Understanding Maxxis Terminology

When it comes to cycling, choosing the right tyre can make all the difference in your riding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting, understanding the terminology used by leading brands like Maxxis is crucial in making informed decisions. Maxxis is renowned for its high-quality tyres and tubes, but the array of terms and acronyms they use can sometimes be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the key terminology used by Maxxis, covering everything from tyre construction to rubber compounds, so that you can choose the best products for your needs.

Tyre Bead

The bead is a part of the tyre that keeps it in contact with the rim while it is inflated.

- A wire bead is made from steel and is used in traditional tyre construction. This type of bead is durable and helps keep the tyre securely seated on the rim. However, wire bead tyres are heavier and less flexible compared to their foldable counterparts.
- A foldable bead (sometimes called Kevlar Bead) is made of spun aramid fibres, it’s lighter weight and allows the tyre to be folded easily for transport.
- Carbon fibre beads are used in high-performance tyres, providing a lightweight yet strong option that enhances the tyre's ability to stay on the rim under high pressure and during aggressive riding. Used in high-pressure road tyres.

Casing and TPI

The tyre casing is the fabric to which the rubber compound bonds, and it can vary in thickness and threads per inch (TPI). Generally, a higher TPI produces a more flexible and supple sidewall, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride compared to a lower TPI casing. Most Maxxis tires are available in 60 or 120 TPI casings. The 60 TPI casing, with its thicker threads, is heavier but also offers greater resistance to punctures, abrasions, and cuts, making it a durable option despite its added weight.

- A single-ply casing consists of one layer of fabric that forms the body of the tyre. This construction is lighter and provides better flexibility, which can lead to improved ride quality. However, it may offer less protection against punctures compared to dual-ply options.
- Dual-ply casing involves two layers of fabric, which makes the tyre more robust and resistant to punctures and cuts. This type of casing is commonly used in downhill and enduro tyres, where durability is crucial.
- Wide Trail (WT) Construction is designed specifically for modern, wider rims. This construction optimizes tyre tread layout and profile for a wider rim, ensuring better traction and control, particularly in mountain biking. Even though WT tires are designed for wider (30-35mm inner) rims, they can be used on rims ranging from 19mm internal width.

Tubeless Technology

- Tubeless Ready (TR) tyres are designed to be used without an inner tube. They require a special rim and sealant to maintain air pressure but offer several benefits, including lower rolling resistance, the ability to run lower air pressures for improved traction, and reduced risk of pinch flats. They use the same bead as the foldable bead, but the surrounding rubber is shaped in a way that when inflated it creates a seal that keeps the liquid sealant inside the tire.
- A tubular tyre is one where the tyre and inner tube are sewn together and then glued onto a special rim. Tubular tyres are commonly used in road racing due to their superior ride quality and performance, though they can be more challenging to install and repair.

Rim Width and Tyre Size

Maxxis provides guidelines for the recommended rim width to tyre size to ensure optimal performance. Pairing the correct rim width with the tyre size ensures better handling, improved traction, and a more comfortable ride. Using an incorrect combination can negatively affect tyre performance and increase the risk of damage.

- 2.00”-2.20” tyre - 20-25mm recommended inner rim width
- 2.20”-2.40” tyre - 25-30mm recommended inner rim width
- 2.30”-2.50” tyre - 28-35mm recommended inner rim width
- 2.60” tyre - 35-40mm recommended inner rim width
- 2.80”-3.00” tyre - 40-45mm recommended inner rim width
- 3.80”-4.00” tyre - 70-80mm recommended inner rim width
- 4.80” tyre - 90-100mm recommended inner rim width

Puncture, Cuts and Abrasions Protection Technologies

- Silkworm is a protective layer that sits under the tyre tread, offering increased resistance to punctures and cuts. It’s a lightweight solution that doesn’t compromise the tyre's performance.
- K2 is an advanced Kevlar-based protection layer that is stronger and more durable than Silkworm. It provides enhanced protection against punctures and cuts, making it ideal for harsh riding conditions.
- ZK is similar to K2 but offers even greater puncture resistance. This material is designed for riders who need maximum protection without significantly increasing tyre weight, making it suitable for racing applications.
- SilkShield provides an extra layer of protection from bead to bead, covering the entire tyre casing. This comprehensive protection is especially beneficial in preventing sidewall cuts and punctures.
- MaxxShield is the ultimate in puncture resistance, combining Silkworm and SilkShield technologies to offer the highest level of protection available in Maxxis tyres. This is ideal for cyclists who prioritize durability and reliability in extreme conditions.
- A butyl insert is an additional layer of butyl rubber placed within the tyre, typically in the sidewall area, to provide extra protection against pinch flats and cuts. This is commonly found in downhill and aggressive trail tyres.
- EXO is a cut and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls of select tyres. This technology provides additional protection without compromising the tyre’s performance.
- EXO+ incorporates a 60 TPI casing with an EXO puncture protection layer in the sidewalls and a small butyl insert around the bead. The reinforced casing and EXO material help defend against damage from rocks and roots, while the butyl insert safeguards the tyre from pinch flats and helps prevent rim damage.
- DoubleDown (DD) tyres feature dual-ply casings (two layers of 120 TPI) combined with a butyl insert, offering a robust construction designed specifically for enduro racing. These tyres provide maximum protection and stability, even in the most demanding conditions.
- Downhill (DH) tyres are built for the rigours of downhill racing. They feature the toughest dual-ply casing (two layers of 60 TPI) with a butyl insert, to withstand extreme impacts.

