At 430 grams, the WormDrive 430 is the lightest 26 x 1.90 semi-slick tire available for high-performance mountain bike racing on hard pack terrain. The WormDrive 430 is an example of Maxxis' commitment to constantly develop our tire and tube products. The popular WormDrive tread pattern has been enhanced by Maxxis' low-density compound* which provides superior traction and low weight. Kevlar bead only.
*Please note that WormDrive 430's are engineered for racing only. The low-density, high traction compound used in 430's wears & rides faster than traditional tires. For training & recreational riding, we recommend the original hard compound (70a) WormDrive kevlar bead tires
Submitted by
Owen Wall
a
from Philadelphia PA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga MBA trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
raffle winning.
Strengths:
Impressed with climbing ability, very fast rolling, good cornering.
Weaknesses:
lateral play climbing with front wheel, Lateral play comming down hill quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Velocipators, IRC marathon, Maxxis Minnion, various specialized.
Bike Setup:
Element 70, XTR drive train, XT breaks/Hubs, rolling on Mavic 717s.
Bottom Line:
Comming from an all mountain arena, then an slightly more aggressive XC tire I am really impressed with these semi slicks. I tackled everything from loose gravel on steep grades to BFRs and roots on steep grades, to rough narrow downhills and did so with minimal slippage of my rear wheel. My complaint would be that while climbing I really felt like my front tire was all over the place. I felt like I had to focus a lot on my front tires movement. Also when cruising fast down hill I got a lot of lateral play with my tires sliding off side to side. look at the tread and its easy to see why. Overall I like these tires, they roll fast and I feel pretty comfortable riding these 1.9ers pretty hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jay bulanadi
a Cross Country Rider
from philippines Date Reviewed: August 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mountains of leyte, palanog, kauswagan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
young's marketing
Strengths:
fast really fast. i topped at 59km/hr on pavement and 45km/hr on dirt roads with these
Weaknesses:
as with all semi slicks, grip is comprimised for speed. so it slips on gravel or any thing really loose
Similar Products Used:
ritchey speed max
Bike Setup:
custom alloy hardtail xc racer
Bottom Line:
note that these tires are FOR RACE ONLY. perfect for intended use!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rikki Griffin
a Racer
from Dunedin, New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
haggis basher
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
last race
Strengths:
really light and fast, grippy on dry or moist hard pack
Weaknesses:
gravel, no teeth to bite into the firm stuff underneath - but no getting 'round that with a semi!
Similar Products Used:
This is my first semi-slick (except for old, worn-out tires!)
Bike Setup:
Kona Nunu, pretty standard
Bottom Line:
I won this tire in a race and chucked it on the front of my bike for my next training ride. I rode 80Km mixed ground including road, gravel, dry grass, wet clay, rubble. I have also now ridden it on dry hardpack single track. I'm really impressed with it. Definately faster than the old tioga terra firma (duh!). It even held on wet clay better than the terra firmer I still had on the back. I'm running it at just over 40 psi which feels right for most conditions. I've just put a Ranchero on the back wheel to complete the 'dry day'package. People who are racing on hard stuff without wet roots and rocks and without technical gravel should put one or two of these worm-drives on to boost their av speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Umar
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kiara
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
Very fast on hard trail and tarmac.
Weaknesses:
Definetely not for soft trail. Wear quickly especially rear tyre.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kozmik, Kenda Short Tracker, Panaracer Mach SK, Continental Competition Pro
Bike Setup:
Giant hybrid with Rockshok SID Team. XT mechanical except Truvativ Stylo crank. Bontrager/Sun Ringle rims and hubs combo. Hayes disc brake
Bottom Line:
I'll use it again only if I'm very sure that the trail is hard with no drizzle, and I want to go fast. Put 50psi and I'm flying.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aubrey
a Racer
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: January 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Pretty cheap for such a high-end racing tire. Very grippy. Super light, rolls wonderfully.
