MAXXIS tire technology – Always one step ahead
At MAXXIS, tire technology is our DNA. Across five global R&D hubs – in the Netherlands, Taiwan, China, and the USA – we push innovation to deliver tires that combine premium performance with exceptional value.
Discover what sets MAXXIS tires apart – layer by layer.
Bicycle
Rubber Compounds
The rubber compound is the heart of any tire—it defines grip, feedback, and handling, ultimately shaping the entire riding experience.
At MAXXIS, we develop specialized compounds tailored to each application. Softer compounds deliver maximum traction and cornering control—perfect for technical terrain—while firmer compounds focus on rolling efficiency, durability, and long-distance performance, ideal for daily road use and endurance rides.
Two tires may look identical—but it’s the compound that determines how they feel on the road or trail. That’s why MAXXIS continually invests in R&D and advanced rubber technologies to ensure the highest riding comfort and performance.
Triple Compound
All triple rubber compounds use a triple-layer structure: a firm base layer for stability, topped by progressively softer compounds toward the tread and side knobs. This design delivers precise handling and enhanced cornering grip—individually tuned for each model’s performance profile.
3C MaxxTerra
A balanced blend of grip, speed, and durability—ideal for trail riding.
MaxxGrip
Our softest, most grippy compound—built for ultimate traction and control in downhill and enduro riding.
Recommended combinations:
EXO → Light-duty trail riding in wet or slick conditions
EXO+ → Versatile trail riding in wet and technical terrain
DoubleDown → Enduro racing and e-MTB use
Downhill Casing → Downhill racing and long-travel e-bikes
MaxxSpeed
Significantly lowers rolling resistance while enhancing traction in challenging conditions—resulting in a perfect balance of grip, speed, and durability.
HYPR
Balanced grip, speed, and long tread life for road cycling.
HYPR-S
The fastest compound in the MAXXIS road lineup—offers exceptional grip with race-level performance.
HYPR-X
A special gravel compound optimized for performance on mixed surfaces.
MAXXIS 4Season
Our all-weather compound developed for year-round use. For heavy-duty applications like cargo bikes, the Metroloads Pro is also available with the 4Season HighMileage version—an extra-durable compound built for extended lifespan, with typical mileage exceeding 10,000 km.
Custom Casings
Strong core for a strong ride. The casing is the backbone of every tire. It’s made from tightly woven fabric threads—layered according to the tire’s intended use—to provide the right balance of strength, weight, and flexibility. The density of these threads is measured in TPI (Threads per Inch) – the number of threads per inch (2.54 cm) of casing fabric.
Lower TPI values mean thicker threads, resulting in a more robust and durable tire, but also one that is heavier and less supple. Higher TPI values use finer threads, making the tire lighter and more flexible for better ride feel, but often less resistant to punctures. This allows for different casing types tailored precisely to the demands of each riding style – from ultra-light racing tires to tough trail tires.
MAXXIS is committed to sustainability in its tire production. Since July 2023, the 60 TPI casings used in entry-level models have been made with SEAWASTEX, a high-quality nylon fiber produced from recycled ocean plastic.
Single-Ply Casing
Single-ply construction uses a single layer of rubber-coated nylon fabric. This design is lightweight and flexible—ideal for cross-country and trail riding where low weight and efficiency are key.
Dual-ply Casing
Dual-ply construction features two fabric layers for maximum strength and resilience. These casings offer enhanced stability and puncture protection, making them the top choice for aggressive riding in disciplines like downhill and enduro.
27 TPI (Threads per Inch)
- Available for single-ply and dual-ply
60 TPI (Threads per Inch)
- Single Ply 60 TPI – Versatile for general-purpose riding
- Dual-Ply 60 TPI (Downhill) – For downhill racing and bike park riding
120 TPI (Threads per Inch)
- Single Ply 120 TPI – For all-around use and racing
- Dual-Ply 120 TPI (DoubleDown) – For enduro racing and technical trails
TPI 170 (Threads per Inch)
- Single Ply 170 TPI – Race use only
Wide Trail “Trail/Enduro”
Mountain bike tires in 2.40" and 2.50" widths, optimized for rims with an internal width of 30–35 mm. MAXXIS Wide Trail tires can also be mounted on rims outside this range; however, the tire profile may not be ideal, which can negatively affect performance.
Wide Trail “CrossCountry”
Rim widths are also increasing in the CrossCountry (XC) segment, though they remain narrower than those used for Trail or Enduro bikes. To meet these specific needs, Maxxis developed a dedicated XC version of its Wide Trail (WT) technology. These tires are optimized for 30 mm internal rim width and work well on rims between 25 and 30 mm. This technology is currently available on the ASPEN and REKON RACE models in 29" x 2.40" size, identified by the “WT” marking after the size specification
Puncture protection
In addition to durable casings, MAXXIS relies on advanced technologies to protect tires from abrasion, cuts, and punctures—ensuring maximum reliability across all disciplines. Advanced puncture protection for top-tier performance.
EXO Protection
A lightweight, densely woven fabric increases sidewall cut and abrasion resistance without compromising flexibility. Ideal for cross-country, light trail, and gravel use.
EXO Protection+
Combines a 60 TPI casing with a reinforced rubberized EXO layer and a short butyl insert above the bead.
Perfect for aggressive trail riding and light enduro racing.
DoubleDown (DD)
Two 120 TPI casing layers with butyl inserts. Lighter than downhill tires but more robust than EXO+. The go-to choice for demanding enduro terrain.
Downhill Casing (DH)
Two ultra-durable 60 TPI layers with large butyl inserts extending from bead to sidewall.
Delivers outstanding pinch-flat protection and sidewall stability—built for elite downhill racing.
MaxxProtect
A 3 mm thick rubber layer under the tread offers reliable protection from glass, nails, and debris in urban environments.
MaxxProtect EXO
Combines the MaxxProtect under-tread layer with EXO sidewall reinforcement—providing bead-to-bead protection.
UrbanPro Casing
Dual 60 TPI casing with multiple fabric layers. Delivers maximum puncture resistance and load stability for city and cargo bikes.
MaxxShield
A combination of SilkShield and K2 layers for maximum protection in training-level road tires.
SilkShield
Bead-to-bead protection against cuts and abrasion. Enhances durability and ride comfort on road and gravel tires.
ZK
MAXXIS’ lightest and most flexible protection layer—offering high puncture resistance with minimal weight.
Bead Technology
The tire bead is a key component of every MAXXIS tire—it ensures a secure fit between the tire and the rim. Depending on the intended use, MAXXIS uses different bead materials: tough steel wire for maximum durability, or flexible aramid fibers (like Kevlar) for lighter, foldable designs.
Wire Bead
Classic, durable, and cost-effective—ideal for everyday use. Steel wire beads provide excellent stability and a secure fit on the rim, but they’re heavier and non-foldable, which makes them less convenient to transport or store.
Aramid Bead
Lightweight, foldable, and performance-oriented—aramid beads (e.g., Kevlar) are about 50 g lighter than steel versions and allow the tire to be folded, making them perfect for sporty rides and riders on the go
Carbon Bead
Developed specifically for tubeless-ready (TR) road tires. Carbon fiber beads are as flexible as aramid but significantly stronger, ensuring a secure fit even at high pressure—without a tube and under demanding conditions.