Maxxis Shorty 3C Max Terra EXO 29 x 2.5in review

The Shorty excels in sticky mud thanks to its tall shoulder tread, which sticks out at almost 45 degrees. Shorter, well-spaced central blocks help it shed mud more effectively than almost any other tyre.

• Michelin Wild Enduro Front, 2.4in Gum-X / Magi-X tyre
• Schwalbe Magic Mary SuperGravity, ADDIX Soft, 29 x 2.6in front tyre

In conditions where other tyres clog up and stop gripping, the Shorty stays biting for longer. It digs into soft conditions (mud, loam, dust and soil) returning consistently impressive braking and cornering traction.

Despite the tall tread, it’s surprisingly fastest-rolling in this casing and compound, and thanks to the relatively short tread blocks it rarely feels vague or squirmy in dry, hardpack conditions.

Unlike the 2.35in version I’ve previously tested, the 2.5in is comfortable and compliant in rougher terrain, so it doesn’t need to be swapped out as soon as the trails dry out or harden up.

Having said that, the lightweight EXO casing lacks damping, so it rebounds off rocks noticeably more than heavier, better-damped tyres. That means it doesn’t stick to the trail through rocky sections as surefootedly.

Maxxis does make Double Down casing options, and Maxx Grip compounds are more appropriate for rocky terrain, but this EXO version is fantastic for mostly muddy tracks without sacrificing rolling speed.