Is This The Goldilocks Casing? Maxxis Launches EXO+

Maxxis has announced a brand new casing option, which we think is going to get a lot of you quite excited. It’s called EXO+ and it’s designed to close the gap between Maxxis’ existing EXO and Double Down models.

Maxxis has already had the EXO reinforced sidewall option in its tyre lineup for around a decade now, which sees additional layer of densely woven fabric built into the tyre’s sidewalls to provide additional abrasion and cut resistance. While it’s been very popular, we know there’s a whole bunch of people out there who don’t find it gives enough protection. To suit those more aggressive riders who are riding on really rocky terrain, Maxxis rolled out its Double Down casing option, which features a burlier 2-ply construction that is about as close as you can get to a full-blown downhill tyre, but with a folding tubeless bead. While the Double Down casing provides a significant boost to durability, that extra reinforcement does come with a weight penalty – and it can make your tyres feel pretty stiff too.

EXO+ protection is a new option for Maxxis mountain bike tyres.

Seeking to provide the Goldilocks solution, Maxxis now has an option called EXO+. As well as using the EXO sidewalls, EXO+ adds in a Silk Shield protective layer, which runs through the whole tyre from bead to bead. This Silk Shield technology has actually come from Maxxis’ tubeless road tyres, but it’s been adapted into the mountain bike tyres to provide increased cut resistance, whilst keeping the weight low and flexibility high.

If numbers are your thing, the claims are that compared to EXO alone there’s an increase of 27% in puncture protection under the tread, a 51% increase in sidewall durability, and a 28% increase in resistance to pinch flats. Weights are higher than the standard EXO tyres, but lower than the Double Down options, making the new EXO+ tyres an ideal option for trail and all mountain riders.

For now, Maxxis will only have three tread patterns available with the EXO+ casing, which includes the Rekon, Minion DHF and Minion DHR II. We’re still waiting to confirm availability and UK pricing, though read below to see European pricing, claimed weights and available sizes.

You’ll be able to get the new Goldilocks casing option in the Rekon, Minion DHF and Minion DHR II tread profiles.

Maxxis Rekon EXO+

Aggressive trail tyre
Available sizes: 27.5×2.8in, 29×2.6in WT
Compound: 3C MaxxTerra
120tpi casing
EXO+ protection
Claimed weights: 950g (29in), 890g (27.5in)
RRP: €74.50 – €84.50

Maxxis Minion DHF EXO+

Aggressive all mountain/enduro tyre
Available sizes: 27.5×2.5in WT, 27.5×2.8in, 29×2.5in WT, 29×2.6in WT
Compound: 3C MaxxTerra
120tpi casing
EXO+ protection
Claimed weights: 1005g (27.5×2.5in), 1065g (27.5×2.8in), 1075g (29×2.5in), 1080g (29×2.6in)
RRP: €74.50 – €84.50

Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+

Aggressive all mountain/enduro tyre
Available sizes: 27.5×2.4in WT, 27.5×2.8in, 29×2.4in WT, 29×2.6in WT
Compound: 3C MaxxTerra
120tpi casing
EXO+ protection
Claimed weights: 940g (27.5×2.4in), 1065g (27.5×2.8in), 1010g (29×2.4in), 1035g (29×2.6in)
RRP: €74.50 – €84.50

Combining EXO sidewalls with Silk Shield technology, the EXO+ casing promises more durability, without the weight of a Double Down casing.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.