switching to a DD and staying at 27 solved my issues completely. To me being able to stay at 27 is a big benefit to me, so I'll gladly take the drawback of a little bit of weight.
As for what Mr. NoIdea brought up.
He claims "I also have no reason to be tearing down Wornout/no maintance tracks with actual sharp rocks that have appeared, Will ride proper double black tech no issues on exo+"
Also a very subjective statement. I'd say that is a pretty contradictory statement. I don't know where he's from but I think very large amount of "double black tech" have what he claims to be the "actual sharp rocks" To me that statement is pretty much nonsense.
Mr. NoIdea is probably a really cool guy. He has a new Sight and a Border Collie. Both of those I also have. We'd probably get along great. I just thought what he said makes absolutely zero sense lol.
I am 74kg, I run 16/18 psi, standard exo on the front and DH casing WITH cushcore on the rear. On wet days I can run 14/15 psi.
20 psi or more on the front will rattle the sh*t out of my hand. I can pick lines well enough for my front wheel to survive, but not good enough for my rear wheel.
might go to Conti Trail King or Der Kaiser in Apex Pro (also about $60-65 USD MSRP IIRC) if I don't find a DD Minion on sale before this current Spesh wears out
I run DH or gravity casing with Vittoria airliner on the rear (28psi) and cushcore with DD or comparable casing on the front(24psi). Carbon wheels. My alloy dh wheel set that I save for bike parks is just dh tubes and dh casing...never had a flat with those but they're boat anchors.
Stacking the two plus signs would have been a really neat touch
What is the function of that? To increase bead strength or maybe stiffen the sidewalls? Genuinely curious. Cheers.
Glad they're moved away from 120tpi on this tire, I've not had good luck with high thread count tires for trail use
EXO - One layer of 120 TPI casing + the EXO wrap
New EXOplus - One layer of 60 TPI + the EXO Wrap + a small butyl sidewall insert
Old EXOplus - One layer of 120 TPI casing + Silkshield + the EXO wrap
So It seems the change to using a single layer of 60 TPI casing is supposed to be more puncture resistant than a single layer of 120 TPI casing with Silkshield (time will tell?). Plus you get the butyl insert.
For extra info:
DD - Two layers of 120 TPI with a large butyl insert
DH - Two layers of 60 TPI with a large butyl insert
Yes, butyl inserts are advertised as helping protect the tire from pinch flats and helping to prevent rim damage.
Reckons, for example, come in 120tpi in the 2.25 width, 60tpi in the 2.4 width.
(All 29er)
So, I am optimistic that this update will solve this issue!
I'm so happy others out there feel the same. Come on Maxxis, cut the crap. Personally I like the way WTB does it. Grey logos for the win!
Still haven't had a flat but with EXO+ but I've been using DH casings for the last 6 years and had zero flats so going to EXO+ still doesn't feel good...I just hate taking stuff with me for a ride other than food and water, so I'd rather use a heavier tire than stuffing the bike with pumps/co2 cartridge, plugs, etc.
Resigned to Cushcore (they ride nicer but weigh more) to protect rims, but DD tires take a beating better than any tire I’ve tried (except DH casings).
Yeah sounds like old packaging, the hot patch of the tire is the way to tell for sure.
120 stamp = old
No stamp = new
Sealant managed to plug it though - maybe if I had my old exo+ 120 TPI casing the story would have been different?
EXO has always been 60-tpi single-ply with sidewall slice protection.
Old EXO+ was 120-tpi single-ply with silkshield and slice protection, not a version of EXO
New EXO+ is actually EXO (60-tpi single-ply with slice protection) PLUS the butyl bead reinforcement
EXO itself is a puncture protection material - think rubberized fabric - so technically it could be slapped on any casing. It wouldn’t necessarily make sense but you could add EXO to a dual ply tire for instance.
Here comes the PAYWALL
OOO A BETA ARTICLE
Removes Pinkbike from favorites, moves VITAL MTB to the top
I have never had as many flats as I had with a pair of EXO+ Minions
No... I don't think I will.
On another topic, what the f**k is 'Beta MTB'?
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