The name may be the same, but there aren’t many similarities between the new model and its predecessor when it comes to the actual tread pattern. Instead, the tire is like a mashup of Shorty and Assegai, taking cues from the front’s center knobs and the rear’s side knobs, a combination meant to create a tire that can penetrate loose terrain while maintaining good support. for high speed swallowing. It was developed with direct input from World Cup DH riders, and has amassed a resume that includes numerous World Cup wins and podium appearances.
• Size: 29 x 2.4″ and 27.5 x 2.4″
• MaxxGrip rubber compound
• 2 x 60 TPI DH casing
• Specified weight: 1400 grams (29″) / 1335 (27.5″)
• Price: $105 USD
• maxxis.com
Initially, the tire will only be available in a DH casing with MaxxGrip rubber in a 2.4″ diameter for 29″ or 27.5″ wheels, but DoubleDown and EXO+ casing variants are still in the works.
Ride Impressions
Mid-summer conditions are in full effect at Whistler Bike Park, which means the brake pads are getting bigger every day, the tire-swallowing holes are continuing even on well-built berms,’ and the dust continues to sink. In other words, good conditions to test a tire like the High Roller.
I’m a fan of the Shorty when it’s wet, but when it’s not a tire I’d want to run in the bike park because of the soft shoulder knobs – they tend to fold up when pushed on hardpack, which can lead to a flat tire. unwanted. to wash. With the Highroller, the slightly shorter center knobs compared to the Shorty and the much stronger side knobs make it feel more solid on hardpack. There was no hesitation when I pushed through cut berms on the A-Line or Dirt Merchant, and it didn’t take long before I fully trusted the tire and leaned into those corners. of high speed.
It hasn’t rained in a while, so I can’t comment on how the tires perform in the water, but they were nice to have on steep, snowy roads. The 2.4” width helps them not feel awkward or floaty, and the tire does a good job of hooking up with soft objects. A few of the roads I tried had solid hard braking features, and there was plenty of power to stop the acceleration from getting out of control.
The Highroller feels more precise than the Assegai – you can tell exactly what the tire is doing when those knobs dig in. There is still a lot of fun to play with; perfect without needing perfect space all the time. I’m not a DH racer, but it’s easy to see how this would make a good race tire – the track for the Canadian Open DH race is a prime example of where it would fit in, with features many steep, loose. they were full of sand, roots and rocks.
It’s important to mention that these are designed more as a racing tire than something you can stick on your bike and ride for months and months without breaking down. My rear tire is starting to show after a few days of park riding and a bit of walking, mostly in the form of chewed up knobs. That’s to be expected when you combine sticky rubber with tight packed conditions, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially when you consider the price of DH tires. A highroller in the front with a MaxxTerra DHR II in the rear can be a great comp that is committed to longevity.
Overall, the Highroller fits right into the Maxxis lineup, though I wonder if the Shorty will start to fall by the wayside due to the sheer versatility the Highroller brings to the table.
#Ride #Maxxis #Highroller #III #Tire #Race #Ready #Pinkbike