New Maxxis Forekaster: goodbye to damp, hello to downcountry?

The new version of the Maxxis Forekaster has ditched any of its previous damp duties. It’s no longer a XC tyre for damp conditions. Or is it?

Apparently it’s now a tyre for short-travel trail bikes AKA… downcountry bikes. Something to sit between the Aspen/Ikon/Ardent and the Assegai/Minion/Dissector.

Prices start from £59.99 RRP. Some versions expected ‘soon’ but most will be later in the year.

Hang on though, the new Forekaster appears to be very much more of a wet weather XC tyre compared to the previous shallower tread version? I guess it maybe depends on your type of wet weather.

The new Forekaster has certainly got closer spaced knobs but that’s about the only thing theoretically less-wet-friendly about it. The rest of tyre tread, from its general knob height and Nobby Nic-esque tread pattern, seems to my eyes to be much more of the sort of thing I’d worry less about having on my bike as I headed into some wet muck.

Then again, what I know about XC tyres ain’t a lot. Aside from the fact that I spend most of my time with them removing them from test bikes after one terrifying ride.

And, to be frank, all I have is photographs to go off. The very photos here. In some pics the knobs look shallow, in other pics they look a bit taller. So who knows? We’ll have to wait until we get hold of some in the flesh. Still, it’s always good to chat rubber init.

Regardless. The new Forekaster does appear to make more sense in the Maxxis range. They didn’t really need that many racy XC rubbers. What they really didn’t have was… something like this, funnily enough. A nippy tyre for modest trail bikes. And something that doesn’t have that Ardent-y gappy V-shape to the tread pattern (that I personally have never got along with).

We don’t have much in the way of info – let only test samples – so we’ll have to make do with the press release and pics…

Press Release

THE ALL-NEW FOREKASTER COMING 2022 – FOREKASTER

The original Forekaster was designed as a wet weather option for XC, while the new version is aimed squarely at modern short travel (100mm-130mm) trail bikes – aka the “downcountry” segment. Intended to be a “Goldilocks” tire, the new Forekaster rolls fast but also provides solid cornering and braking traction in a broad range of trail conditions.

FEATURES OF THE NEW MAXXIS FOREKASTER INCLUDE:

• A densely packed tread pattern to increase rolling efficiency
• Taller side knobs to improve cornering grip
• Raised ridges on the casing to promote mud clearing
• Increased casing width and volume from 2.35 to 2.40 and 2.60
• Two rubber compound options: Dual or 3C MaxxTerra
• EXO sidewall protection
• Tubeless ready casings

The new Forekaster slots into the Maxxis mountain line between our XC options that prioritize rolling speed (Aspen, Rekon Race, Ikon, Rekon) and our gravity-focused treads (Dissector, Minion DHF, Minion DHR, Assegai) which emphasize cornering and braking traction. We envision the new Forekaster as the perfect companion for long, pedally rides in a variety of terrain.

When an Aspen isn’t enough tire but a Minion is too much, choose the new Maxxis Forekaster.

maxxis.co.uk

While you’re here…

Ben Haworth

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

More posts from Ben