Rubber Compounds

- A single compound tyre uses one type of rubber throughout the tyre’s tread. This offers a consistent level of performance and durability, typically providing a good balance between grip and longevity.
- Dual compound tyres use two different rubber compounds. A softer compound on the sides enhances cornering grip, while a harder compound in the centre improves rolling resistance and wear life.
- Super Tacky is a soft rubber compound that provides exceptional grip, especially in challenging conditions. It’s commonly used in downhill tyres where maximum traction is critical.
- HYPR is Maxxis’ high-performance rubber compound designed to reduce rolling resistance by up to 25% while also improving wet traction by 16%. This compound is ideal for road cyclists looking for speed and efficiency.
- HYPR-S is a variation of the HYPR compound, optimized for use in speed-focused road tyres. It offers enhanced wet traction and lower rolling resistance, making it perfect for competitive cycling.
- Triple Compound (3C) technology integrates three unique rubber compounds into a single tread, providing an ideal mix of traction, durability, and rolling resistance. The base of the knobs features a firm rubber, which helps maintain their shape, while the side knobs are coated with a softer compound for superior cornering grip. A medium compound is applied to the centre tread, reducing rolling resistance and enhancing longevity. Maxxis offers three different 3C compound variations.
- 3C MaxxSpeed is a variation of the triple compound technology, designed specifically for cross-country and road tyres. It emphasizes low rolling resistance and long wear life, making it ideal for endurance riding.
- 3C MaxxTerra is a middle-ground compound for trail riders. It offers better traction than MaxxSpeed but with less rolling resistance than MaxxGrip, providing a versatile option for varied terrains.
- 3C MaxxGrip is the softest and grippiest of the 3C compounds, designed for maximum traction in downhill and aggressive trail riding. It provides unparalleled grip, but may wear faster than harder compounds.

Inner Tubes

When it comes to cycling, the inner tube is an often overlooked yet crucial component of your bike's performance. Maxxis, offers a variety of inner tubes tailored to different riding styles and needs. Below, we’ll explore the different types of Maxxis inner tubes and their specific features, helping you make the best choice for your bike.

Types of Maxxis Inner Tubes

- Flyweight inner tubes are designed with speed and performance in mind. These tubes are the lightest in the Maxxis range, making them an excellent choice for competitive cyclists and those who prioritize reducing rotational weight. Weighing as little as 50 grams, Flyweight tubes contribute to faster acceleration and easier climbing. However, their lightweight nature means they’re best suited for smooth road surfaces and less likely to withstand harsh, puncture-prone conditions.
- Ultralight. Slightly more robust than the Flyweight, Ultralight inner tubes offer a balance between weight savings and durability. Weighing between 60 and 120 grams, depending on the size, Ultralight tubes are ideal for road cyclists and cross-country riders who want to maintain a lightweight setup without compromising too much on puncture protection. These tubes offer a good mix of performance and reliability.
- Welterweight. For those seeking a bit more protection without a significant increase in weight, Welterweight inner tubes are the perfect middle ground. These tubes are thicker than both Flyweight and Ultralight options, offering enhanced puncture resistance while still being relatively light. Weighing around 130 to 200 grams, Welterweight tubes are popular among road cyclists and mountain bikers who ride on mixed terrains where the risk of punctures is moderate.
- Fat/Plus inner tubes are designed specifically for fat bikes and plus-sized tyres. These tubes are built to accommodate the larger volume and width of fat tyres, which are commonly used for snow, sand, and off-road adventures. The thicker walls of Fat/Plus tubes offer excellent puncture resistance and durability. While they are heavier, the trade-off is well worth it for the stability and protection they provide.
- Freeride inner tubes are built to withstand the rigours of aggressive mountain biking like trail riding, enduro, and all-mountain. These tubes are thicker and heavier than Welterweight tubes, providing extra puncture resistance and durability needed for technical trails and rough terrains. They offer reliable performance in demanding conditions, ensuring you can focus on your ride without worrying about flats.
- Downhill inner tubes are at the top of the durability scale. These tubes are designed for extreme conditions and high-impact riding, where puncture resistance is crucial. Downhill tubes are the thickest and heaviest in the Maxxis range, providing maximum protection against sharp rocks, roots, and other trail hazards. Weighing up to 500 grams, these tubes are a staple for downhill racers who need the utmost reliability and don’t mind the extra weight.

Valve Types

- The Removable Valve Core (RVC) Presta valve is a popular choice among cyclists, especially those using high-pressure road tyres or tubeless setups. The Presta valve is narrower than a Schrader valve, making it ideal for narrow rims. The removable core feature allows for easy addition of sealant or replacement of the valve core. This valve type is standard in most high-performance and racing tubes, offering precise air pressure control and compatibility with a wide range of pumps.
- The Schrader valve, commonly found on car tyres, is wider and more robust than the Presta valve. It’s typically used on mountain bikes and lower-pressure tyres due to its durability and ease of use. The Schrader valve is more common in entry-level bikes and is compatible with standard air pumps found at service stations. While it doesn’t allow for as precise pressure control as the Presta valve, it is more resistant to damage and easier to inflate, making it a practical choice for everyday cyclists.

Acronyms and terms

- TR: Tubeless Ready, indicating tyres designed for tubeless use.
- RVC: Removable Valve Core, allowing easy addition of sealant or valve replacement in tubeless systems.
- DHR/DHF: Downhill Rear/Downhill Front, indicating tyres specifically designed for downhill riding, with a focus on either rear or front placement.
- ST: Super Tacky, a soft rubber compound designed for maximum grip.
- WB: Wide Base, indicating tyres with a wider base for better stability and traction.
- MTB: Mountain Bike, the general category for off-road bicycles.
- WT: Wide Trail, tyres designed for wider rims.
- 3C: Triple Compound.
- EXO: Reinforced sidewalls.
- DD: DoubleDown, a casing you will find in the enduro tyres range.
- DH: Downhill casing, a technology used in downhill tyres.