Light mud and soft terrain downhill tire for front or rear. "Ramped" knob design lowers rolling resistance and adds knob stability under hard braking. Grooved center provides straight-line control and excellent cornering hold. 2-ply casings with Butyl inserts in the sidewalls for flat resistance and stability at speed. Available in two durometers.
Submitted by
el bikobandito
a Cross Country Rider
from B-Ville PA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Bottom Line:
What an awesome tire for the northeast. There is no slip, just grip. I am riding the 2.35 Super Tacky (which describes the graphics and the tires ability). They stick to anything; damp rocks, roots, logs. They give out a big confidence boost when you are trying something new and gnarly. Great performing tires. Now my pet peeves...size is smaller than stated (OK not much...I can live with that), and...they wear down like cheese (I guess there are tradeoffs with everything but they do cost some serious coin). Inspite of their fast wear I still hand out the coveted 5 Chilis because even when the tread is worn down to little humps...they still stick...Crazy good tire...Buy em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumper780
a Cross Country Rider
from Harker Heights, Texas Date Reviewed: October 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dana Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
-Great bite
-Great braking
-Great cornering
Weaknesses:
-Heavy and slow rolling
-Treads seem to take a beating on rocky terrain
I ran WTB Weirwolf 2.3s for a couple of years and really liked them. Running them with Stans with 27 front and 35 rear. They are great but I just wanted to experiment with something else for the rear (Weirwolfs are staying on the front). Tried the High Roller since I ride somewhat aggressively. Wow, this tire sticks like a prostitute to a john! It does well in light mud, some loose rocks, it really shines in climbing rocks and loose soil. This tire really digs. I haven't felt that so called loss of traction in the transition. I have had these tires a couple of months and see that the tread is really taking a beating in the rocks. The Weirwolfs have held up for 1 1/2 years. The Wolfs tend to float a bit on the rear (slightly) but tend to stay more on top of soft terrain where as the High Roller bites deep into it. I don't think I would use these in a race but for aggressive riding this will be my go to tire. If these end up tearing up in six months, this will be my last purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
krazyjey
a Downhiller
from france Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
planet earth
Strengths:
never had a puncture in the ST, 2 Ply. work better with the middle pattern is worn off. great for drift and hard rocks.
for me this is a rolling tyre and not a directionnal tyre.
Weaknesses:
i will never put again this tyre in the front even a 42 A coumpound. the minnion front and back is a better combinaison for me, as a fast and aggressive drive on multiple surface and ground. sorry high roller but at different tyre pressure, i could never be so precise when cornering...even worst on wet surface like england wet roots or muddy.
no traction unless fitted on the reverse way, as well as braking.
Similar Products Used:
minnion 2.5, 2.3 ST, MICHELIN COMP 16'S, COMP 24'S...( the best for me)
Bike Setup:
turner dhr, enduro 160 mn,giant dh team, fast alpine descent
doesn t matter really. anything will do
Bottom Line:
i like the maxxis range and the high roller was one of my first tyre when i rode seriously, one year in racing made me choose carefully my ability to trust the grip, and i am lucky that THE MINNION was what i really was looking for...front and back. for the high roller, it just sit on my hard tail, for going to buy the bread on any sunday morning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slasa E
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
This review is for the 2.35 60a foldable tires. They grip great on off-camber rocks and roots. The center beads roll better than a lot of other meaty tread tires. They feel a lot lighter than the advertised weight. I have really liked them on a lot of the Colorado front range trails.
Weaknesses:
There seems to be a dead spot between the center knobs and the outside edge knobs when you are transitioning from straight ahead to leaning into hard corners and berms. Everything down the middle is grippy, brakes great, and rolls incredible. The edges in tight, hard corners hold the line. Everything in between starts to wash out and feel pretty sketchy.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire AM, Larsen TT, Crossmark, WTB Wolverine, Hutchinson Mosquito, Kenda Nevegal (I realize that this is a wide array of different tires for different uses)
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 - Factory race build - stock.
Bottom Line:
Yeti is putting the High Roller 2.35 on the front of their 2009 575's and Larsen TT's on the rear. The company prides itself in building bikes for Colorado front range riders where they build and test the bikes themselves. I have to admit that the tire combo has been pretty sweet on many of the trails that have a mixture of hard pack single track, rock gardens and even loose dirt and or loamy, tacky trails (not a lot of 'loam' on the front range). However, ripping down trails with a lot of quick, side-to-side curves that never really get you leaning too far - with or without a combo of any loose rocks or dirt - can have you drifting in the 'dead spot' of the tire. I have washed these out numerous times around corners and it has me thinking about a better cornering front tire. It always helps to have the right tire for the right trail or rider style but not everyone has the time or money to be constantly buying and swapping out tires. The High Roller has been pretty good on the front. I think I will probably keep trying other tires up front to combo with my Larsen TT and Crossmark for the rear. When I need something burly I think the High Roller will be best on the back (it grips rocks and roots on the climbs like mad) with a front tire better suited for cornering. Overall, these tires are great when used in conditions where they excel. 4 chili's for value because theses things aren't cheap and overall 4 because they are overall good tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lew
a Weekend Warrior
from Devon UK Date Reviewed: July 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gawton HSD
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Cool Maxxis marketing and logos. Easy to mount on rim. Adquate grip provided by tire, so not dangerous at least.
Weaknesses:
Soft, slow, puncture repair central, need for other tire protection.
Maxxis tires, good logo, soft tire, poor grip. OK at trail centers, but suck even more in real world.
These tires are not my cup of tea. The first day I used them a tiny baby thorn punctured the tube. The tires are not fast rolling and the tread pattern is too squared giving poor feel on leans and spins up too much on climbs.
Tires are so soft with regular compound that you will need slime/stans or some kind of extra protection to stop getting flats, which makes weight claims redundant.
If you think these tires are good, then you really should get out more and try some other tires like WTB.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Superole
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: July 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pinnåsen
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
XXL Alnabru, Oslo
Strengths:
Excellent traction on all surfaces. Climbs well and give control at high speed down hill.
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke
Bike Setup:
TREK Fuel EX9
Bottom Line:
This tire is everything i expect from a tire and gives me the control that I am looking for in the mixed terrain around where I live. I find the tire too heavy for XC but excellent for freeride and downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Kiefer
a Cross Country Rider
from san juan Capistrano Date Reviewed: June 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
rock-it
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
bike co.
Strengths:
It is the perfect tire for me. Strong, large volume, good grip. I really like this tire.
Weaknesses:
Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
wtb, specialized, kenda
Bike Setup:
07 specialized P. all mountain
Bottom Line:
This is the best mountain bike trail tire I have used so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mister_dmac
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance
Hooks up really, really well. Downhill cornering is great and climbing is slip-free. Great all-arounder.
Weaknesses:
Pricey, but absolutely worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire, WTB Velociraptor, other factory tires.
Bottom Line:
These work awesome as a front or rear tire. The other great thing is that not only do they have different widths, but different rubber densities for tweakability. I'm running a 2.35 up front and a 2.1 in the rear with a slightly harder compound. 2.1 sheds mud really well but mind you it is a SMALL 2.1 if not a 1.9-2.0. Still if you're riding a soft-tail, just run a high pressure and the pinching won't be an issue. I haven't yet found a condition that doesn't suit these. I can climb out of saddle on slick hardpack and she still hooks up. Worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KAHAIKAPU
a Weekend Warrior
from Hawaii Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Rolls really fast and there pretty light( wire bead version 2.1 with orange side wall pin strip sick lol )
Weaknesses:
Had these up frt and rear,had wash outs turning in loose over pack conditions..i would like alittle more knobs in frt to help in hooking up during turns
Similar Products Used:
kendas that came with bike,trek big kahunas,kenda nevegals
Bike Setup:
hybryd costco shwinng
Bottom Line:
Great tire for hard pack type trail.i will try the ardent in frt and leave the highroller in the back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CJHarris208
a Downhiller
from Boise, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
trail 4
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
they get great traction on rear wheel, and look badass
Weaknesses:
they are heavy thats it
Similar Products Used:
michelin dh16, other maxxis tires
Bike Setup:
michelin dh16 on front and maxxis high roller on back mostly downhill setup
Bottom Line:
these tires are great for all around unless you are worried about weight...BTW 100th review!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
whiskey
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, CO, USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mill Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
2.35 size has good volume for my needs.
Cush ride over rocks.
Weaknesses:
Knobs are flimsy resulting in lack of hook-up when cornering hard.
