Understanding Maxxis Tires Nomenclature
The nomenclature of Maxxis tires helps cyclists make the right choice based on their needs and riding preferences. Here’s an example for a mountain bike tire.
Compound
| Single | A single compound is used throughout the tread, optimized for durability and performance. |
| Dual | Two compounds used in the tread of certain tires to reduce rolling resistance and improve cornering grip. |
| 3C MaxxSpeed | Primarily used on cross-country (XC) tires, the two compounds in the outer layer are specially formulated to reduce rolling resistance and optimize tread wear and grip. |
| 3C MaxxTerra | Maxxis’ 3C MaxxTerra is an intermediate triple compound configuration used in the mountain tire range. The 3C MaxxTerra compound offers more traction than 3C MaxxSpeed while providing better tread durability and lower rolling resistance than MaxxGrip, making it ideal for trail riding in all conditions. |
| 3C MaxxGrip | Maxxis’ 3C MaxxGrip compound uses the stickiest, slowest-rebounding rubber offered by Maxxis for a mountain bike tire. This high-traction compound is the same one used by Maxxis-sponsored athletes in the Downhill World Cup and Enduro World Series, and it is now available in a variety of casings to suit all types of riders.
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Casing
| EXO | EXO is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of many Maxxis mountain and gravel bike tires. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the tire’s performance remains unaffected. Choose EXO protection for enhanced durability when riding on gravel, in cross-country (XC), and on light trails. |
| EXO+ | EXO+ is Maxxis’ mid-level puncture protection option, ideal for all-around trail riding and lightweight e-bikes. It starts with a durable 60 TPI casing, adds Maxxis’ legendary EXO puncture protection layer on the sidewalls, and is reinforced with a small butyl insert around the bead. The tough casing and EXO material protect against damage from rocks and roots, while the butyl insert helps prevent pinch flats and protects the rim. |
| Double Down (DD) | DoubleDown (DD) is Maxxis’ casing solution for enduro racing and e-bikes. Two layers of lightweight 120 TPI casing material are combined with a butyl insert in the sidewalls to create a highly durable tire that offers more trail feedback than a Downhill casing tire. DoubleDown tires are slightly lighter than their Downhill counterparts, but the key difference lies in the “trail feel.” Some riders may prefer the highly damped ride provided by a Downhill casing. |
| Downhill (DH) | As the name suggests, Maxxis Downhill casing tires are designed for extreme use in all downhill applications, from downhill racing to bike park rides, free riding, and long-travel e-bikes. A Maxxis Downhill tire is made with two layers of our durable 60 TPI casing material, along with a large butyl rubber insert that extends from each bead into the sidewall. The butyl insert helps prevent pinch flats, protects the rim from impacts, and provides additional sidewall stability. |
TPI
* Maxxis TPI ratings correspond to the number of threads per inch of a single casing layer. *
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60 TPI 120 TPI 170 TPI (ONE70 technology) |
This value represents the number of threads that pass through a square inch of a single tire casing layer (Threads Per Inch). A lower TPI (e.g., 60 TPI) offers better resistance to punctures, cuts, and abrasion, but is heavier. A higher TPI (e.g., 120 TPI) conforms better to the terrain, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride while reducing the weight of the tire. In contrast, high TPI casings are more fragile than low TPI casings. |
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60X2 TPI 120X2 TPI |
Some tires have 2 layers of threads. |
To learn more about Maxxis tires, feel free to visit our in-store experts or contact our customer service team.
Primeau Vélo, the #1 retailer in Canada, offers a wide selection of Maxxis products, from road tires to mountain bike tires. Shop them today and enjoy free shipping on all orders of $74 or more.
