FIRST LOOK: AMB's XC MTB tyre test

You only have two points of contact with the ground, so it pays to make sure they work. Tyre choices and tyre pressure are often a big discussion point when riders are looking to find more traction, more speed, more control and more fun on a mountain bike. We've got a Trail and Enduro Tyre Test underway right now. But for those in the cross-country and fast trail space, you might be looking at some different rubber. So we've got 10 tread patterns on test, to suit all out race performance through to all day adventure rides.

The XC tyres we are testing

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Tester and testing process

I'll be undertaking this one. I've spent a couple of decades riding and racing XC, marathons and stage races, with plenty of time on just about all the iconic XC treads in that time. From the Hutchinson Python, to the Python Gold, Kenda SB8, Schwalbe Racing Ralph, Maxxis Larsen TT and Crossmark, and of course many of the more recent tread patterns like the Maxxis Rekon Race and Pirelli Scorpion XC RC.

All wheels will be tested on my Factor Lando XC 120mm 29er XC bike, using a range of carbon wheels with 27-30mm internal widths. Testing will take place without inserts.

The full tyre group test

Expect this in early February – it takes some time to test 10 different setups and put enough trail time on them all. But make sure you follow our social media for updates.

Click through for a closer look at each tyre.

Maxxis Aspen 

Casing: 120tpi EXO
Weight: 762g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.4" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 60.5mm
Compound: MaxxSpeed
RRP: $99.95
From: KWTimports.com.au

The Maxxis Aspen is a high performance race tyre, focussed on low rolling resistance while still providing enough cornering traction. The 2.4" WT model is optimised for 30mm internal width rims, and this inflates with quite a large bag size.

The tread is ultra low profile, and typically suits racing more than training as long kilometres will likely wear the useful edges off the tread. But, come race day they roll incredibly fast, and anecdotally the updated MaxxSpeed compound feels faster rolling than the previous compound.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Maxxis Rekon Race 

Casing: 120tpi EXO
Weight: 828g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.4" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 61mm
Compound: MaxxSpeed
RRP: $99.95
From: KWTimports.com.au

The Maxxis Rekon Race has only been around for a few years but it has made popular inroads for both OEM spec on new XC bikes, along with being a racer's choice. 

The fast tread pattern has more edges for braking and accelerating than a Maxxis Aspen, with the same rubber compounds and casing. While the Rekon Race is popular front and rear, some prefer it upfront with an Aspen in the back for a fast combination with a little more steering precision. The Rekon Race is also a fast rolling rear tyre when paired with a Rekon front tyre.

The 3C MaxxSpeed compound is an update, and if your new XC bike came with Rekon Race tyres, it is highly unlikely that they would be this model with the better rubber. If you're after something fast rolling with a useful tread life for training and racing, this is worth a look.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Maxxis Ikon 

Casing: 120tpi EXO
Weight: 853 (29")
Size: 29 x 2.35" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 59.5mm
Compound: MaxxSpeed
RRP: $99.95
From: KWTimports.com.au

Always Ikon.

In a way, the Ikon was the modern day Hutchinson Python from about 2011 until very recently. It's a jack of all trades and master of none, and while we have the 120tpi EXO casing model on test, you can get a huge range of models in narrower widths and smaller diametres. The Ikon suits rear use on trail bike setups where rolling speed is important.

The tread is close enough to roll fast but open enough to find an edge. The edge knobs are far from tall, but very consistent and that is probably the best way to describe the Ikon.

In the 2.35" size, the Ikon has a large footprint and the tread is larger than the 2.2" model, making for a more aggressive tyre than you may think. For those looking for a versatile XC tread with a long traction life as tread wears, the Ikon is worth a look. It's also great to combine with a Rekon on the front for a fast trail setup – or run an Ikon on the front with a Rekon Race on the back for a versatile XC combination.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Maxxis Severe 

Casing: 120tpi EXO
Weight: 853 (29")
Size: 29 x 2.25" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 58mm
Compound: MaxxSpeed
RRP: $99.95
From: KWTimports.com.au

This one is all new from Maxxis, filling in the gap in their range that was calling out for a wet weather tyre. The Maxxis Beaver did take that place previously, and an Ardent Race was 'ok' in wetter conditions. But the Severe is all-new, including the MaxxSpeed compound.

Bec Henderson won a World Cup in Brazil on this tread well before release, and Jon Odams was seen all over the country finishing off testing for this tread pattern. The casing is 2.25" to allow a bit more room in frames and forks, with a close centre tread that will still roll fast. The transition knobs are sparse to allow crud flow, with tall edge knobs providing an edge in gloopy corners.

There's plenty of directional siping to assist on wet rock, and raised sections that are said to help stock mud sticking – so fingers crossed some wetter weather arrives soon for testing.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 

Casing: 120tpi Inner Strength
Weight: 835g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.4" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 60.5mm
Compound: TM Grip
RRP: $99.99
From: Trekbikes.com/au/EN_AU/

Bontrager's line of mountain bike tyres is pretty thorough, and the XR4 is meatier than some of the models in the cross-country range, like the Bontrager XR1 Team Issue I tested previously.

