As enduro mountain bike geometry has migrated to short-travel bikes, riders are demanding tyres that are a deft blend of low-rolling resistance and peak mid-corner grip.

Maxxis has responded to increasing its best mountain bike tyres offering based on demand from the 100-130mm rider community with a redesigned version of its Forekaster. Most riders will be familiar with the Forekaster as a Maxxis tyre for XC rides in moist conditions, but the new version has been rerolled as a dedicated trail riding tyre.

Within the vast Maxxis tyre portfolio, the new Forekaster positions between the Ikon (regarding its rolling speed) and Dissector (relating to braking and cornering grip). The Forekaster’s tread pattern reshaping sees a denser distribution of tread blocks, owing to its purpose as more of an all-conditions trail tyre, instead of a lightweight mud tyre. Any closer distribution of tread blocks should improve rolling speed, with the sacrifice being slightly less self-cleaning dynamics, in muddy conditions.

2022 Maxxis Forekaster tread
2022 Maxxis Forekaster tread (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2022 Maxxis Forekaster tread, by Suvi Loponen

Compared to its predecessor, the new Forekaster has an aligned series of edge tread blocks which are taller. The design intention of this tread pattern evolution is to give riders on progressive geometry short-travel bikes more confidence when leaning into corners on technical trail sections or through high-speed berms. All tread blocks feature a single siping, enhancing the Forekaster tyre’s ability to harvest all available grip when rolling across rocky or rooty terrain.

Choice of two rubber compounds

2022 Maxxis Forekaster side.jpg
2022 Maxxis Forekaster side (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Maxxis is producing its new Forekaster in two rubber compounds, the Dual or 3C MaxxTerra, giving riders the choice of prioritising durability, rolling speed, or grip.
All Forekasters are tubeless-ready and feature the Maxxis EXO sidewall reinforcement to shield against damage from sniper roots and rocks. Recognising the width preference that short-travel riders show in selecting slightly larger tyres, Forekaster casing sizes have grown from 2.35 into 2.4- and 2.6in. Corresponding weight ratings are 945g and 1035g.

Pricing for the new Maxxis Forekaster prices starts at £59.99.

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