Similar Products Used:
synchros BHT-2, synchros FLT-3, Panaracer Fire FR, trailbear
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse MKIII Comp, GT I-Drive 2.0
Bottom Line:
Sloping tread blocks may improve rolling resistence, but braking or climbing suffer depending on mounting direction. These are fun, if you like to drift corners. Feels like riding on sand all the time. Not really sure why people rate these so high. They just don't compare in anyway to the Panaracer Fire FR when it comes to hard corning. Maybe its the steep rocky accents/decents that are common where I ride. If you need something stout that will hold a line at the limit, these are probably not your best choice. If you need something plush, that floats over gravel, these are are good option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony M
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: December 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Cornering on rails!!! All but eliminates pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
Climbing
Similar Products Used:
lots of 2.1s. This is first 2.3.
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse Maverick x.7, 9-spd, BB7, Tora 318 air, X-fusion air shock
Bottom Line:
This is the first 2.3+ tire I have tried. My riding is very diverse, I would say very heavy XC. Bombing down hills this thing handles insanely, which is what its made for. However, on climbs, whether loose or big rocks, this thing seems to slip more than other tires I have tried. And I run only about 35-40psi. Wear is pretty fast as well. I want to try something else when this is gone, but it is so addicting on downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bshallard
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Billy T
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
various
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, great cornering if you know how an edging tire is supposed to work.
Weaknesses:
High rate of wear on the soft compound race tire.... but hey, it's a race tire right?
Similar Products Used:
Weirwolves, Small Block 8s, IRC mythos, Huthinsons, various Specialized... Panaracer Smoke (back in the day) Velociraptors and some others.
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit.
Bottom Line:
I thought I might try to bring some balance into this review... although some already have. I started with a set of 2.1 eXCeption tires, and found them to be a great tire which rolled very nicely and were predictable in corners. I was very impressed with the level of grip on the mostly volcanic dirt I ride but of course, they wore quite quickly. Tarmac especially would rips chunks out of the knobs. As they got older and more worn they got pretty sketchy. Next I got a set of dual ply 2.3s for a specific downhill race, which then got cancelled. I rode them in the forest a bit, but they were just too damn heavy for what I was doing. So I got a set of 2.3 folding, and these proved a great tire with heaps of grip. I liked them a lot, but I prefer a slightly smaller lighter tire for the kind of trails I ride where rocks aren't a major feature and the dirt has loads of grip anyway. I've been experimenting with Small Block 8s since they are supposed to roll so fast, but I don't like the profile. I'm going to have a crack at some ADvantages which are very popular here now.
If you are going to review these tires, make sure to tell us which one you are using. Ranting about the rate of wear on a race tire is pretty pointless, as is complaining that DH size tires roll slow or are heavy. Ripping the side wall out of a new tire on a rock isn't definitive evidence that the tire sucks either. I've found them to be a great tire combining speed, grip and relative weight for a given purpose.
I'm giving them 5 flamin' chilis as an all round performer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bxxer rider
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: October 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
leckhampton daisy bank
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
noah's ark bikes and
Strengths:
great grip dont know about long term but great so far, dosent clong in very wet muddy conditions.
Weaknesses:
seems to wear quick
Similar Products Used:
minions
Bike Setup:
orange patriot fr lt, boxxer, junior t pro, xt deore
Bottom Line:
great tire good grip dosent clong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GM$
a Weekend Warrior
from boulder, co Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
SSV
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
University
Strengths:
This tire has a great combination of low rolling resistance and high traction on loose over hard pack, gravel, rock gardens, sand, etc.
Weaknesses:
It's possible to pinch flat. Seems like less volume than Larsen TT's
Similar Products Used:
Larsen TT's, Blue Groove
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 0
Bottom Line:
I've been trail riding since '92, ride aggressively and tend to be very hard on my equipment. I have one bike for all conditions in CO, UT, WY and KS and have been looking for a suitable tire set up to go with it. I've run the Larsen TT's for years and Glue Groove but while they excel in one area of trail riding, the are very weak in others. The 2.35 Maxxis High Roller gave me the best traction in any condition without sacrificing rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bitflogger
a Cross Country Rider
from Middleton, WI USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
BMSP
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike build kit.
Strengths:
Rolls well for the amount of traction and strength. Superb general purpose tire for riding rocky and rough stuff.
Weaknesses:
The gap between center knobs and side knobs gives a moment that is less sure feeling compared to some front specific tires I've had but they hold when leaned over.
Similar Products Used:
Lots from decades of biking etc...
Bike Setup:
Transition Covert w/ DT Swiss 5.1 rims.
Bottom Line:
There is no mystery as to why a lot of people have rated this tire well. It has a lot of braking power and it rolls well relative to how well it handles loose over hard pack.
I divide tires between quite lugged and knobby and those of consistent tread and this is one with knobs that has the nice rolling characteristics of one with less tread.
No tire can do it all so my score of 5 is because this tire gives you a lugged/knobby type with with more sidewall strength along with some of the virtues usually reserved for more racy tires. It's also getting the 5 score because it's the right sort of tire for my favorite trails that are rocks and more rocks.
The only way I think I could top these would be big sticky Nevegals that would also not roll as fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Centreville, VA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
2.35 up front gives great tracking and roll over obstacles, 2.1 in the rear is an excellent climber over roots and up steep rocky hills.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire wears very easily - about twice as fast as the front
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse MKIII Trail upgraded to SRAM x9 triggers, x9 rear derailleur, Avid BB7 brakes
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock with the bike and have performed really well in all East Coast XC conditions except serious mud - and that's just not fun anyway, so I'll let that slide. I am very impressed with the traction and climbing ability but that could also be more of a function of the bike itself. Rear traction is unbelievable but the price seems to be that the rear tire is wearing out WAY faster than I would expect considering the front looks just about new. They are two different sizes made from different compounds, so that may have something to do with it as well. I am thinking about trying the Kenda Hans Rey Telonix and would love to hear anyone's comparison of the two. I would defintely consider buying the High Roller again, though. All-around great tire for serious trail riding - only drawback being the quick wear in the 2.1. Otherwise, they'd be a five if you ride XC/All Mountain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
5 Oaks Aliso, Gooseberry UT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Avalanche Sports, Breckenridge
Strengths:
2.35 rear - Good traction everywhere - loose conditions, rocks, dusty ruts, slickrock, etc. Strong sidewalls
Weaknesses:
A little squirrely sometimes
Similar Products Used:
Mythos 2.1 (not really similar)
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, Fox TALAS 36rc, DT Swiss 1750 - nothing else is relevant to tires.
Bottom Line:
Great tire. Never flatted. Reasonably light. I'm a big guy who bombs down rocky chutes faster than I should. I also climb a lot. This tire worked great on loose SoCal trails, perfect on the slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa - climbed everything - even loose Thunder Mt. gravel. Seemed to roll OK too. So why am I getting another tire? This one finally wore out after 9 months (2-3 rides/wk) so I'm gonna try something different (Schwalbe Fat Albert). I'll probably regret it. My review is as a rear tire only - I never tried it on the front (Mutanoraptor 2.4 up there).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
5 Oaks Aliso, Gooseberry UT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Avalanche Sports, Breckenridge
Strengths:
2.35 rear - Good traction everywhere - loose conditions, rocks, dusty ruts, slickrock, etc. Strong sidewalls
Weaknesses:
A little squirrely sometimes
Similar Products Used:
Mythos 2.1 (not really similar)
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, Fox TALAS 36rc, DT Swiss 1750 - nothing else is relevant to tires.
Bottom Line:
Great tire. Never flatted. Reasonably light. I'm a big guy who bombs down rocky chutes faster than I should. I also climb a lot. This tire worked great on loose SoCal trails, perfect on the slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa - climbed everything - even loose Thunder Mt. gravel. Seemed to roll OK too. So why am I getting another tire? This one finally wore out after 9 months (2-3 rides/wk) so I'm gonna try something different (Schwalbe Fat Albert). I'll probably regret it. My review is as a rear tire only - I never tried it on the front (Mutanoraptor 2.4 up there).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins Date Reviewed: April 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Similar Products Used:
Minion, Nevegal, DMR moto digger
Bike Setup:
Brodie thumper, 66, DHX 5, Minion DHF super tacky up front, this tire in the rear
Bottom Line:
Found my tire at last, and I will never run anything else in the back. I have this in the 2.7 60 durometer version for my rear tire with a 2.7 minion in front. Great combo! Realizing I hated climbing with the Nevegal in back (that thing just rolls horribly...) I went to a moto-digger dirt jump tire in the back. The climbing was awesome but traction lacked, and after a pinch flat and a few goatheads popping my tube I realized I'm never leaving 2-ply tires again! This tire rolls great, especially in the 60 duro version with makes it roll even better and should give it a long life. Almost rolls as fast as the moto digger. Plenty sticky for the rear with all your weight on it. I find the front tire should be a sticky rubber version, at least out here in CO.
I've had it in pretty much every terrain and it's been great - sand, mud, loamy dirt, dust, loose rocks, hardpack, slickrock.