This is a good thing, as that creates a more versatile tyre to suit cross-country riding and fast trail use. The XR4 as tall, open tread that is thoroughly ramped. This means it rolls quite fast, while still putting edges into the dirt under braking.

Thr 2-3-2 tread pattern and alternating edge knobs are all tall enough to dig into dirt, while also giving enough space to let wetter conditions prevent clogging, for all except peanut butter death mud. This should be a great all-rounder for those who prioritise traction and control over all out race speed.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 

Casing: 120tpi ProWall
Weight: 699g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.4" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 60mm
Compound: SmartGrip
RRP: $104.99
From: FESports.com.au

Pirelli jumped into the mountain bike tyre world in early 2019 with their Scorpion mountain bike range. They hit the dirt with four conditions specific tyres. A tread pattern for Hardpack, Mixed conditions, Soft conditions and a Rear specific tread. This moved into a trail range, and an Enduro range and the latest Race range of Downhill and Enduro tyres.

Another addition was the XC RC, an all out racing tyre with lower tread height developed with the athletes and teams that Pirelli sponsor. I have previously tested the XC RC in 2.4" and it has to be one of the best XC and marathonh race tyres around for those who want all out race speed with a high quality rubber and casing.

The close centre tread rolls fast and the edge knobs hook up thanks to smart siping and block positioning – the casing is very supportive and the tread wears well and has consistent chemical grip from the compound as it wears. These cost a little more but the excellent grip through a long wear life really makes them a stand out.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Specialized Ground Control GRID 7

Casing: GRID 60tpi
Weight: 912g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.4" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 59.5mm
Compound: T7
RRP: $70
From: Specialized.com/au

The Specialized Ground Control GRID T7 tyres are akin to the Bontrager XR4, as in they are a full-tread tyre designed for control (it's in the name) and capable of light trail use. The 60tpi casing is super strong, with the T7 compound being fairly tacky compared to a lot of the rubber used in XC tyres.

The tread design is quite open, with tall knobs that have lower knobs within them, allowing more edges in soft terrain, and still giving good rolling speed.

I have tested the Ground Control T7 before and been very impressed with the trail characteristics. It is a stand out for value at $70, and will likely be a great choice for those looking for a downcountry or light trail option, or to bump up traction on their XC bike for an event like BC Bike Race.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Goodyear Peak SL Race

Casing: Tubeless Complete 120tpi
Weight: 677g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.4" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 59mm
Compound: Dynamic A/T
RRP: $99
From: Goodyearbike.com

The Goodyear Peak SL and Peak SL Race were launched in the middle of 2023 to bolster the XC range at the racey end of Good Year's portfolio. The SL Race version on test is the 120tpi model, compared to the 60tpi Peak SL. This goes a long way to the very low weight for the 2.4" rubber.

The Peak SL Race has a consistent, low profile tread that isn't too far off a Maxxis Rekon Race, but with lower tread heigh and less pronounced edge knobs. It rolls super fast but can push at high speed when off the best line.

This one is our lightest on test and will likely suit those chasing all out speed.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Michelin Force XC2

Casing: CrossShield 2, 2x150tpi
Weight: 735g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.25" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 57mm
Compound: Gum-X
RRP: $139
From: Michelin.com.au

Michelin's Racing Line tyres are no compromise race-ready rubber, and the Force XC2 is probably their most versatile model for Australian conditions. The 2.25" casing has a supple 2x150tpi casing, with a double layer above the bead to help prevent pinch flats.

The tread pattern is ramped for minimal rolling resistance while still offering good tread depth. Having tested these in the past I know they roll fast with a predictable early slide point in the back end – it suits racing where you're pretty happy to get around tight corners with some more speed even if it means giving up some control.

There are plenty of edges in play and when pushing under braking or steering when used on the front, and the premium rubber and casing will suit those who use a pressure gauge to get everything out of their wheel system.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139

Michelin Wild XC2

Casing: CrossShield 2, 2x150tpi
Weight: 758g (29")
Size: 29 x 2.35" 
Measured on EIE 30mm internal rim: 60mm
Compound: Gum-X
RRP: $139
From: Michelin.com.au

If ever there was an XC tyre to have an identity problem, it would be the Michelin Wild XC. This tyre inflates to a very healthy bag size, with a tread profile to match. It suits loose and soft conditions and does give up rolling speed to achieve grip.

The tread is open and clears well, with the Gum-X rubber and compliant casing allowing fine-tuning of tyre pressures to find grip in a lot of conditions. I have tested the Wild XC in the past, on a wet and wild trip to Derby and surrounds – it really held its own on wet trails all over the trail network, pushing well beyond what you may expect from a pure XC tyre.

This will be a great choice for those racing in wild conditions and in locations where the trails get loamy and spicy in equal measure.

Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Maxxis Severe 29 x 2.25" EXO MaxxSpeed – $99.95
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29 x 2.4" – $99.99
Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 x 2.4" ProWall – $104.99
Specialized Ground Control GRID 29 x 2.35" – $70
Goodyear Peak SL Race 29 x 2.4" – $99
Michelin Force XC2 29 x 2.25" Competition Line – $139
Michelin Wild XC 29 x 2.35" Competition Line – $139