Weaknesses:
Can't handle thick mud (duh). Not enough traction for anything but normal XC. I've been getting flats recently, but it's been on my front and rear tire. Maybe it's just thorn season.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin wildgripper, conti explorer pro, conti twister pro, some nice specialized something-or-others, some Kenda semi-slick, etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized Stumpjumper Pro, but with XT cranks, XTR rear hub, and Thompson stem and seat post. Conti Explorer Pro up front, Maxxis Worm Drive on the rear.
Bottom Line:
These will blow your mind. I'm so sad to hear that they don't make them any more. I already have one extra, maybe I'll buy another one anyways. I got mine for super-cheap, so I was a little suspicious at first. I tried to take them up the roughest stuff around on my first ride to confirm that they were crappy tires, but they did everything I asked. They never slipped going uphill, they hammered on the flats, and I could turn crazy fast on them too. They have outlasted one chain so far, so they should have at least a couple hundred miles on them. The only real wear issue I have is the tiny nubbs did disappear pretty fast. It's only 9/10ths the tire without those, but its still the best semi-slick I've ridden. Gotta give it a 5/5 for overall rating, but the value should be much higher. This outperforms other $50+ tires. 5 is an understatement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sugufish
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Light XC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
WG
Strengths:
Fast.... really fast
Weaknesses:
Wears out reasonably quickly but can't really complain since its reasonably light and fast.
Similar Products Used:
I only use Maxxis and Michelin
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS, Trigon Carbon seatpost and Handle bar, Selle Italia SLK, Truvativ Stylo Team, XT here and there, Formula Xero wheelset,
Bottom Line:
Versatile tyres. Good for ppl who dun go too extreme. Good grip on road and light XC. But sad to say, its not here nor there...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Salisbury Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Brevard, NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2.00
Purchased At:
Bike Swap/Closeout
Strengths:
I took this tire on it's first run today. Fantastic! I set my bike up with a Maxxis Wormdrive on the front with a Maxxis Larsen Oriflamme on the rear. Man is my bike FAST now! These 2 tires combined work super well together. I'm definately keeping a spare of each for later. These tires hook up to the trail so well. I was averaging 15-25 mph on the trail that I normally only average 10-15 mph. Turns were no problem what so ever. BUY THESE TIRES MAN!
Weaknesses:
Wish I had more of them.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, Kenda, Trek Kahunas, Bontrager
Bike Setup:
1996 Trek 930 Singletrack
Bottom Line:
I'm Sold!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clydesdale Dave
a Racer
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
maxxis.com
Strengths:
Surprising grip. No rolling resistance. Extremely lightweight. Seem durable. Grips even on wet dirt and grass as long as you put your weight back.
Weaknesses:
Climbing out of the saddle sometimes causes sliping on wet surfaces. Slips while braking until you get on the edges or off camber. Off camber uncontrollability / unpredictable.
Titus Racer-X w/ King Mavic 517, King HS, Thomson, Maxm bars.
Bottom Line:
Running on rear only. This tire surprised the bajesus out of me because I never, ever, imagined riding on semi-slick off road but it actually grips just like a knobby and in some cases it grips better as long as the surface is dry. It rolls extremely fast. I like to "brake slide" around sharp corners and discovered that this tire grips too well to allow that. It's quite surprising. I am running a Minotaur in the front which grips extremely well...I can't image running a Wormdrive on the front with one on the rear becuase straight line braking will require at least 1 tire that hooks deep into the ground...I might be just as surprised. For $20, I got this tire and flywight tube...great value. I do agree that this is probably for racing only because the side knobs tear up quickly on sharp rocks...otherwise it rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Des Moines, IA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
MAXXIS.COM
Strengths:
These tires are great for the right conditions. Hardpack, smooth trails, etc. Need more traction, buy other Maxxis tires.