Some complain about weight but it's right there with every other DH tire. These are not meant to be light, and that's what saves your tubes and rims anyway. These "feel" lighter than than Nevegal when I ride, even though the Nevegal weighs less, probably because they roll SO much better.
Also FYI Maxxis runs small so this 2.7 is more like other people's 2.5. I run wide rims and they still aren't that huge - my Nevegal looks bigger. (Maxxis 2.5's look tiny when I see them mounted up...)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zephyr
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
TT/ Ubin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
superb traction, great control, point it and it will go in that direction, clears fast and quite true to size mine's 2.35.
Weaknesses:
maybe a little heavy, but besides that, can't fault it.
get them for front, don't know if they are good for the rear, haven't use them there yet. should be able to find it for cheap so def worth getting!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Downhiller
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cold Springs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Velo Pro SB/Craigslist
Strengths:
Awesome traction on rocky downhills, good strong sidewalls.
Weaknesses:
heavy, but its a DH tire, so it doesnt matter. can be pricey. I think paid like $60/tire + tax for the 3C's from the LBS, found the 2.7's on craigslist for $30/pair.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin DH16, Maxxis High Rollers
Bike Setup:
04 SC Bullit, Fox 40, Deemaxes, Avid codes.
Bottom Line:
Awesome DH tire. I've used them on rocky downhills (cold springs and tunnel in SB), and on loose hardpack trails (Knapps), and they have amazing traction. I'm running a 2.7" Super Tacky in front, and a 2.5" 3C in the rear. with DH tubes i can run the pressures as low as 15psi, and dont even have to worry about pinch flats. i've accidentally run them at 8psi and didnt even pinch flat (forgot to check the pressures before a ride).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnny
a
from novato Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
san marin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
cesars
Strengths:
nothing what so friggin ever
Weaknesses:
gets flats @ highest psi possible high rolling resistance everything else
Submitted by
Cindy
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Emerald Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Cycling
Strengths:
light, and decent climbing traction
Weaknesses:
Tire blister
Bike Setup:
Yeti Kokopelli Mtb
Bottom Line:
A tire blister the size of a jumbo marble popped up on my rear wheel, naked and unexplained, following a short 4 mile ride into the city. The bike was kept cool in a bike locker inside a garage on a perfect fall day, i.e., no extreme heating occurred. The blister created a ride similar to a fast trot on an old Quarterhorse -- very wiggly. In less than six months, that tire has been retired, which is poor value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom chub
a Downhiller
from boxford Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bradley palmer state park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
wheelworld
Strengths:
plenty of grip especially on loose dirt and gravel
really nice tire i cant see anything wrong with them so far except i needed a wider rim, but that was just because of the rims the bike came with
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke Peagram
a
from Tauranga, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Oropi Grove
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
www.torpedo7.com
Strengths:
Great all round tyre & come in many sizes. Fairly Versitile.
Weaknesses:
Not overly grippy on superdry rocky hillclimbs E.T.C
Bike Setup:
UMF Hardy 1 07'
Bottom Line:
Great tyres. I don't know why everyone else is complaining about the 2.1' not bieng any good for downhill? they come in a 2.7', 2.5', 2.35' & then a 2.1'. If any of you wanteed it for DH then you should have bought a 2.7' or a 2.5'. Anyway an awesome very versitile tyre great for XC, DJ or DH.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hui Chuen Chuang
a Downhiller
from Penang, Malaysia. Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Youth Park, Mt. Erskine, Penang Hill.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Cyclon Cycle Industries.
Strengths:
Grippy, Looks good, Relatively light, Cheap, Last long, Grippy when wet.
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Flamborough, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
DH trail at kelso
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com
Strengths:
fast rolling!!!!!!!! very good traction
Weaknesses:
non so far
Similar Products Used:
k rads nevegals
Bike Setup:
norco 4by pimped
Bottom Line:
best FR tires
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Facey
a
from Worcester,uk Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
cwmcarn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Dreamcycles
Strengths:
Grips very well at high speeds,look great.
Weaknesses:
Wear quickly,hard going on tarmac but these tyres are'nt for commuting!!Grip whilst climbing is'nt the best.
Similar Products Used:
Nokian NBX
Bike Setup:
On-one,Pace rc-40's,hope m4's,xtr drive.
Bottom Line:
Good tyre for the price but i probably won't buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Roney
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: June 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Windsor bike park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Bike Now
Strengths:
very wide turning range with great grip on burms and DJ
Weaknesses:
make alot of noise on urban riding, it doesnt affect your riding ut it does get annoying
Similar Products Used:
DMR Moto Diggers
Bike Setup:
basicly stock
Bottom Line:
great tyres that can be cable able to all terains with great turning and control, if ur into street riding then don;t purchase these tyres, try something like DMR Moto digger r type, overall great tyres and highly recommened!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Downhiller
from Romania Date Reviewed: June 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any rough terrain ride
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Excellent traction, low rolling resistance, great steering
Weaknesses:
None! Well, maybe they're not that excellent on mud ... but still decently controlable.
Similar Products Used:
All sorts of tires (WTB's, Larsen TT etc.)
Bike Setup:
16" UMF / Suntour Duro
Bottom Line:
These tires are heavenly! Very good control for front, good traction for rear. They also run very well on snow. Very predictable slipping, in all conditions. Price/quality ratio like no other! Best all-round tire out there!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Adelaide Australia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything thats got rocks and you can go fast on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
BIKE SHOP
Strengths:
Grip, braking
Weaknesses:
grip while braking hard in gravel and rocks, but then it has better traction in gravel than most tires
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
minion front, high roller rear
Bottom Line:
Nearly everyone who gave these tires 3 or under is either: a) cross country rider-shouldnt b using dh tires b)running a skinny little tire which they shouldnt be c)doesnt know how to downhill properly
Bottem line is a great tire but works better on the rear than the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben browning
a Downhiller
from wales Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
clarach dh
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
halfords
Strengths:
£&*@ing amazing grip in all terrains thinkable, rolls fast, looks good.
Weaknesses:
wears quickly in super tacky 42a compound, but at the price its not really a problem.
Similar Products Used:
none as good as this
Bike Setup:
05 kona coiler
Bottom Line:
never gonna use another tyre. dis is da best tyre ever made and i hope maxxis dont change it......ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kramer
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
East Side Bogus Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with Yeti 575
Strengths:
Relatively low rolling resistance. Climbs decently.
Weaknesses:
Quite narrow in a 2.1. Poor low/med speed cornering. Wear quickly
Yeti 575, Fox Talus RLC shock, SRAM 0 der's, Race Face cranks, Hayes Carbon Disk brakes, DT Swiss 340 wheels.
Bottom Line:
The narrow cross-section and the low tread height of the 2.1 UST put me off from the start (like others have said, it looks more like a 1.9). I tried to ignore that as I made my first climb on these tires. I was pretty happy with the climbing efficiency, they handled loose granitic sand over hard pack pretty well and scampered up short rock sections without fault. The short knobbys cleared decently in mud, but didn't like to grip when pushed. On the downhill, they hooked up better than I expected for their narrowness. When they were pushed in tight corners at lower speeds, they tended to wash out, especially up front, but the slide was predictable and easy to recover from. In generaly, I had trouble pushing these tires hard, but I would say they were adequate if you wanted a good overall tire with low rolling resistance and didn't want to push them hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hadrian
a
from ntown Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
rip off store
Strengths:
corners well, good response even in mud
Weaknesses:
soft compound, not an xc tire and im not an xc rider so thats ok
Similar Products Used:
geax, kenda, continental, etc.
Bottom Line:
good all around tire, I have had good wear results, i don't race with this tire but it does handle well at high speeds. grippy on corners, really tears up the earth with tall side tread. smaller tire with less contact on the ground, i can see why some people complain. But i like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: November 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Manly Dam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Torpedo7
Strengths:
Awesome in the loose stuff.
Weaknesses:
Wears quickly. Feels like its gonna loose traction cornering on hardpacked firetrails. Slow rolling.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Scorpion, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro
Bottom Line:
Purchased for a 24hr race and they worked brilliantly in the loose sections and absorbed alot of punishment over some rocks and roots in the early hours of the morning whilst misjudging a good line over and over again! Not so good on the firetrails (or sealed road) and had some chunks out of the knobs after the first couple of rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Hudson
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Az Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
south mountain - geronimo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
cornering, braking, acceleration.
Weaknesses:
none that I know of.
Similar Products Used:
marzzochi bombers, and many 1.9-2.2 tires.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Switch 2.0 with Maxis Minion(f)/HighRoller(r).
