Maxxis has released the third generation of its legendary all-around High Roller mountain bike tyre.
The new rubber is designed for downhill and trail riding, and is said to sit between the Assegai and Shorty in Maxxis’ tyre line-up.
Maxxis describes the High Roller III as an intermediate tyre, with the new tread pattern allowing for good soil penetration in wet weather – and the traction and cornering control needed for dry and dusty conditions.
The tyres were launched at Crankworx Whistler, in British Columbia.
The High Roller III is available now and is priced at £74.99 with the DH casing. A version using Maxxis' DoubleDown casing is set to cost £79.99 when it's released.
New tread to shred
Maxxis has given the High Roller III a hybrid tread that combines an open pattern on the centreline with large, well-supported lugs on the shoulder.
This is said to give the tyre good wet-weather performance, while maintaining good traction on dry trails.
Compared to the previous generation, the new tyre appears to have less tread in the mid-section, which could result in a less gradual transition of grip.
The shoulder grip looks to have been beefed up, which should result in greater stability and traction on high-speed corners.
Maxxis says it worked alongside downhill riders including Jackson Goldstone, Ronan Dunne, Marine Cabirou and Ellie Hulsebosch when developing the tyre – all of whom have taken prototypes to the top of World Cup podiums.
26 is dead
Unlike the previous generation, there’ll be no 26in wheel-size options, with the tyre only available in 27.5in and 29in sizes with 2.4in widths.
At launch, only DH-casing tyres will be available, with DoubleDown and EXO+ options coming soon.
All tyres will come in the brand’s MaxxGrip rubber compound.
The DH-casing tyres are said to weigh in at 1,400g for the 29in version and 1,335g for the 27.5in.
Maxxis says it has also managed to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging by using a 75 per cent recycled cardboard hanger and recyclable plastic straps instead of zip-ties.
