Rondo has announced the release of the new Ruut CF Gen 2 its most radical bike to date.We first reported on the new Rondo Ruut back in 2023, but Rondo has been fine-tuning its soft-tail design until now, and its finally ready to go on sale in July.The design sees the junction of seat tube and down tube move up to just below the bottle cage mounts, in a design similar to Specialized's Sirrus.Like Specialized, Rondo claims this creates a parts-free, leaf-spring-like suspension system for added compliance.The original Rondo Ruut showcased the Polish brands unusual design philosophy with its adjustable-geometry fork and kinked top tube.Since then, weve had the versatile HVRT, an aero racer for road and gravel, and the all-roader Ratt. The range is rounded out with the technical, trail-focused Mylc.Details matterThe new Ruut CF frame comes with the versatile T47 bottom bracket standard. - RondoThe frames diamond-shaped rear end drops the seatstays low and interrupts the seat tube. This is intended to create a shock-absorbing configuration akin to a leaf-spring.When Rondo first showed off the design, it was unique, although Specialized launched its updated flat-bar Sirrus not long after. More recently, Orbea released a new urban ebike, called the Diem, with a similarly soft-tailed back end.The second-generation Ruut, however, is using the shock-stopping design on a pure performance bike.UDH rear dropouts work with standard derailleurs such as the Shimano GRX here or SRAM's latest hangerless T-Type derailleurs. - RondoRondo says the Ruut CF Gen 2 is aimed at competitive gravel racers and adventurous riders alike. That means even though the bike is only currently configured in 1x setups, you can run a 2x drivetrain with a front derailleur adaptor arm (available separately).The frame comes with a T47 bottom bracket shell, using either inboard or outboard bearings.At the rear dropouts, Rondo has future-proofed the Ruut CF Gen 2 by adopting SRAMs Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard.The Ruut's chainstays drop below the BB centre. - RondoThis means the bike can accept SRAMs latest off-road specific T-Type rear derailleurs, as well as the upcoming Red XPLR AXS, which we spotted at this years Unbound gravel race. It can also work with current derailleurs, with the use of a compatible hanger, as found on the launch bikes.At the front end, an Acros headset system fully integrates the brake-hose routing and a cable-operated dropper post, should you want to fit one. The headset is designed to work with Rondos own ICR stem, which is CNC manufactured in Poland.Geometry updatesRondo's new Ruut CF2 comes with mechanical Shimano GRX. - RondoThe Ruut CF Gen 2s geometry has been tweaked over the original version.The head tube angle has been relaxed by one degree, although thats changeable with the TwinTip fork design. This enables you to adjust the fork offset and head tube angle to suit your riding style.In its high position, the Ruut CF Gen 2 has a 71.7-degree head angle and 55mm fork offset, and adds 5mm to the bottom bracket drop.The CF2 routes cables and hoses through the ICR stem and Acros headset. - RondoIn the low position, the TwinTip relaxes the head angle to 71 degrees, sets the fork offset to 45mm and increases the axle-to-crown to 400mm. This is the optimal setting if you want to add a gravel suspension fork into the mix.The stack has been increased across all sizes, although it remains low for a gravel bike (594mm on a large size) and the reach has been extended (417mm on a large). This should give the new Ruut a more race-oriented ride position compared to its Mylc and Ratt stablemates.The CF2 comes with Rondo's own alloy gravel wheelset. - RondoAlthough tyre clearance has been upped to 45mm with 700c wheels and 54mm with 650b wheels, the chainstays remain short at 420mm. Rondo says this helps to retain the swift handling the original Ruut was known for.650b may not be as popular as it once was for gravel wheels, but Rondo sees the smaller size as essential on smaller bikes. The Ruut CF Gen 2 is available in five sizes the smallest, XS, size comes fitted with 650b wheels as standard. XSSMLXL Seat tube