Bottom Line:
I freeride and downhill. Phoenix trails are typically rock, loose rock, hard packed gravel and loose gravel over hard... thro in some sand and some more rock and gravel. I am running a 2.5, downhill, 60compound version of this tire and only on the rear. (2.5 Minion up front... excellent combination) For freeride and downhill, in the Phoenix area, I am very happy with this tire. I will buy another when this wears out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Various around central Vic.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Way skinny for a 2.1.
Don't roll well below medium speed.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart, Duster. Onza Rip /Rail. Tioga Extreme, Tioga Red Phoenix, Maxxis Hard Drive, Hutchinson Spider etc etc etc.
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 0.5 hardtail with bar and stem tweaks.
Bottom Line:
I figured I'd be selling my trusty Avalanche as I'd just built a new bike, and my Tioga Extreme XC's were toast, so I just grabbed what was cheap and half decent looking from the LBS. These have "2.1" on the side - God knows why - they are more like a 1.9. The ramped tread pattern looked like it might roll well - WRONG! First ride on these they were a lot harder going than my big, soft Extremes - only wanting to roll well over medium pace. They are uninspring at low speed on hardpack. Climbing traction is surprisingly good despite the ramped tread edge, and cornering on hardpack is good despite the narrow profile and slight shoulder. They are super sketchy in the marbles however - a recent long downhill run in the marbles and golf balls had me sweating bullets - the front end was all over the shop. I've had other Maxxis 2.1's that were bigger (the excellent Hard Drive Dual appears to use a similar profile but slightly bigger casing, and the much bigger Helter / Skelter 2.1's) - these really are tiny 2.1's.
Buy these only if there is nothing else. They are light for cheap wire bead tyres, but then they are nowhere near 2.1 either, and despite being light they are slow.
If this is a racing tyre pattern, snall wonder Maxxis got Steve Larsen and other riders in to design new ones for them. I can't believe Maxxis killed off the Hard Drive but left this stinker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Goldman
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006
I dont understand all of the bad reviews for this tire. I know some people are gonna complain about anything but with the exception of wear I cant see a weakness. We all ride different types of terrain so maybe that accounts for some of the differing opinions. I have been using the wire bead 2.35 for almost a year now and I ride at least 2 or 3 times a week and this tire has performed great. I am on the east coast and the singletrack is rooty and rocky and these tires have almost never leave me wanting for traction. Wet roots are the only thing that gives them any trouble and most tires are gonna have trouble with that. The rocks are hard on the tread but after a lot of riding over the past year the tires are still serviceable. The front is almost new still. The rear is worn but still hooks up on uphills, soil, and mud great. I just ordered a new one for the rear and will probably wait until the summer is over to put it on. Based on my experience with high rollers i can recommend them with a good conscience. John
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
guy
a
from israel Date Reviewed: April 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rolls fast
Weaknesses:
wears out like its made out of butter! corners suck
Bike Setup:
norco rlz!!!!!
Bottom Line:
fot sum1 who rides only on sand or similier places i would recomend it...do not put this tire on tare...it will get eatin up. good pnly 4 rear...dosnt corner that good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brainvermin
a Weekend Warrior
from Québec, Québec, Canada Date Reviewed: April 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Good in muddy and wet conditions
Bike Setup:
Oryx T-Line 250 2002 with Marzocchi Z4 fork.
Bottom Line:
I tried these tires in dry, rocky, muddy and wet conditions and found out that they are great. I am happy with them so far and would recommend these to anybody that is looking for MTB tires at a good price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Middleton, MA, USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Great grip, never slid out
Weaknesses:
Does not roll well but when you're bombing down a mountain it doesn't affect it much.
Bike Setup:
KHS DH50
Bottom Line:
I would reccomend these tires for downhillers and freeriders whihc id what these tires are meant for
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oechsner
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, CO Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Front Range uphills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plush ride, easy to seat
Weaknesses:
Loses air easily, cannot be run at lower pressures, slides easily on corners and uphills- traction poor, tread gone after 3 months of riding, did I mention tread gone after 3 months?
Similar Products Used:
WTB's, Kenda, Specialized, Contintental's
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 Race
Bottom Line:
This review is for the UST model-- came stock on my 575. Not much good to say about these tires for the areas I ride which are mostly uphill, dry and rocky. These seems to be better suited for moister conditions. Continental Vertical Pro UST blow these away and are less expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Deva, RO Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$18.00
Strengths:
The thing itslef!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Timberwolf, Weirwolf
Bike Setup:
UMF 16" with Suntour XCR'06
Bottom Line:
I **DEFINITELY** had to come back, and post another bloody review for this sweet tire. I recently purchased a 2.35 wirebead Highroller. Previously had 2.5 and 2.7, wirebead both.
Tested it in snow and, guess what ... IT JUST WON'T SLIP !!! Bike angled at about 45 degrees in numerous corners, slips very predictable, then hops into the side knobs and STAYS there, excellent braking, very good climbing, even on some uneven ice, as long as you keep a steady and fluent "throttle". They just tend to slip on melting snow (which is VERY WET), but any tire would do the same, so ... another 5 flaming chillies ;)
It worths every dollar and cent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Deva, RO Date Reviewed: January 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$28.00
Strengths:
Grippy like no other!
Weaknesses:
None so far. The wear is acceptable after one year of roguh terrain.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Timberwolf
Bike Setup:
14" UMF with SUntour XCR '06
Bottom Line:
Recommended for all-mountain, freeride, XC
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Racer
from San Mateo Date Reviewed: December 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Summit Bicycle
Strengths:
Awesome. Hard to flat, most efficient 2.35 tire I've used, looks aggressive, cool orange line, good with jumping and wheelies.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, orange stripe goes to a lighter orange, doesn't give that comfy feel on corners, a pain to get on wheel. 40a wears down to fast, even in the front.
These tires are awesome for someone who wants performance when racing and trail riding. These tires are also sooo efficient. Only tire I could use to do some xc training/racing, then jumping, and all mountain riding with. I found they work best if one is in the back and a Maxxis Minion DHF is in front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pedaler
a Downhiller
from asheville, NC USA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any on the way down
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
super grippy, climbs well, durable, not 1 flat yet!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
7" of freeride fun
Bottom Line:
These tires rip! They came on my bike, but I'll definitely buy another pair when these go down, and I see em all the time for a steal. Rail so hard around corners, and climb great! If you like to ride everything (roots, rocks, mud, hardpack), get them and you'll be happy. I love downhilling, but pedal up almost everything I ride down, and these things are great. NO FLATS in 6 months!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gemmar gibe
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: November 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
mudspring, UPLB, Philippines
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
TopGear !!!!
Strengths:
Awesome grip when climbing on wet trails with big loose rocks. Doen't pack up mud that much.
Weaknesses:
I just feel I'll wear out the knobs faster than my previous...
Aggressive XC/Downhill hardtail with 5" Marzocchi kick ass forkzz..!!! I've got a new Maxxis swampthing up front..
Bottom Line:
At first I thought this tyre would not be a match to my previous Maxxis (Skelter). The skelter have more aggressive knob pattern for climbing purposes. But changed that all when I used this baby for a climb... I experienced little or no side sliding and skidding during my climbs. Its really a pain to re-start pedalling in the middle of a steep ascent, ya know.. I would highly recommend this as a rear tire, but not for front. And another thing, this tyre is a looker... makes the bike look more aggressive..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin Clayden
a Downhiller
from Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada Date Reviewed: November 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
o'dell xpert trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came stock on my Haro Escape
Strengths:
Super grippy! once you use them for about 3-4 hours they start to speed you up to no end!
Weaknesses:
Spit up soooo much mud!!! i've found myself with more mud on myself than on my bike...
Similar Products Used:
tioga,kenda
Bike Setup:
Haro Escape 8.1 (sweet bike highly reccomended) maxxis high rollers 2.5's and in the spring manitou sherman flick plus fork
Bottom Line:
These tires give you the most grip than anything ive used in my lifetime no doubts! go out and get urself a pair of these tires and u wont regret it ive used them for a season and they r just like new! u can easily find a pair of these for 40$ so pick some up if ur lookin for some new tires!
5 FLAMMIN' CHILLI'S!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOSH
a Racer
from MONTEREY CA USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$11.00
Purchased At:
JENSON
Strengths:
still wondering if there isa one
Weaknesses:
the entire thing
Similar Products Used:
intense tires and kendas and tiogas
Bike Setup:
planet x with a vinnalia 130 rlc
Bottom Line:
WHAT WAS MAXXIS THINKING this is a downhill tire that is 1.9 does that make no sense to anyone else can you even find a downhill tube that would fit that for that alone some body needs to give the maxxis idea man a kick in the ass
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carsten
a Downhiller
from Seattle Date Reviewed: October 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Good grip with super tacky compound and good cornering when they have good traction
Weaknesses:
Rear tire wore really fast: Center knobs reduced to moles Side lugs tear off.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Nokian, Huchinson, specialized, other maxxis freeride tires
Bike Setup:
2004 Santa Cruz Bullit: 03 super T, Avid mechs (roughly 8.2"), shimano LX, XT, XTR drive, 5th Element, high rollers fr./r., race face diablos and evolve, B.M.W. seat
Bottom Line:
These tires worked really well in all conditions except supper dusty and supper supper wet (expected), but they wore down fairly fast, though it must be stated that the wear time was ok for a 42d tire. Supergo had a sale on them so I bought them and I must admit they lasted longer than I had expected.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Sussex, UK Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Whites
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Great all round traction.