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Speedmax
Bike Setup:
Seven Teres, XTR, mavic crossmax SL's
Bottom Line:
I have used these tires (2) sets for well over 2 years and at $17 direct from Maxxis.com on closeout are one heack og a buy. I asked Maxxis why they were scraping the design and they said tires come and go and the Wormdrive, although it has its strong supporters, just is not selling as good as it used to. If your looking for a great semi-slick check out the maxxis.com website and buy a couple of sets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI, USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Maxxis.com
Strengths:
Fast and good traction
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Many other
Bike Setup:
Cannondale f1000
Bottom Line:
Excellent. I have rear specific tire and it does great. Huge diffence in rolling resistance from previous full knobby tire. Excellent traction in corners. Only says this tire is 1.9 but looks and rides like a 2.0 or bigger. I haven't noticed any sacrifice in traction. Riding with a flyweight 490 on the front and that hooks up great. I couldn't be happier with this setup. Ridden in sandy areas and works out as good or better than other tires used. I would definitely buy this tire again especially at the cost of only $17.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francis Fowler
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, I imagine they would be light but I haven't weighed them.
Weaknesses:
I just don't understand these tyres, dangerous off road, OK on road but prone to flats.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC, Specialized Team Control/Team Master
Bike Setup:
GT Arrowhead (Cheap bottom of range hardtail) now have GT Avalanche 0.0 Disc - Awesome
Bottom Line:
I just don't understand these tyres, everyone seems to think they grip well but my ones are near useless offroad especially in loose rocky sections. I don't think mine are the race version as they haven't worn that quick and don't have the kevlar bead but they are a semi slick design and they say "Maxxis Worm Drive" so I suppose that's what they are. They are OK on the road but are prone to flats. From my experience I wouldn't recommend these tyres as they have next to no grip off road. Keep in mind though that my worm drive tyres seem to be different to everyone else's on this site. Once I changed to knobblies I don't know why I put up with these tyres for so long. 1 chilli (why does everyone call them turds?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray So
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very very low rolling resistance. Soft compound really sticks to the pavement. The knobs on the shoulders dig in while cornering in dirt. Climbs very well for a semislick. Very light, you will feel the differenece. Quiet tire.
Weaknesses:
These things have no drawbacks except they puncture very easily. The fact that there are no knobs to protect the tire and tube means you may get flats if you're not careful. I've had 2 puncture flats myself already.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos SemiSlick
Bike Setup:
Kelly Hardtail, Shimano componets, Shimano XT disc brakes, Thompson stem and seat post. Many other things
Bottom Line:
This is the best semi slick out there. Great design, great compound. Worm drive is great!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MountRealRider
a
from MOntreal Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
light, race-only hardpack tire that delivers
Weaknesses:
mud/wet performance poor, expansive
Similar Products Used:
all kinds of race tires
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F2000SL
Bottom Line:
430 grams version, rear: good race tire for fast rolling hardpack, better than expected on dry technical sections, slips when climbing in the wet. Could feel the lightness and low resistance when climbing during races. Will continue to use it in appropriate conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerard
a Cross Country Rider
from Waitara, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Northside Cyclery
Strengths:
Really low rolling resistance with suprisingly good grip off road, increased my on road avg speed by about 6 kmh. Wear seems pretty good to date.
Weaknesses:
Didnt fill me with confidence on road when wet, not to bad though.
Similar Products Used:
Various
Bike Setup:
Avanti Hammer
Bottom Line:
These tires are fantastic for anyone who rides 50% on road and 50% off road, particularly where the off road component is hard packed trails. I have used them once in wet conditions they showed a little slippage during on road cornering, however they where still very good in off road wet conditions which included a reasonably steep uphill climb. Overall these tires are great and i havent seen any quick wearing characteristics yet and thats after about 150km use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cal
a Cross Country Rider
from glendora Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
marshall
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
low rolling resistance - when tire pressure is high, great "hook-up"- when tire pressure is low, very tuff for a lightweight tire. Rides with reduced tire pressure - no pinch flats etc. Front tire can be used for rear also.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
continental twister, variety of specialized tires
Bike Setup:
Rigid vintage Stumpjumper, GTi-Drive XCR2000, Softride PowerCurve XC (wormdrive on these 3 bikes)
Bottom Line:
I love these tires. For optimal performance I use as follows: pavment or fire rd. 60psi front 50psi back, as the trail become more technical, I reduce tire pressure, on the way down I'am running 30psi or lower. (Tire pressure is the only front suspension I have on 2 of my bikes), wormdrive soaks it up. These are very good tires for XC riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Crofton Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
bikenashbar
Strengths:
These tires have the lowest rolling resistance of any tire I've ever tried. They have a great balance between speed and traction. I have a Wormdrive on the front and a WormDrive Rear tire on the back. The cornering is exceptional b/c of the knobs on the edge and the shape of the tire. I have to ride on road a lot, and I have raised my avg. speed by almost 4 mph because of these tires. On trails and loose conditions they perform better than I expected. Overall, these are great.