angle (degrees)73 / 73.773 / 73.773 / 73.773 / 73.773 / 73.7 Head tube angle (degrees)70.5 / 71.270.5 / 71.271 / 71.771 / 71.771 / 71.7 Chainstay (mm)420420420420420 Seat tube (mm)435455485510535 Top tube (mm)523 / 521548 / 547670 / 568593 / 592611 / 609 Head tube (mm)115125145175200 Fork offset (mm)45 / 5545 / 5545 / 5545 / 5545 / 55 Bottom bracket drop (mm)65 / 7070 / 7570 / 7570 / 7570 / 75 Stack (mm)536 / 531550 / 545571 / 565599 / 594623 / 618 Reach (mm)358 / 365380 / 387395 / 402410 / 417420 / 427 Edit Table The bikesThe range-topping CF0 comes with SRAM Force AXS XPLR and Hunt's latest Limitless gravel wheelset. - RondoRondo has two models available at launch, the SRAM Rival XPLR AXS-equipped CF1 (4,999) and 1x 12-speed Shimano GRX-equipped CF2 (3,799).These will be followed later in the year by the CF0, with SRAM Force XPLR AXS and Hunts new aerodynamic Limitless Gravel wheels.The range is rounded out by a CF2 with SRAM Apex AXS XPLR, and the entry to the range Ruut X with SRAMs 1x 12 Apex XPLR.Rondo Ruut CF Gen 2 range detailsRondo Ruut G2 CF0Rondo Ruut CF0 Gen 2. - RondoPrice: TBCFrame: Ruut G2 Fly CarbonFork: TwinTip CarbonFrame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XLHandlebar: Easton EC70 AX Carbon 400mm (XS), 420mm (S), 440mm (M, L), 460mm (XL)Saddle: Selle Italia Novus Super BoostSeatpost: Rondo Carbon 350 X 27.2Brakes: SRAM Force AXS hydraulic brakes, SRAM Centerlock Paceline 160F/RDrivetrain: SRAM Force XPLR AXS (42, 10-44)Wheelset: Rondo X Hunt Limitless Gravel CarbonTyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700C X 40 / 650B X 45 (XS)Rondo Ruut G2 CF1Price: 3,799, TBC, $TBCFrame: Ruut G2 Fly CarbonFork: TwinTip CarbonFrame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XLHandlebar: Rondo Flare 380mm (XS), Spank Wing 12 420mm(S), 440mm (M, L),Saddle: Selle Italia Novus Super BoostSeatpost: Rondo Carbon 350 X 27.2Brakes: SRAM Rival AXS hydraulic brakes, SRAM Centerlock Paceline 160F/RDrivetrain: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS (42, 10-44)Crankset: SRAM Rival 1 DUB 42T 170mm (XS, S), 172.5mm (M, L), 175mmWheels: Rondo X Hunt Gravel X-Wide AluminiumTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 700C X 40, 650B X 45 (XS)Rondo Ruut G2 CF2 GRXRondo Ruut CF2 GRX. - RondoPrice: TBCFrame: Ruut G2 Fly CarbonFork: TwinTip CarbonFrame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XLHandlebar: Rondo Flare 380mm (XS), 420mm (S), 440mm (M, L), 460mm (XL)Saddle: Selle Italia Novus Superboost / WTB VoltSeatpost: Rondo 350 X 27.2Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX400, Shimano SM-RT70 160/160mmDrivetrain: Shimano GRX (42, 11-42)Wheelset: Rondo Aluminium 622-23, 584-23 (XS), Rondo hubsTyres: Pirelli Gravel ADV H 700C X 40 / 650B X 45 (XS)Rondo Ruut G2 CFXPrice: TBCFrame: Ruut G2 Fly CarbonFork: TwinTip CarbonFrame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XLHandlebar: Rondo Flare 380mm (XS), 420mm (S), 440mm (M, L), 460mm (XL)Saddle: Selle Italia Model YSeatpost: Rondo 350 X 27.2Brakes: SRAM Apex XPLR D1, Rotors SRAM Centerlock 160F/RDrivetrain: Sram Apex XPLR (42, 11-44)Wheelset: Rondo Superlight Sealed Bearings hubs, Rondo Aluminium 622-23/584-23 (XS) rimsTyres: Pirelli Gravel ADV H 700C X 40 / 650B X 45 (XS)Rondo Ruut G2 CF2 Apex XPLR AXSPrice: TBCFrame: Ruut G2 Fly CarbonFork: TwinTip CarbonFrame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XLHandlebar: Easton EC70 Aero 400mm (XS, S), 420mm (M, L), 440mm (XL)Saddle: Selle Italia Novus Super BoostSeatpost: Rondo Carbon 350 X 27.2Brakes: SRAM Apex AXS Hydraulic Brakes, SRAM Centerlock Paceline 160F/RDrivetrain: SRAM Apex XPLR AXS (42, 10-36)Wheelset: Rondo X Hunt Aero Wide AluminiumTyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 700C X 40 / 650B X 45 (XS)

Astana-Qazaqstan announce team which will support Manxman at his final attempt at the stage win record

The still BORA - hansgrohe team (soon to be joined by Red Bull) continues to make waves at the cycling market.It has been known for months and now it has been confirmed by market journalist Daniel Benson, Jan Tratnik will ride for the German team for the next 3 seasons thus giving Visma | Lease a Bi...