Weaknesses:
A tad porky
Similar Products Used:
conti verts, hutch mosque
Bike Setup:
Truth
Bottom Line:
I've been using verticals for 2 years and have generally been very pleased with them in all conditions. The rollers were probably unnecessary but I'm glad I bought them. At the start of my training ride there is a steep, rocky, extended chalk climb that I suppose I clear normally about 50% of the time and it was usually the verticals that gave in before my legs. With the maxxis' it's five out of five. On the way back down and everywhere in between they have been great, even in the UK summer gloop. There is a trade off with the added weight and this did concern me but the performance does imho make up for that. I'm running 2.35's at 20-25 psi with stans
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ramon
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Awesome traction on loose and loose over hard pack. Great traction on hard pack and rocks with the super tacky rubber compound.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, size usually smaller/narrower than it is supposed to be.
Similar Products Used:
Minion DHR UST
Bottom Line:
This i my altime favorite front tire. Great tire for technical dowhnhill riding. May be hard to climb due to weight but oh, so awesome going downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Downhiller
from La Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
braking performance
Weaknesses:
side knobs fold over in turns and makes the bike very unstable. no traction on DG.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Timberwolf and Weirwolf
Bike Setup:
04 Trek Liquid 55 with Manitou Swinger 6-way coil and minute two fork
Bottom Line:
I got this tire because of the reviews that i read on this webpage and i was very disappointed. The side knobs fold over and make the bike unstable and i am not even that fast of a rider. I never really seemed to have traction. I would not recommend this tire to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jt manuel
a Cross Country Rider
from philippines Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
justen's scar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
low rolling resistance comparable to a size 26x2.3 (i'm using a 26x2.5). great cornering ability; sticks like glue
Weaknesses:
wears fast even when used as a front tire only
Similar Products Used:
maxxis ignitor and mofo dh
Bike Setup:
custom built alu HT with srsuntour duro fork and '03 shimano xt discs and drivetrain
Bottom Line:
great tires for aggressive riding. very stable and secure without the rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alec
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bike man
Strengths:
This tire grips like glue.
Weaknesses:
nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Ignitor
Bike Setup:
Custom STP1
Bottom Line:
This is the best front tyre i have ever used. It grips to anything. I run a Minion on the back and it is perfect with this tire on the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dav-O
a Downhiller
from Tulsa Date Reviewed: June 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great tire, grips to anything i put in front of it! Sick design! (love the dice)
Weaknesses:
Wears kinda fast
Bike Setup:
03 Big hit with lots of goodies
Bottom Line:
This tire will not let you down, for the price it gives you everything you could want in a tire, just be sure to change it after a year or so!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Concord, Ca Date Reviewed: May 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe technical trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
OEM on Cannondale 1FG Ultra
Strengths:
High volume plush ride; sure grip going up, down and all around; pretty darn good even in clay mud
Wow! First Maxxis tires and I am Impressed! When I tested the bike (hardtail, 80mm Headshock in front), the bike seemed almost "cush," not like a hardtail. I went up and down curbs, through river rocks, over roots, along hardpack singletrack; the tires Never slipped, always gripped, and had no problems @ all! Come to find out . . .they were only @ 12 psi (I only weight 115lbs)! Even @ my usual 28 psi, these tires are Fantastic! Great for urban riding, though this will wear them out Very, very fast, as they're quite soft and sticky in compound makeup. Great for trail and singletrack riding, soft, hardpack, loose over hard, and even full-blown raining mud slop-fest riding -- so long as the forward momentum is kept and is consistently even; even in very, very clay-based, sticky, gloppy mud. I'm even considering putting a narrower version on the back of my C-dale Jekyll and seeing how that works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Livingston NJ Date Reviewed: May 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Grips well, never slips on rocks or wet and lose dirt. best tires i ever used.
Weaknesses:
NOTHING!
Similar Products Used:
WTB motoraptor
Bike Setup:
2005 yakuza ojiki, Manitou Blunt 150mm w/ 20mm axel, WTB dual duty rims, hayes nine 8" hydraulic brakes...
Bottom Line:
great tires. They make you want to go big. It feels like your glued to the ground.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ah Chan
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Part time seller
Strengths:
Grip, free flow
Weaknesses:
Hard to fit in mavic rim with wide diameter
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey zmax
Bike Setup:
Normal beginner bike setup
Bottom Line:
Dont buy this tyre if you use mavic rim with wide diameter. Very damn hard to fit it in order. Have to use candle to make it happened. Not gonna buy it in future. Would look for ritchey zmax.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lloyd Opolentisima
a Downhiller
from Cebu City, Philippines Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
Wellson
Strengths:
Looks awesome... grips great...
Weaknesses:
None...
Similar Products Used:
None...
Bike Setup:
Mosso...
Bottom Line:
I love the High Roller on all types of condition. The traction of this tire is awesome...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
maxwell
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto, canada Date Reviewed: April 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
w/e
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
bike show
Strengths:
super crazy strong, gives u confidence to go big, awesome grip, looks fabolous, corners nicely
Weaknesses:
bit heavy(who cares), alittle slugglish at first but once u break them in u move fast.
Similar Products Used:
weirwolf's
Bike Setup:
gt ruckus, bomber fork, and other cool stuff
Bottom Line:
get them if u want maximum performance in any conditions
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin k
a Downhiller
from w-s,NC Date Reviewed: March 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
yancey's ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It's round, therefore it did roll.
Weaknesses:
Bad traction on climbs/Intermediate cornering is sketchy because of tread gap from middle to side knobs/poor in wet conditions
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer fire Fr/Continental survivor pro
Bike Setup:
2004 Gemini set up for freeride use
Bottom Line:
I really don't understand how this tire got generally good reviews. I found it lacking in most categories. Maybe the Continentals spoiled me,(best tires I've ever ridden)but these Highrollers are not a tire that I would recomend to anyone. An average or below tire in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: February 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
very good fast rolling tire on dry and hardpacked surfaces.
Weaknesses:
Not to good in very wet conditions
Bike Setup:
Bighit, 888R, atomlab, raceface, azonic,x lite
Bottom Line:
Vey good tire for summer riding just not great in really dirty wet conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terence
a Downhiller
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: January 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand tire
Strengths:
The grip these babies have is just absolutely amazing, I run a 40a slow rezaay 2.5" down the front and run pressures as low as 25psi. The dual ply decreases the chance of pinch flats significantly but.....
Weaknesses:
.....they are a bit on the heavy side for some, I personally dont mind the extra bit of weight (the tires are almost a kilo!) for the extra bit of traction(from running low pressures and still never flat).
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis minion DH
Bottom Line:
I recommend this tire to ANYONE, what ever riding style you have. Just go it! If your a weight wennie, just get the single ply ones, Maxxis makes these tires in various sizes (from 1.9 all the way to 2.7 (for 26" rims) and 3.0 for 24" rims [i think]). Amongst the best out there for sure. Buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Philly Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
varies
Strengths:
I own 2.1 xc 70 durometer and 2.5 dh 70 durometer. I've yet to find conditions were these tires did not excell.
Weaknesses:
The downhill tires are a little on the heavy side, but, the grip and the strenth of the sidewalls makes it worth the weight.
Similar Products Used:
too many to list, I've tried alot of maxxis tires and most are very good.
Bike Setup:
I run these on my xc and my freeride rigs.
Bottom Line:
I recently had a new surface to try these tires on. Snow! They handled great. I was leaning into turns so far that I was thinking to myself "At some point these have got to give" But they did'nt. I was very impressed. Also, the snow did not pack up in the treads like some tires do. These tires never seem to let me down, and I recommend them too anyone, from xc racers to downhill guys. I've raced both, so as you can imagine I try alot of tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wesley jones
a Weekend Warrior
from lakeside,CA Date Reviewed: December 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anywhere is fine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
zumwalts college cyclery
Strengths:
lots of traction on any surface you like to ride on. The tread pattern looks cool.
Weaknesses:
when i was going down a hill at my grandmas house the tire kept spitting up dirt and hitting me in the face and on the frame.
Similar Products Used:
enduro product
Bike Setup:
stock (besides the tires)
Bottom Line:
the tire is a great tire and hooks up on any surface that you like to ride.it is a light tire but it is strong. the only complaint that i have is that the tire spits up rocks and stuff up to my face and my frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from nor cal Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
Awsome traction in dry/silt or tackey soil.
