TESTED: Maxxis Forekaster 29x2.4"

Words: Mike Blewitt

Photos: Gerard Lagana

The Maxxis Forekaster started life as a 2.2” wet conditions cross-country tyre. Although Maxxis added a couple of casing sizes and the tyre saw a lot of spec on trail bikes, the tyre did have a narrow field of excellence. That said, it won at least 3 National Titles in one day at the 2021 National Championships at Maydena Bike Park – so it was good at what it did! Maxxis have completely overhauled the Forekaster, and really it's just the name, EXO casing and Tubeless Ready (TR) bead that remains the same.

The new Maxxis Forekaster is 2.4” wide, 29” only and is aimed as an aggressive cross-country or light trail tyre. As such, it could also be classed as a downcountry tyre. The 2.4” casing is WT, meaning it is optimised for 30mm internal rims. You can get the tyre in the 60tpi casing with dual compound rubber ($99.95), or 120 tpi with 3C ($104.95). I've had the Dual Comound on test. Our test tyres weighed 945g each – which is a considerable amount for a tyre that may be used for aggressive cross-country, but good for a light trail tyre.

The new Forekaster is designed to excel on hardpack through to medium terrain. The tread is reasonably open, with ramps to aid reduced rolling resistance and sipes to increase grip. A big change is the tall and well-supported edge knobs, to really keep an edge in slightly softer terrain. The previous model had a bigger difference between one knob inboard, one outboard. Now they're almost all in a line on the edge, with minimal offset.

I set the Forekaster up on a 30mm internal rim and used NoTubes regular sealant. As with most Maxxis EXO/TR tyres it inflated easily with a track pump and the bead popped into place. It's worth nothing that the 60tpi casing tends to be a little stiffer and airtight. I experienced no unexpected airloss during testing. It measures 59mm across the casing, compared to 61mm on a Rekon Race 2.4WT 120tpi – that tyre is older and has likely stretched a little.

On the trail 

The weight of the tyre didn't concern me but I was surprised by the increase. However, the Forekaster rolls surprisingly well, and it doesn't ride like a tyre that is almost a kilo. I paired it up with a Rekon Race 2.4WT 120tpi on the back, to suit the hardpack and loose over hardpack south-east Queensland conditions. 

Where the Forekaster really excels is in softer conditions like sandy loam and proper dirt. It's great on hardpack with few surprises, but I found it offered no advantage on loose rock over hardpack, which we have a lot of on some trails after the heavy rain of 2022. Those trail scenarios are essentially fist sized rocks rolling over hardpack or bigger rocks, so there's not much that is likely to grip. But the contrast compared to the sandy hardpack to sandy loam that is frequent on the east coast is stark. Other loose terrain, like loose dirt, was really good, thanks to the sharp edge knobs holding well when pushed.

The braking traction is really good, and if you're stepping up from an XC tyre you'll really notice how the Forekaster lets you brake late without pushing or letting go. And as a trail tyre, given the edges that push into the trail along with the horizontal sipes, the braking is good, and predictable.

I didn't get a chance to take these out in proper wet weather – we gratefull have had a reprieve during the few weeks I was testing the Forekaster. But in a wet environment I'd opt for the 3C model with the MaxxTerra rubber. It has a softer compound on the outer layer of the tyre. While it will wear off, a fresh 3C Forekaster would be a great addition to your bike ahead of an event where you wanted a more aggressive tyre setup, or for a riding trip where a light and cabale trail tyre is needed.

Verdict

Maxxis have revamped the Forekaster with their 29×2.4” model. It doesn't have the meaty tread of a Minion DHF, or a Pirelli Scorpion Trail M, but it looks to be well-suited for a lot of Australian trail conditions and light trail bikes and on aggressive XC rigs. There is a 2.6” model coming in November, which will likely suit those who want a higher volume tyre without needing to go to a more aggressive tread pattern. For long days in the alpine regions, the Forekaster could be your best friend for rolling speed and great grip. For mostly drier, rockier conditions I'd stick with the Maxxis Rekon 2.4” WT.

RRP: $99.95

From: kwtimports.com.au

Hits:

• Lots of edge grip
• Popular casing size
• Good light trail, or downcountry option

Misses:

• A bit at sea on a sea of rocks
• Weighty for aggressive XC