Maxxis has sneakily launched the High Road — a new, tubeless compatible tyre — at this year's Taipei Bike Show.
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The High Road is a dual-compound tyre that uses silica in favour of the more commonly used carbon-black to produce a softer, and thus grippier tyre.
Maxxis claims that by using this new compound in the High Road, it is the brands fastest dual-compound tyre that they have produced to date.
While the company was keen to point out that the tyre on display is a preproduction sample, the tread pattern on show is unlikely to change drastically once the tyre goes into full production in late June.
Perhaps most interestingly, the tyre is fitted with an as of yet unnamed puncture protection strip which Maxxis claim is 30% more resistant than its existing K2 technology.
The claimed weight of the tyre is 270g (+/-5%) and is produced using the brands most supple, 170tpi casing.
When paired with the aforementioned silica compound, we have a feeling this could be a very grippy, high performance tyre.
Only 25mm tyres will be offered initially. Maxxis wasn't able to confirm exactly what other sizes will be available in the future, but suggested that a 28mm tyre was likely, with even larger sizes possible. Pricing is still TBC.
Are you thinking of making the move to tubeless on your road bike? Or will your 700x23-25c inner tube’s have to be prised from your gnarled, curmudgeonly hands? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments below.