Weaknesses:
still thinking of one
Similar Products Used:
Kujo DH, WTB, Blue Dragon
Bike Setup:
Nicolai DH, RaceFace, Galfer, Shimano, FR150, WTB
Bottom Line:
Running the 2.35 with DH tube at 21psi on the back. Ran WTB's prior, thought they were da sheyite till now. Still running a WTB TimberWolf in front, quite the awsome pair so far. Have been told the sticky rubber is even better but wears veryvery quickly. 5 Flamin Chilis for value on the 2.35 60d compound.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Genital Apparatus
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Natural trials
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
The BikeShow
Strengths:
Very stiff sidewalls, very good traction, looks nice.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kinetics, various Specialized and Kenda XC tyres.
Bike Setup:
Planet-X Tibo. Typical trials setup.
Bottom Line:
Wow, this tyre is great! For trials, it's just amazing! It sticks to everything, and has good strong sidewalls that provide good rebound. I ran this tyre at around 10 PSI for a little while, and did three foot drops to flat concrete, and this tyre showed no signs of bottoming out. I can be as abusive as I want with this tyre, and it won't fail on me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brunaita
a Cross Country Rider
from Madrid, Spain Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Every
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
With the bike
Strengths:
Roll very well, traction, excellent in any dry terrain, especially with stones
Weaknesses:
With mud and wet / soft terrain are not very impressive / Price (if you buy them separately)
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Wildgripper (different models), Hutchinson Mosquito Air Light, Panaracer Smoke, old stuff of Kenda and Onza
Bike Setup:
Merida Matts Speed 2003 with V Brakes Avid Single Digit 7 (levers), Deore LX 2005 Crankset and RS Judy SL U-turn
Bottom Line:
This Review is for the Exception 2,1 Version (not Kevlar!) They came with my Merida as standard equipment (front and rear) and I am very pleased with them.
They are excellent all round tires, and give you fun in every terrain. Solid and predictable, give you confidence in every corner or technical path. In any case, when the rain comes, they lose some of their excellent characteristics. Therefore, I use this winter the Mosquitos Air Light of Hutchinson.
As resume:
-Weight: OK, it would be better in the Kevlar 1,9 -Rolling resistance: Very good for a 2,1 Tire -Traction and grip: Excellent -Dry terrain soft: Very good -Dry terrain gravel, small stones: Excellent -Dry terrain hard, stone: Excellent, the best tire I have ever used -Wet terrain soft: Ok, but a bite heavy, don’t roll very good -Wet terrain gravel, small stones: Very Good -Wet Terrain hard / Stones: Very Good -Mud: Their weak point, they seem like muddy donuts! -Asphalt: Good
I would recommend the highrollers as reliable all round XC tires for people who don’t ride too much in winter conditions. Excellent also for people like me, who like to have specific summer and winter tires. The only problem: Price (although came in my bike, the price showed in other reviews is really high) If I find a good deal, I would buy it again (Kevlar, 1,9)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rhys Lennings
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ashmore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Big Bike Shop
Strengths:
Grips well, nice side knobs, nice in the wet, reasonable level of rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
A little s*** to put on, doesn't look as wide as old 1.95 tire
An amazing tire. I am so pleased with this tire I'm writing a review after having it for 2 days! Sticks like hell on everything I chuck at it and its sick side knobs inspire super fast cornering. Might not look as cool as other tires, but i'd take these any day over a betta lookin tire. it was raining on my debut ride on these, and i was doing 40ks down soaked fire roads and 50ks down wet roads. I would recommend this tire to anyone
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clem
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: October 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
rocky cycle
Strengths:
looks cool
Weaknesses:
Bought a brand spankin new Rocky Mountain Flow for a load of cash. Took it out right away when I got home, the back tire went flat in just an hour of small 1/2 foot jumps. BRUTAL. I've kicked the crap outta tires and bikes that are a fraction of what I paid!!!! Must've been just a defective tube on the inside; I can't imaging ANY tire being this weak. I'm only 140 pounds, dropping off of curbs here!
Similar Products Used:
variety of cheap cheap MTB tires that have held up to a lot more abuse
Bike Setup:
Stock Rocky Mountain Flow
Bottom Line:
For the price paid and the reviews, I EXPECTED a pimp tire that would handle 10 feet drops and other insane stuff I would never do. An hour of dropping off curbs with a lightweight like me getting them flat DOES NOT FLOAT MY BOAT. Must've been a defective tube or something. Completely annoyed and angry!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlton Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from wilmington NC Date Reviewed: September 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah National Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
sycamore cycles
Strengths:
grip wet rocks, stable when bouncin over chicken heads, handles dragon teeth w/no probs. holds in turns well. super good front tire
Weaknesses:
wears on pavement but its not made for that
Similar Products Used:
wtb wierwolf, irc mythos
Bike Setup:
trek 7000, rock shox indy, shimano
Bottom Line:
very good tire for trails & downhillin. grippy & sheds mud well. i like it for a front tire, nice side edges. get some!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Foxhall
a Racer
from Pontypridd Date Reviewed: August 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Cym-Carn
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bike Setup:
7005 Aluminium jump-frame, Marzocchi 'jump-off' 170mm front fork, Truvativ Hussefelt Cranks, Kore seatpost, Stem and aheadbar, Tioga 'pro-comp' red pedals, seat and grips, twin Promax disc brakes, SRAM 3.0 gears, Rigida 'Safetyline' DP 2000 rims with Promax disc hubs on Camel tyres.
Bottom Line:
Will do review when and if purchesed. From what i've tried of them so far they grip very well on loose gravel wet or dry and are well suited to dirt-jumping. They absorb big hits as i've tried landing as hard as I can from 2 metre + jumps and they easily handle the shocks.
If anyone could please advise me wether 2.5 High Rollers will fit on my Rigida rims?
At the moment my Camels are 26inch / 2.1 inch.
Thx Yall, Foxhall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phill
a Downhiller
from Orangeville ontario Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
my backyard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Epic Ride
Strengths:
good grip on corners loose stuff and climbing up hills
Weaknesses:
seems a little narrow for a 2.35 on my mavic 729's
Similar Products Used:
kenda's, specalized roller's and mobsters
Bike Setup:
04 kona stuff, dj3 mavic 729's hayes hfx-9 hydros high roller on front, truvative hoseffler cranks kona sealed peadles and bombshell bars with cross bar
Bottom Line:
this tire is sweet and seems to gripd well in all conditions and lasts well if u ride it where it was ment to be ridden not on pavement. a bit expensive but it is worth the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Lance
a Downhiller
from Up North.....Way Up North Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lyodd's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Probably the fastest rolling tire ive ever ridden, except for the Gazzoladi, brakes perfect, fairly light, Nice wrinkle sidewalls.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls rip really easy, expensive (but if your friend owns a bike shop everything is cheap) wear out very quick
Besides Larssen TT's, the Maxxis highroller is the fastest rolling tire i have ever ridden, and the traction is still superb, not to mention the smartly placed center knobs that deliver a great climing ability. These tires are my choise for any riding fetish and are rliable all the way. P.S. even though this is for the 2.35 maxpro 60 compound, i am sure that any rubber and size send out the same acceleration and braking that mine do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a
from Roseville, CA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bobby's
Strengths:
-Durability -Traction on most conditions -Virtually eliminates pinch flats -Rolls pretty easy -Can take 80 psi
Weaknesses:
-wears fairly quickly on concrete (of course) -heavy price tag -punctures easily from what I have experienced
Similar Products Used:
High Roller Semi-Slic
Bike Setup:
Specialized P2, E-Thirteen Bashguard, High Roller Semi-Slics, Lizard Skinz Chainguard, and (soon to come) Marzocchi Drop-Off 2's
Bottom Line:
I wasn't aware of the heafty price tag on these tires cause they came with my P2. However, I was suprised on how long they lasted on concrete. Great tire! Maxxis rules!
