Maxxis go with a simple block tread to produce a lightweight and lively winter cross-country favourite. The tread knobs are smaller than on most winter tyres, so the Medusa relies on nailing traction rather than paddling through.
The narrow carcass helps it sink into firmer stuff without slowing down. Broad spacing stops it clogging and it’ll fit most frames without any worries. The eXception compound is soft enough to stop it skating around on rocks and roots, and traction and the subsequent slide when we really pushed it were totally predictable.
It rolls okay for a mud tyre, and it’s not so tall that it feels precarious on hardpack or tarmac. The Maxxis carcass is typically tough for its weight and easy to convert to tubeless. Price goes in the ‘positive comments’ pile too.