Sam Bennett will be on the start line of the Tour de France in Florence on Saturday after being confirmed in the line-up of his Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team for the the worlds biggest race. The Irishman last rode the race in 2020, when he claimed two stage wins and also won the green []The post Sam Bennett confirmed for Tour de France return after four years away appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

Imogen Cotter, a name synonymous with resilience and triumph in Irish cycling, has recently announced her retirement from professional cycling. After years of thrilling races and notable achievements, the koda ambassador is ready to embark on new adventures beyond the competitive circuit.In this candid Q&A, she reflects on her journey, the reasons behind her decision to retire, and her exciting plans for the future.Imogen, youve had such a successful career as a professional cyclist. What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment or proudest moment?My biggest accomplishment is winning the National Championships in 2021 I will never forget the feeling of crossing the finish line and realising that I had achieved my biggest dream! I would say that the thing in cycling that I am most proud of is all the work it took for me to achieve that dream. Like any athlete knows, its not an overnight success story; it takes years of dedicated work and monotonous sessions repeated week on week. My national champion jersey is just the physical embodiment of that hard work and the journey it took to get there.Looking back on your cycling career, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?Without doubt, my biggest challenge in cycling came in 2022 when I was hit by a car while out training. It was in my inaugural year as a professional cyclist, and I was the reigning national champion. It felt like every possibility was at my fingertips, and I couldnt wait to get started. Man plans, God laughs! I was three weeks into my professional career when a van driving on the wrong side of the road hit me head-on. I was incredibly lucky to survive and to have very manageable long-lasting consequences of the crash.I was also very lucky to have a great community of people around me. I had five surgeries in 2022 and fought back tooth and nail to get back on the bike. In May 2022, I did my first bike ride outdoors again, and in September 2022, eight months after a near-death experience, I pinned a number on again for the first time. I am so incredibly proud of how I overcame this. I focused on what I could control each day and made sure that I did it to the best of my ability whether that was attempting to climb the stairs or brush my hair for the first time, or whether it was heading out for a 100km cycle, I made sure I tackled them both with the same dedication and willpower!Of course, there were other obstacles in my cycling career, such as crashes, non-selection for races, and the stress of contracts, but these all pale in comparison to the fight back to racing again in 2022.What led you to the decision to retire from professional cycling?After suffering from the impacts of the accident in 2022, I focused myself 150% on getting back on the bike and becoming as physically fit again as possible which I did! I set new personal bests across all my power targets, but this sheer focus solely on my physical recovery meant that I was neglecting my mental recovery.Going through a near-death experience was truly terrifying and can often lead to PTSD. In January of this year, once my physical recovery was more or less complete, I began to understand how much I was struggling mentally. It was coming up to the anniversary of the crash, and I was having really debilitating flashbacks when on the bike and when racing.I started EMDR therapy in February of this year and gave myself the time and space to truly process what I had been through in the past two years. Once I slowed down and began to listen to my body, I realised the high stress levels associated with racing were making me feel significantly worse. The loud noises, the hectic peloton, the crashes, and the anticipation of crashes this was all triggering my PTSD. I initially decided to take a break from racing, but the more time went on, the more I concluded that I didnt feel the pull to go back to the peloton. My body felt at peace after fighting for two years, and I wanted to keep it that way.I still absolutely love riding my bike, and without the competitive element of the peloton, I am hoping to pursue that joy even more!Can you tell us more about your future plans? How do you see yourself transitioning from cycling to these new endeavours?During my initial break from racing, I began to explore other ways of moving my body that didnt spike my anxiety. I used to be a runner before I started cycling, so I naturally began to explore this again. My knee was injured quite badly in my crash in 2022, and I have had two major surgeries on my knee, so I was very unsure and curious as to whether I would ever be able to run again. The journey of exploration into running again has been a really fun one! I also picked up swimming again I used to swim throughout my teens, and being in the pool feels like a really safe environment for me in comparison to cycling. So, combining all three sports, I have decided to give triathlons a shot! I have signed up to an Ironman 70.3 in October and have hired a coach to help me target this race.On the career side of things, I have made no secret of the fact that I am eager to get into media and presenting, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes. I am really open to new opportunities that come my way and excited to see what I can achieve in this realm. I am also a passionate road safety advocate and was able to tell my story as part of a recent koda and RSA safety appeal. I am also getting the opportunity to talk on panels or go to companies to speak to employees about the importance of road safety. I feel so grateful to have built a following that allows me to use my recovery story for good.As you retire from professional cycling, what advice would you give to up-and-coming cyclists in Ireland who aspire to follow in your footsteps?My advice to young cyclists in Ireland is to grab every opportunity that is given to you with open hands and an open mind! I would recommend starting with some local races in Ireland and building up your experience here at home. I would also say to throw yourself into any experiences that come your way, even if you might not necessarily feel ready.Sometimes its better to just take a leap of faith, even if it might scare you a bit. There were a lot of things in my cycling career that I didnt feel 100% ready for, but I knew if I threw myself in at the deep end, it could lead to something brilliant. Sink or Swim, Win or Learn!Imogen Cotters transition from professional cycling to new pursuits is a powerful story of resilience, adaptability and the courage to embrace change. You can keep up with Imogen by following her on Instagram here!

