Maxxis

Review is for the 29x2.25 size mounted as a rear tire on an alloy hard tail. Actual weight matches mfg weight at 719g (surprising for a Maxxis tire). Measured 2.3in when installed on a 27mm ID rim inflated to 30psi (also surprising). I've run this tire on wet and semi-dry hard pack. It will predictably loose traction in both wet and dry so be ready to stick a foot out. The 2.25 version has smaller knobs than 2.4WT version and as a result, does not grip as well but its lighter and at 120TPI, more supple. Would recommend if looking for a less aggressive faster rolling rear tire for XC racing. Go with the 2.4WT if you want a great trail tire.

These are kind of a perfect storm tire in that you need a perfect storm of conditions for them to excel. They are light and fast, and as long as the dirt is perfect, they�re an awesome race tire. Now, the draw back is that they get really squirrelly if there is too much moisture (soft/mud) AND seem to ride like slicks if there is much of any loose dry dirt or gravel. Traction is far from these tire�s strong suit, but if the ground is tacky and firm, these things are fast. I rode a few local races with this on the rear and switched it out as the trails dried out. I�d be hesitant to ride one of these on the front unless conditions and trail profile were perfectly suited for these.

After one season the tires have performed so well I will be purchasing a replacement.

I coach 3 x per week and ride and race in addition to the coaching. I immediately felt the grip and control of these tires. It gave my bike that Brand New feel again and I was wiping and hoping through the trails. I did encounter a unexpected deceleration while riding including a sideways slide. Through this I managed to damage the sidewall of the rear tire creating a scuff deep enough to leak and the rubber portion of my wheel now has a side to side deflection that is visually obvious. Since the tread is excellent yet, I put a tube in the rear for now. The tire damage is not to suggest these are weak or low quality tires. I encountered a "road hazard" on the trails and the tires stuck harder than the bike. I will purchase a replacement of the same model. Tires are mounted tubeless on a Fuel Ex 9.8. I ride a mix of styles on xc and trail clusters.

I use this tire in a 'dual sport' mode. Half my riding is heavy braking and bad lines that we coaches encounter while sweeping NICA student athletes. The other half is pounding singletrack. The EXO+ is very appreciated. I have many sidewall scuffs after half a season but no rips, stretches or weeping sealant. I run 19 lbs for a 185 lb rider on a FuelEx 9.7. the wide rims really hold the 2.6 wide tires with out rolling the tire on hard turns.