Ride hard y'all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a
from Hungington Beach California United States Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sheep Hills, Fairview Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Supergo but tires came with bike
Strengths:
very good grip just about anywhere, very good for dirt jumping, downhill, and about everything else. They make this tire for downhill, freeride, and cross country so you can have this tire for what ever kind of terrain you ride on. They make them in 3 rubber compounds, i run the softest and i havent had any trouble with them
Weaknesses:
if you want a pair they cost $60 each!!! Does it really cost them that much to make these tires that you have to pay $60 for them.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2004 Iron Horse SGS Freeride Expert, everything on it is stock
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best tire Maxxis makes! Since they make it in 3 rubber compounds,this tire can go anywhere!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
garrett
a Weekend Warrior
from bedford, new hampshire Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
local freeride trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
jakes bike shop
Strengths:
hard to punture, great grip in mud,loose stuff, corners, steep hills, beefy
Weaknesses:
HARD to get on rim! hard to inflate cause of its beefyness, 2.5 is to to wide for rim, to knobby on anything hard packed,
Bike Setup:
GF Tassahara-turned-freeride, marz DJ3, kore Dh stem, maxxis HR, kore chain reactor, no front derailur
Bottom Line:
i was not pleased with this tire. Haveing a XC bike and wanting to freeride with no money for a new bike, iv had to improvise. First, it took me and hour to get the tire on the rim (i can change a tube on a regular wheel in under a minute) and the thing was to beg for the tube and the rim. My tude wouldnt fill up the tire enough so it might as well have flat. What made this worse was that the tire was so wide it would fold over the rim when taking hits on and angle. It also took alot of adjusting of the front Derailur cause the treads would rub (ended up just ripping the whole thing off cause i broke it to much). Well i got a new DH tube which has helped but the thing is still to much of a hassle. probably is a great tire on the proper bike but not on mine
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guido
a Weekend Warrior
from Hell's Canyon Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Excellent climbing ability, great grip on loose corners. Altogether just a great off-road tire.
Weaknesses:
wears quick on roads
Similar Products Used:
wtb
Bike Setup:
Oryx Freak 250
Bottom Line:
Great for almost anything. Runs slow on pavement, but pavement isn't near as fun to ride on anyhow. Takes hits and keeps on rolling. My friend made fun of my bike last year, but now that he is more educated, he always wants to steal it (mostly because of the tires and fork).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Denton tx. Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Johnson Branch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on my Yeti
Strengths:
Good cornering tire
Weaknesses:
Blisters
Similar Products Used:
Cont. explorer, Hutchenson octipuss
Bike Setup:
Yeti asr
Bottom Line:
First time I've had tubeless. Tires worked great. a little slipery when climbing loose hills. But the rear tire started to blister on me, I'm talking big honking bubbles, so I put a tube in it incase one of them poppped. they haven't yet but the tire looks funny. I won't buy maxxis again even though this might be a fluk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Silverdale Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Green Mountain WA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Maxxis.com
Strengths:
Smooth, fast, positive ride, for such a narrow footprint (1.900)
Weaknesses:
I can't say durability, since I knew going in the compound was soft. It's the price you pay for performance. I'd say riding roots less than parallel takes a bit more caution with these tires.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Pythons, Kenda Karmas
Bike Setup:
Blur, X317 RIMS
Bottom Line:
First thought upon installing them was "they are too narrow". A couple of spins around the garage and the tires really felt (and sounded) grippy. I headed to my favorite climbing trail and found the tread design probably compensates for the narrow footprint. They climb good (not great). The surprise was on the descent. I expected them to roll fast, but not to ride as smooth as they do. Plus, pretty descent grip for a 1.9 tire. The side knobs are doing their job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan Roeder
a Downhiller
from Cologne, Germany Date Reviewed: February 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lenzerheide (CH)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Bike Discount
Strengths:
very good grip in dry and wet/muddy conditions. hard to pinch flat. good on braking and cornering.
Weaknesses:
high rolling resistance (super tacky 42a). wears a bit fast because of the soft rubber.
Similar Products Used:
Nokian Gazzaloddi Jr.; Vee Rubber Ninja 2.65"
Bike Setup:
C#dale Gemini with Marz. Super T.; Hayes 8", Mavic D 321, XT
Bottom Line:
I'd choose the High Roller on Downhill only courses because of its high rolling resistance. It's not first choice for freeride marathons (Megavalanche, Bike Attack etc.) It's a good tire but me suits the Nokian or the Vee Rubber better. Nevertheless four flaming Chillies !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Lee
a Downhiller
from San Francisco, Ca. Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
upper eldridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Vision
Strengths:
Great side knobs.
Weaknesses:
Side knobs tear off after a couple hundred miles. Rear first of course.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer fire xc, Hutchinson python. IRC serac, Bontrager junk, Maxxis mobster 2.35 20a and 40a compound
Bike Setup:
Polished Santa Cruz Heckler, 5th element,Manitou Sherman Firefly, Singletrack rims, Hadley race hubs, DT spokes,Maxxis Highroller 2.5 DH slow rezay front, highroller 2.35 50a rear, XTR drivetrain, chain, front and rear der.,XT cassette, Race face turbine cranks,Easton DH carbon bars. Hayes 8" with carbon levers,Thompson stem and post, WTB laver v saddle,Oury mountain grips.
Bottom Line:
These things do roll fast and track on line. Just point them in the right direction and let go of your brakes of course throw in a few pedal strokes to get you down. These things have great burning edge. You can lay them down sideways to brake them loose. Great all round tire. Down fall is I keep ripping the side knobs off and I loose that edge. I takes a few months of hard trail riding though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Preston
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Nant yr Arian, Summit Cycles trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
Bike Dock
Strengths:
Grip to the ground in pretty much all conditions, they look good, they corner really well and roll amazingly well. They also are good for quick burst of speed.
Weaknesses:
The steel beaded are solid to install on my Alex DM24 rims.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory DH 2.1: Not very good
Bike Setup:
2002 Patriot, Sherman Fireflys, Deore groupset, deore everything and high rollers.
Bottom Line:
I've just installed m second pair of high rollers, I replaced my old 2.35's, which I was extremely pleased with, with my new 2.5's. I love these tyres, even though they are solid to install, and I have many cuts on my fingers to prove that, they work extremely well, and if you use good quality DH tubes inside them, they can almost be fit and forget tyres, for about a year max! Coz they wear quickly on roads!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Peterborough, ON CANADA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This is for the 1.9 (Kevlar bead): Very fast - low rolling resitance. Nice width. A friend of mine riding behind be said that the tire was gripping everything in sight. Might have been due more to the fact that I was riding with a low pressure. Cornering felt pretty solid - no ballooning feel to them.
Weaknesses:
Appearence - not really a cool looking tire, but that might only matter to posers ;-)
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro (1.8) - still the best all-round tire out there. These are close.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100, yadda yadda yadda ...
Bottom Line:
The first time I rode these, the roots were slick just after a rain and I was riding high pressure. I hated them. Next ride out, tire pressure was lowered substantially and the trails were dry - I was able to get a good feel for the tire and grew to love it. Even with lower pressure, speed was not really affected. I am a little concerned with pinch flats, but we don't really have any technical rides around these parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island N.Y. Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Dirt ones!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Maxxis.com
Strengths:
Good traction and nice grip in a varity of conditions. Low rolling resistace, Excellent side wall knobs, able to climb and brake very well thus far.
Weaknesses:
Expensive Other than that no performance problems so far.
Similar Products Used:
Lots, Tires from WTB, Maxxis, Hutchinson, Kenda, Specialized, Panaracer, Tioga, and plenty of others!
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Maxxis Highroller 1.9. I use this tire for a rear tire only and I use a Mobster 2.1 for the front. This combo allows me to carve into turns better than using a standard tire setup. I use thse primarly for dry or normal conditions. I have tried them in light mud and wet conditions they are good but my WTB Weirwolf 2.1's are my severe conditions tire and they kick most tire's a$$'s in bad conditions nothings better. These are my second favorite tires and I like them for dry. I only use a different set of tires because round here and on the internet the Weirwolf is hard to find and if you do find it it's not in stock. Maxxis has made one hell of a tire though here and is a great rear tire sheds mud well, Side walls grip very well when leaning the bike into a nice high speed turn. It's a great climber but it likes to squrim when it decends, pressure must be set right to get the best grip. I run it at about 35 to 38 PSI and it is good I might try 40 but i think thats too high for a 1.9 tire. It's a good tire for most cross country conditions but I would definatly trie a bigger one for freeride and definatly downhill. Personally if you used this tire for downhill not only would you destroy your rims but you'd get laughed off the hill try a 2.7 for downhilling. I have yet to try thwe test of time so I know how well they wear I will write a follow up review when I put some miles on them PEACE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Mount Olive, AL, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
BikeLink in Hoover, AL
Strengths:
Easy to mount
Weaknesses:
Not particularly wide for a 2.1. Packed with mud very easily. Too expensive.