Weaknesses:
They have a lack of control in sand
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Krisps, Michelin Comp S
Bottom Line:
Overall, these tires are great anywhere I ride them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
The lack of rolling resistance makes me feel like im jetting down the trail on a road bike. These tires are fast, period. I was also amazed at how they did in a totally muddy environment. They gripped better than my friend's new Panaracers because there is such minimal tread to collect mud. Stay seated and pedal consistent and 1 or 2 inches of mud are easy. Even on moderate muddy climbs the tires held there own. It defies my logic.
Weaknesses:
Steep climbs when wet will make the tires give way to spin out. Slippery rocks or roots do pose a problem but not like I had imagined. An experienced rider should have minimal trouble.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Bontrager Super X, Continental Navigator/Traction Pro, Tioga Team.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98 stock except these tires.
Bottom Line:
These tires are very impressive. Lightning fast when trails are dry or tacky, and remarkably controllable when trails are nasty. I wouldnt recommend them to a beginner especially when wet, but if you have moderate riding experience and skill level these tires are a very good choice. Im smiling bigtime on this purchase and the trail conditions no longer concern me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance, large contact area.
Weaknesses:
Not much grip on smooth edges (rocks, logs, etc)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Mt. Baldy... numerous other [more-tready] sneaks
Bike Setup:
S-Works hard-tail
Bottom Line:
I loved these tires-- they seemed to glide right over patches of sand, and cornered quite well. Grip was great on non-technical terrain, and because they are light, the bike felt very agile on uphills. "Training" rides were a pleasure. However, when the tires are only touching a small surface area, they cannot grip like knobbies can. On technical uphills, this can be hard to cope with. My riding buddies finally convinced me to go back to knobbies. Overall, however, great for what they're designed for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
empire lakes, eel lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Rolls real fast. Cheap. Light. Looks cool. Cool orange stripe on the sidewall. Only tire I have bought that has said the direction of rotation. (it has a pic)
Weaknesses:
doesn't grip good on nasty stuff. Doesn't brake as fast. Got two flats in around 2 or 3 months. (one was really my fault though) I haven't measured, but it seems like it has worn down a little bit.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Storm Control, Bell ATB tire, Kenda somethings
Bike Setup:
1998 Diamondback Topanga Comp with Deore/LX/XT mix and Nashbar susp. seatpost, with tektro brakes, bontrager race handlebar, and titiec lil al Stem.
Bottom Line:
I raced these one time and It was on a pretty loose, kinda slippery, muddy trail and it did not grip well at all. But on smooth trails and asfault they are awesome! They dont brake all that great but they are pretty light. I think they are Race only tires so maybe that would explain the wear. My tire went flat one time for no apparent reason. But I like this tire. Best for smoother trails and road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Valdur M. Telliskivi
a Racer
from Tallin, Estonia Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
-
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
wih my workbike
Strengths:
good grip on little sandy-dirty asphalt rolls quite ok
Weaknesses:
dunno maybe, cause its good for everything, its good for nothing actually
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
cro-mo frame and shimano xt parts
Bottom Line:
I use this tire front, well, maybe its not the best choice, but it grips better on dirty smooth road than total slick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cam junor
a Cross Country Rider
from melbourne, Aussie Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
mt.beauty DH- yum
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
christchurch, nz
Strengths:
fast, hook up suprisingly well for a near baldy
Weaknesses:
feel dicky saying this, but they look a little lame
Similar Products Used:
wtb enduros, tioga factory 1.85
Bike Setup:
K2 zed,pyslo sl, shiney xt bits
Bottom Line:
really have only had good experiences with these..except if it's geeting wet and slippery. great for a summer play and commute tyre...only taken them off for vanity-got a new RS psylo fork and their beefiness made my wormies look a little daft...on go the knobbies again (plus its getting wet out) 4 flaming willies
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam bear
a Cross Country Rider
from south africa Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
sabie classic trail 2001 south africa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
hattons cycles pietermaritzberg south africa
Strengths:
A great tyre for hard pack, forestry roads and medium slopes. Sheds mud.
