Our favourite Maxxis tread was one of the last to make the transfer to 650b but it's been worth the wait.
Despite the DH F(ront) name the semi directional,
ramped tread and triple compound 3C MaxxTerra rubber mix means it's the only
really grippy tyre here to be fast enough to use both ends without killing
rolling speed.
There's no shortage of inline grip and the split tread
also locks down side-slip traction for turning and braking in loose or sloppy surfaces.
There's a slight leap of faith getting it onto its edges but that engages a
nearly continuous rank of solidly supported knobs for ripping round corners or
carving across edges.
It's an average width for its stated size so it
doesn't float as well as some fatter tyres but it doesn't need an extra wide
rim for stability. The Exo carcass keeps rocks off the rim at low pressures and
tubeless set up is very easy.
It's full gas tough without
feeling wooden and numb and masking traction. The triple compound also extends
wear life to make the high price more palatable and make it a proper
all-year-rounder.
Expensive but a superb
balance of reasonable speed and unreasonable all-round control.
Weight 910g
Width 55mm
Height 50mm
Price 81$