1998 Cannondale Super V 1000 SL with Headshok Fatty D, XTR rear, XT front, Gripshift, Bontrager race rims and hubs, Fox coil shock, Easton Seat Post, Selle Italia flite gel ti saddle, XTR v-brakes
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires thinking that they would be a somewhat plush tire with good grip for Alabama riding. They were much skinnier than my Pythons, or Fire XC pros's but I thought that what they did not have in size and cush they would make up for in grip. I was wrong. These tires pack up in even the slightest mud and become like slicks. On my first ride at our local trail i was riding over a series of tree roots. The rear slipped, even though the roots were not wet and I absolutely busted my ass. The doctor told me that I had fractured my coccyx (assbone). I have ridden this same trail many times with the Pythons and never even came close to losing traction even if the trail was wet. I am going to take a look at WTB's Weirwolf as my next all-around tire. If anyone has any recommendations or experiences with certain tires please e-mail me. I know that Maxxis makes really good tires. Just no this particular one. I would not recommend it for anyone who really rides offroad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
light, quick, fast, straight ahead and hard cornering traction, seem to wear good but I'm easy on tires
Trek Y, XT hubs, Mavic 517, lite Maxxis tubes, lite rim strips, most all components upgraded, Stylo team w/Raceface XC BB ISIS w/double bearings drive side, SID XC
Bottom Line:
This is for the High Roller Exception XC Kevlar tire, 2.1. Amazing what a difference the upgraded components along with the light weight tires makes. Rode again last weekend and the old Y bike climbed better and easier than ever. I'm 180 lbs and still don't have the front air pressures figured but didn't have any problems with flats at 40psi over rough (sharp rocks, roots, skree), xc steep terrain. Let the pressure down in the SID also to try and calm down the front end. A lot of it might be the rider and outdated frame. On the back end, I ran the Cane Creek AD up to 180 psi for climbing and down to 130 for down the hill. Along with 40 psi in the rear tire, worked great. Traction for climbing very good although you could reverse the directional tire and get the ramps off the biting edge to increase traction; no need. Front end held well except on slower tight turns with loose over hardpack. Scarey but manageable. I think a little lower pressure, tire and SID, might help. The Kenda and Piranha hold better but aren't as quick (heavier + lots more tread edges). Sticking with the Rollers for now; fun tire. I think these tires are pretty close to the High Roller XC type R- i.e. Race use only. Will probably end up using a front specific PiranhaPro with the Roller on the rear. Four flamers for value - pricey. If the tire worked as well on the front as on the rear, it would get 5 torches but overall a 4. Should be great for faster, smoother open XC trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
dougs trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Neilsons
Strengths:
i never pinch a flat with this tire, corners well, looks nice
Weaknesses:
price...ive seen this tire for 100 bones at cyclepath, and its only lasted me a year
Similar Products Used:
Kujo dh, hutchinson jumbo
Bike Setup:
Santa cruz chameleon, rs psylo, avid arch rival, sun rhynolite
Bottom Line:
a good tire, but wears down way too quick especially considering what you pay for it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon McKinnon
a
from Hamilton,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hills,Barrie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Scattalon Bikes
Strengths:
awesome tire. extreamly hard side walls, nice on both dirt and pavement
these tires stick to the ground like glue and make any braking need a piece of cake. Nice graphics too!
Weaknesses:
nil
Similar Products Used:
specialized phat knobs
Bike Setup:
Scwinn Down hill, race face hubs and rims, maxxis high roller tires, easton bars, hydrolic specialized disc brake setup and rock shox mamoth fork.
Bottom Line:
these tire rock and I would seriosly recammend them to anyone that is seriouse about biking.
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Submitted by
C0NRADone
a
from Long Beach, CA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
.: Sticky tire .: Excellent rolling and braking performance .: Cool graphics
Weaknesses:
.: A b!tc# to install onto my crappy Sun RhynoLytes
Similar Products Used:
.: Nokian Gazzaloddi, Jr. 2.6 .: Nokian Gazzaloddi 2.3 .: WTB MutanoRaptor DNAs
Bike Setup:
.: RaceFace Diabolus 50mm Downhill Stem .: RaceFace 1.5" Riser Bar .: ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips .: Avid Speed Dial Ti Brake Levers .: Avid CPS 203mm Mechanical Disc Brakes .: Avid Rollamajig .: Maxxis High Roller 26x2.7 (F) .: Maxxis High Roller 26x2.5 (R) .: Maxxis Downhill Tubes (Schrader) .: WTB Laser V Saddle .: Weyless B-27 Platform Pedals .: Q-Stix Pro QR Skewers
Bottom Line:
There's a reason why you see these tires on a good number of professional riders' rigs. I love them because they look good with my orange jersey. ;]
5 bloody tampons all around!
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Submitted by
Luckwell Bradford, Canada
a Downhiller
from luckwell@sympatico.ca Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Epic Ride
Strengths:
nice rolling tire, feels smooth nice stiff side wall
Similar Products Used:
nokian gozzi,gozzi XL
Bike Setup:
DH
Bottom Line:
it's a nice addition to a smooth ride.
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Submitted by
Shane
a Downhiller
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
jumps, and cliff drop ins
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Great handleing in mud, packed dirt, dirt, sand
Weaknesses:
wears down a bit to fast for my likeing (but they do see alot of miles on pavement)
Similar Products Used:
specialized tires
Bike Setup:
stock 2002 devinci hucker
Bottom Line:
great tire, handles on jumps, cornering at speed on downhills. Anything that you can throw at this tire it will eat it up.
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Submitted by
Dan Williams
a Downhiller
from Huntington Beach, CA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Snow Summit, Red Box/JPL, San Juan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Speed & braking
Weaknesses:
Cornering
Similar Products Used:
Geax Sedona 26 x 2.5, Maxxis Mobster 26 x 2.5
Bike Setup:
Giant AC1, Marzocchi Super Ts, Rock Shox Pro Deluxe, RaceFace North Shore DH, Weyless B-27 Pedals, Sun Rhyno-Lites, MRP (on downhill courses).
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent tire that wears well, goes fast, brakes well; BUT it really doesn't corner that well. Yeah, I know, what tire really holds that well cornering fast, but this seems to want to slip out from underneath me just as easily as those cheap Geax's I was running. MOBSTERS BABY, now THOSE hold!!!
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Submitted by
matt michaels
a Downhiller
from victoria Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
fastback
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
a bike shop
Strengths:
pretty light,it gives you great controll going around turns.
Weaknesses:
no good in mud,a little skinny for dh.
Similar Products Used:
tioga,kenda
Bike Setup:
specialized p.3
Bottom Line:
A very great tire all around.
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Submitted by
Kaku Ito
a Downhiller
from Setagaya, Tokyo Japan Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fujimi Panorama
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Ogawa Ringyo
Strengths:
This review is for 24 x 2.75 50 duro version. Light. Available for 24 inch! Looks very cool. Rolls super fast.
Weaknesses:
Does not gripp well as Arrow Prime Wide 2 57 duro. I hurt my knee from sliding side way while braking right after changed my tires from PW2 to High Roller. The block patterns come off too easily. They only last for a couple of days while Arrow Prime Wide 2 dur 57 last for more than several days of downhill.
Similar Products Used:
Arrow Prime Wide 2 57duro, Prime Bite 67duro, IRC Kujo DH, Serfas DH tire (forgot the name).
Bike Setup:
Kona Stab Primo 2001, Mavic XY rims, Raceface ISIS Northshore cranks, Thomson Seat post, SDG Landing Stripe saddle.
Bottom Line:
High Roller is for racers. Rolls very fast. I felt like sliding side way on the rocks at very fast decsending. I'm not that brave, so I would choose Arrow Prime Wide 2 57 duro for myselft and get a lot more grip and air. I wish I can be good enough technically to utalize High Roller well some day.
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Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah, WA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Can't tell b/c "they" will take it away.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
multiple locations
Strengths:
NO MORE FLAT TIRES!
Weaknesses:
durability on pavement
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, WTB, and many, many others
Bike Setup:
1999 GT XCR 2000, Marzocchi/Fox, XT, Mavic D521
Bottom Line:
I use one bike to commute daily, for XC, and for freeriding. I live on this bike.
I also destroy everything: tires, wheels, shocks, rear-Ds & hangers, and shifters, not to mention bones.
I was the reigning king of pinch-flats. (I once blew both tires in a double-pinch landing -- kinda cool to see, kinda sukky to repair.) And riding up stairs KILLS wheels. I also ripped the sidewalls of several tires, which usually hurt my skeleton as well as my wallet. Ordinary punctures occurred every couple of rides due to rocks, thorns, glass, latte mugs, and whatever else littered my various paths. And don't say my air pressure was wrong because I tried EVERYTHING!
But finally, oh finally, all of this wheel carnage has ended! I crammed two 2.5s, 60-compounds full of downhill tubes and popped 'em on my DH wheels. My bike may weigh 35 lbs, but I cannot damage my donuts any more, no matter what I do.
And I still climb our local 3.5-mile 1200-footer in well under 1/2 hour, so eat my fat-tire dust.
[One warning: Remember to lower that air pressure for the XC stuff for best grip.]
My only wish is that Maxxis also makes a HARDER compound High Roller for dweebs like me, instead of just supporting the sticky crowd. Some of us love these tires and also care about treadwear.
$ 55.00
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