Weaknesses:
Horrid in the wet, although it sheds mud it is very bad on wet earth but you expect this from offroad slicks.
Bike Setup:
Kona, XT, Mavic and others.
Bottom Line:
Use this tyre if you are in a dry area void of too much sand. It is a fast tyre that will have to be replaced every 500 to 700kms
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
June Mizoguchi
a Racer
from Elizabethtown, KY, USA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Using Maxxis Minataure 380 and Wormdrive 430 is great combo, if your looking that extra speed with good control on hard pack trail and semi muddy trail. Climbing is pretty good but you have to learn the charactertistic of the tire. Braking is strong but have to finess because you can go go downhill and may don't stop quite good but can rool down the hill fast. Just relax and enjoy.. Its the best combo you will run on race on weekend ride...
Ride on!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from New York,USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
smooth rolling on the pavement, no noise at all.
Weaknesses:
FLATS!! I got my first flat the day I put them on. I rode around the block and around my yard (grass). The next day I was gonna ride and the front tire was flat.
I got my next flat during a 5-7 mile run around city streets, luckily I was close to home, so the push wasn't very far.
My next and LAST TIME I USED these tires was after a 5 mile trek on the bike trail.
Please note, I am not a hardcore "racer guy". My bike sees mostly street use. NONE of these flats was associated with a puncture to the tire.
Similar Products Used:
1st and last slick type tire
Bike Setup:
1997 Diamondback Ascent (full suspension) front shocks converted to air
Bottom Line:
I had WTB Raptor for 3 years, wore them bald and never had 1 flat tire. (with some offroad runs too). Using a product like these tires, to me is not only dangerous, but takes the fun out of a ride if you have to worry about flats all the time.
I've seen articles where Maxxis claims these are "race only" tires! I can't see how these tires could survive a race when they can't survive 5 miles on the bike trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
O. G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Bizoston Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Weight
Weaknesses:
Thin & Knobby wear
Similar Products Used:
Specialized DC, Hutchies (Python G)
Bike Setup:
Trek Y-5
Bottom Line:
This tire is good for the street and occasional trails. I got two flats in 2 days (on the street). Traction is relatively good on climbs. Overall I give it 4 flamin cocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Weekend Warrior
from Scottsdale, AZ USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
I was very sceptical about even thinking about ordering these tires after reading that they last a week or so, however I did the deed and frankly they are wearing just great. After about 100 miles there is absolutely no sign of any wear. I am not sure about the long term durability, but I have to say that when considering the weight versus durability, anyone who thinks they will last forever is just fooling themselves. In addition before I used them I called Maxxis and they were very helpful. The told me that these tires were designed and marketed "For Racing Only" and advised me that they would wear more quickly then regular compound tires. They also told me that they are a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and that if ant any time I decided that they were not performing to my satisfaction, I could return them. Now guy's and gal's...how much more fair does it get that that?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Shaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any dirt single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I have 430 wormdrive tube & rim tape combo c/w Cross Max Disc, super super light.
Weaknesses:
Other reviews state that these tires wear quickly, I have 80klm so far no signs of wear
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
2000 Santa Cruz Superlight,Fox rc c/w lock out,Race Face Next LP,Ti bb,XTR Derailers & shifters. Crossmax Discs hayes brakes.XMO Ti front fork,Monkey lite carbon bar Syncros 130 stem,Cane creak S-5 HS,Thompson seat post SDG ti seat Time carbon pedals 24.3lbs
Bottom Line:
The handleing capabilites of these tires,are directly related to the tire pressure used to match the terrain.Hard packed slow flat lots of pressure 55lbs Tight single track lots of high speed turns 40lbs.For these tires to preform to thier fullest,the rider has to be able to set the outer edges of the tire, when the rider brakes and sets up for turns.On the flats they are the one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scot Douglas
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low weight
Weaknesses:
Longevity(?)