While the Tour de France yellow jersey is one of sports most fabled prizes, there is more than just prestige up for grabs at the 111th edition of the race in 2024.Alongside the yellow, green, polka dot and white jerseys, the Tour de France had a 2,295,200 prize pot to give out in 2023.This included a 500,000 overall prize for champion Jonas Vingegaard (VismaLease a bike). In total, the Dane received 535,220 through the course of the race, including prizes for stage wins, placings on stages and climbs. Riders can earn money from all the main categories, as well as on categorised climbs, intermediate sprints and for finishing within the first 160 classified riders in the race.All Tour de France teams have different formulas for sharing the prize money, but usually it's put into a pot and divided between every rider (and often staff) on the team at the end of the race. Cycling is a team sport with individual winners, after all.Heres how the 2023 Tour de France prize money was broken down. Tour de France stage winner prize moneyMichal Kwiatkowski celebrates a stage win and a nice bonus. - Tim de Waele/Getty ImagesThe winner of each stage earned 11,000 in 2023, as well as a place on the podium at the end of the day.Second place was worth 5,500, while the rider in third raked in 2,800.In fact, every rider down to 20th place (300) earned a share of the 28,650 on offer each day.Heres the full breakdown for each individual stage. 11,000 5,500 2,800 1,500 830 780 730 670 650 600 540 470 440 340 300Tour de France yellow jersey prize moneyA yellow jersey win earned Vingegaard half a million euros in 2023. - Michael Steele/Getty ImagesIf winning the stage also put a rider into the yellow jersey, there was an extra 500 up for grabs, with the same prize on offer for each day a rider wore the maillot jaune.That, however, is small fry compared to the main prize pot for the general classification.The rider in the yellow jersey on the final podium in Paris in 2023 won 500,000, with Vingegaard taking the spoils. The prize increased back in 2016 and has remained the same since.Second place went to Tadej Pogaar, earning him 200,000, with Adam Yates taking home 100,000 in third.Each rider from fourth to 19th on the general classification steadily receives less money, and everyone from 20th place to 160th is awarded 1,000 for completing the roughly 3,500km course.Heres a full breakdown of the prize money awarded to the 10 overall fastest riders in 2023. 500,000 (Jonas Vingegaard) 200,000 (Tadej Pogaar) 100,000 (Adam Yates) 70,000 (Simon Yates) 50,000 (Carlos Rodriguez) 23,000 (Pello Bilbao Lopez) 11,500 (Jai Hindley) 7,600 (Felix Gall) 4,500 (David Gaudu) 3,800 (Guillaume Martin)Tour de France King of the Mountains prize moneyGiulio Ciccone wore the best climber's polka-dot jersey at the 2023 race. - Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty ImagesA day in the King of the Mountains jersey was worth 300 in 2023, while the top eight in the final mountains classification were rewarded at the end of the race.The overall winner in 2023, Giulio Ciccone, received 25,000, while second place got 15,000.Heres a full breakdown of the prize money awarded to the top eight finishers in the mountains classification in 2023. 25,000 (Giulio Ciccone) 15,000 (Felix Gall) 10,000 (Jonas Vingegaard) 4,000 (Neilson Powless) 3,500 (Tadej Pogaar) 3,000 (Simon Yates) 2,500 (Tobias Johannessen) 2,000 (Jai Hindley)Tour de France climbs prize moneyThere's cash for cresting a climb in first place. - ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty ImagesIts not all about the general classification and the polka dot jersey each climb at the Tour de France has a prize on offer at the top.For hors catgorie and first-category climbs, the first three over the summit earn prize money; on second-category ascents, it's the top two, and on third and fourth-cat climbs it's just the first rider over.The 2023 Tour de France contained 30 climbs categorised as second category or above with six HC ascents and summit finishes. The HC climbs and summit finishes were worth 800 to the first across, 450 to the second and 300 to the third. The 10 category-one mountains offered 650, 400 and 150 respectively. HC1st category2nd category3rd category4th category 1st800650500300200 2nd450400250n/an/a 3rd300150n/an/an/a Edit Table For second-category mountains or hills, the first rider across received 500 and the second 250, while it was 300 to cross a third-category climb first and 200 to be the first over a fourth-category ascent.Riders can also boost their pay packets further by being the first across the highest point of the race. In 2023, the Souvenir Henri Desgrange, as the