With 29in tyre sales significantly outstripping 26in tyre sales in the US according to several manufacturers it’s no surprise Maxxis have (literally) expanded their large diameter tyre line up.
The real attention grabber is a 29er version of the UK favourite all-rounder, the Minion F. If that wasn't enough grip and grrr to be getting on with, it’s coming in a truly vast 2.5in size. Suffice to say it should be an incredible tyre for those wanting maximum traction and protection for their Wagon Wheeler. The only issue will be finding a bike with enough space to get it in.
At the other end of the spectrum is the MaxxLite 29, an ultralight 330g race tyre for those who want to minimise inertia at the expense of potential punctures.
But we reckon most interest and real world use will come from two tyres that weren't actually getting trumpeted on the Maxxis stand at Interbike. The new catalogue lists cheaper 60tpi versions of both the Ikon and Beaver 29er tyres, which should be a lot tougher than the current condom-thin sidewall versions. Grip should be perfectly acceptable thanks to a dual compound, which means the Beaver in particular should be a fantastic UK trail tyre.