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
BOntrager Race, set up as a single speed, Angry Asian fork (www.angryasian.com)
Bottom Line:
This year I'm racing the local point series on my single speed and need all the help I can get! I ran the 380 Minotaur on the front and the Wormdrive 430 on the rear. Just this past weekend I raced in a local timetrial and were very happy with these tires. They helped so much that I could've ran a steeper gear, had I taken on with me! I usually ride the F/R specific Ritchey Speedmaxes; The Maxxis tires performed about equally as good as the speedmaxes overall. There were two differences: 1. The minotaur bit alot better in the corners than the speedmax. 2. The wormdrive gave up grip (Climbing and braking) compared to the speedmaxes. I am very happy with this combination on the hardpack/sandy course I raced on. I cannot speak for the wet performance of these tires. Also, these are race-only tires and I bought these knowing that a set should only last 50-75 miles. Funny thing is, after 20 miles of racing, these tirs still look like they're in good shape. I'll report back as the season continues...
I'd like to thank the people reviewing the tire before me, as I knew going into it knowing that it was a quick-wearing tire.
I'm giving a good value rating because I lucked out and found a good deal on the tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Shaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Oshawa Canada Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light & Fast
Weaknesses:
When out of saddle on climbs, traction can be hard to find
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
These tires are supper fast,i will review after more time in the saddle
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast Light
Weaknesses:
Slightly Narrow
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Ventanna, Mach 5, XT
Bottom Line:
Really Fast I got the Rear Specific ones, extra tread really helps. Helped me to a 5th place finish at Sea Otter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Ljubljana, Slovenia Date Reviewed: March 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All I can find
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Low rolling resistance No pinch flats Grippy rear tyre
Weaknesses:
Front tyre Lack of grip in wet conditions
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC Michelin Wildgrippers
Bike Setup:
Univega Alpina 570 XT / LX, Mavic rims,...
Bottom Line:
I have put 900km on these tyres so far and they will last a couple houndred more.Great on hardpack conditions but in loose conditions the front tyre slips out in corners.If you ride a lot on the tarmac this tyre is the perfect choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin Phat
a Cross-Country Rider
from MPLS MNNNNNNN Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Staircase Lone Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight and fast. Great tracktion on dry hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Stupid light! Knobs are starting to break off and sread to peaces! Flyweight tire lasted 2 week (dont use these without liners!) Over hiyped!
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Physcho Contental Pro something your mom.
Bottom Line:
These tires really suck! DONT BUY! inless you are going to race only on them! Which Maxxis doesnt say on there box and I only disscovered when i read the other reviews. If the terrian is soft or even a little muddy, these tires will slip around like butter on a hot day! I wonder is the 530 version would be more durrable than this peace of crap! These tries are crap and only work for the first month intell the knobs flyoff like mudd on your tires! CRAP! I will NEVER buy maxxis agian!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Effie
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light & Fast
Weaknesses:
Tread tearing off
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC XTR SuperFly
Bottom Line:
Bought a couple of 430 kits (tire with light tube) for use in an upcoming trip to Moab. Had to try them on my local ride. Very impressed with the speed and the weight. As expected lost traction earlier on fast turns but mostly in a predictable and controllable way, also noticed the back tire locks up very easy when braking. Ten miles into the ride the back tube was flat. Replaced with a standard one and continued to finish the 30 miles. On the surface, the tires look ok but a close inspection revel lots of tears on the back tire, still useable but not for long. Used the same tires on the next ride, the front tube still ok after 55 miles but now the front tire shows bad tears to the tread, and I know it never locked up during the 55 miles. We normally don’t trust unbelievable manufactures claims, believe Maxxis when they say this is a racing tire, not one for everyday use. In general perform as advertised.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kelvin
a Racer
from citrus heights,calif Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Just updating my latest saga with Maxxis... I have recieved a replacement set of 430worm dives that I sent back to Maxxis... They told me that I should only use these tires for racing only... I guess that the tire compound is really soft. I hope that this next set is a lot better than my first set. So I will give them 4 stars for speed 0stars for durability and 4stars for customer service.This gives them a 2.66 ave. I'll be nice and give them a 3 star rating for now...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregor
a Racer
from düsseldorf, Germany Date Reviewed: June 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
good on rocks and trails if it is dry
Weaknesses:
no control if it is wet
Bike Setup:
costum made, complet XTR, Bomber Z2 light
Bottom Line:
high speed tire for dry conditions
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelvin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Citrus Heights Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast on Smooth Hard Pack
Weaknesses:
Tread on the side wall is falling off!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos Fire Pro Conti's Double Fighter
Bike Setup:
Rockey Mountain Element Team Only
Bottom Line:
I have contacted Maxxis about there tire wear problem..I have riden this tire on three hardpack long rides and I am having the side tread peel off. This is unacceptable in my mind...Maybe they will have the common courtesy to respond to my calls... Until then I will have to give these tires 4 starts for speed and 0 stars for wear...I will update this if anything changes
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bbp
a Cross-Country Rider
from Finland Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super fast on hardpack (I can run two to three gears higher compared to knobbies). Lightest!
Weaknesses:
Front tire is really scary on fast corners and even worse in mud. You have to run them quite hard to prevent snakebites but it's the price you have to pay for the low weight and small size.
Bottom Line:
Can´t beat the weight or the speed on hardpack. For some serious dirt work slap on a more aggressive front tire. Five chilis for rear, three for front.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juha
a Cross-Country Rider
from Finland Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
LIGHT, really easy to sprint, great in climbing hills GOOD grip on hardpack and solid-based singletrails Cheap ( in Finland c. 30 US$)
Weaknesses:
Front tire side grip in wet conditions, durability ??? , puncture -resistance ?
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Wildgripper Sprint K Panaracer Hardcore Dart and Smoke (K)
Bike Setup:
Cannondale M900 & Manitou SX - front shock -- c. 10,6 kilos
Bottom Line:
WormDrive 430 does it what it´s planned to do very well. So in wet /muddy conditions put some more grippy tire in the front. I had a rear rim broken down while speeding 35 km/h on the asfalt, then the rear tire locked up. No bad damage to the rider or bike, but the tire is now a slick tire on one section. Until now I´ve done some 500 km with two punctures, the one was because of too little air pressure in rocky conditions, the other was a normal snake-bite.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross-Country Rider
from Spartanburg SC Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
super light and super fast
Weaknesses:
wear out fast
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Mt. Baldy, Michelin Wildgripper lite s, Specialized team control/master
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Factory Team
Bottom Line:
These are easily the best tires I've ever used. I have the 430 gram version that came with an ultra light tube and rim strip. They are mounted on Bontrager race lite wheels and the speed is unbeleivable. They do wear out faster than most, but the performance more than makes up for it. They get a little slippery in fast turns, too.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaun
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cape Town Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tokai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Fast rolling Surprising grip on most surfaces
Weaknesses:
Low air volume so not as comfy as some of the fatter slicks
Similar Products Used:
Kenda WTB Primal
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana Mozo Pro
Bottom Line:
A great way to increase speed on most surfaces. I run one on the rear when I want to increase speed. I have used it on hardpack, sand, loose gravel, rocks and roots and it has performed excellently on each surface. I have the wire bead version which is slightly heavier at about 590g. Being a 1.9 its not a fat comfortable tyre, but has proved rugged and has not yet had a pinchflat.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Bill
a weekend warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:
Replaced my OEM Kahuna tires with these on my Trek 930. The tire is light 540g and has a slightly toothed crown. It also has a kevlar bead, is foldable and has a nice logo on the side, with a picture of (you guessed it) a worm. Immediately noticed the difference this tire made, since I ride pavement, hard pack and some mush. For most situations this tire gives you an additional 5mph and reduces your tire drag a ton vs normal MB tires. They are very easy to mount and have held up well. Look for a discount price of around $29 for the kevlar bead ones. Recommended to anyone who rides hard stuff.
Overall Rating:
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