prize is known, was awarded to the first rider to crest the 2,304m Col de la Loze. That added 5,000 to the kitty of Felix Gall (DecathlonAG2R La Mondiale) last year.The Souvenir Jacques Goddet (5,000) is given to the first rider to reach the top of the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees. The prize went to Pierre Latour in 2021 (the Pyrenean peak didn't feature in the 2023 Tour de France). Tour de France points classification prize moneyJasper Philipsen wrapped up the green jersey contest in 2023. - Michael Steele/Getty ImagesAs with the polka dot jersey, a day in the green jersey in 2023 was worth 300 so thats a lot of prize money that has headed Peter Sagans way in his Tour de France career. Even more so when you consider the 25,000 top prize for winning the points classification overall, which Sagan managed in seven of the eight years from 2012 to 2019.However, Irish sprinter Sam Bennett ended Sagan's run in the green jersey in 2020. Mark Cavendish made a triumphant return to green in 2021.Wout van Aert topped the classification in 2022 and Jasper Philipsen won the green jersey last year. The top eight in the final points classification all win prizes. The 2023 ranking looked as follows: 25,000 (Jasper Philipsen) 15,000 (Mads Pedersen) 10,000 (Bryan Coquard) 4,000 (Tadej Pogaar) 3,500 (Jonas Vingegaard) 3,000 (Kasper Asgreen) 2,500 (Jordie Meuss) 2,000 (Matej Mohori)Thats exactly in line with the mountains classification.Each intermediate sprint one on each of the 19 road stages was worth 1,500, 1,000 and 500 for the first three riders through.These prizes are often swallowed up by the breakaway, with the sprinters keeping their powder dry for the stage finishes the prize money for the top 20 on each stage is detailed at the top of this article.Tour de France young rider classification prize moneyTadej Pogaar won his fourth white jersey on the bounce in 2023. - Michael Steele/Getty ImagesA 300 prize is also up for grabs for each day in the white jersey of best young rider (in other words, for the 2024 race, those riders born on or after 1 January 1999).In addition, the highest-placed young rider on each stage can claim a 500 daily prize.The top four riders in the final young-rider classification also win prizes. In 2022, 20,000 was up for grabs for the winner, with the prize money decreasing by 5,000 for each position in the top four.In 2020, at 21 years old, Pogaar became the youngest Tour de France winner since 1904, as well as securing the white and polka-dot jerseys. He won the same three jerseys in 2021, but was only the best young rider in 2022 and 2023. 20,000 (Tadej Pogaar) 15,000 (Carlos Rodriguez) 10,000 (Felix Gall) 5,000 (Thomas Pidcock)Tour de France team classification prize moneyThe top-placed team on each stage calculated by the cumulative time of each teams three fastest finishers claims a further 2,800 in prize money.Those daily times are all added up to form the overall team classification, and the top five teams at the end of the race also win cash prizes.Heres a full breakdown of the prize money awarded to the five highest-ranking teams at the end of the Tour de France in 2023. 50,000 (VismaLease a bike) 30,000 (UAE Team Emirates) 20,000 (Ineos Grenadiers) 12,000 (Bahrain Victorious) 8,000 (GroupamaFDJ)Most aggressive rider classification (combativity prize)All that attacking paid off nicely for Victor Campanaerts. - Victor LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesThere is one final prize at the Tour de France, with race judges picking their most aggressive rider in each of the first 18 road stages (so every stage except the two time trials and the final stage) to win the combativity prize.The previous days winner can be spotted by their red race number on the following stage. They will also be 2,000 richer.At the end of the race, a Super Combatif award is handed out worth 20,000.Wout van Aert added the most aggressive rider award to his green jersey in 2022 and Victor Campanaerts won the 2023 combativity prize. How does Tour de France prize money compare to other sports events?The White Marlin Open lured anglers with an $8.6 million prize pot in 2022. - Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty ImagesWhile 500,000 (approximately 432,500) for winning the yellow jersey is nothing to be sniffed at, the amount on offer for winning cyclings greatest race is low compared to other sports.Wyndham Clark earned $3.6 million for winning golf's 2023 US Open.In horse racing, the Saudi Cup winner is awarded $10 million. Most of that goes to the horse's owner, but the winning jockey can expect a 10 per cent share.The mens and womens singles tennis champions at Wimbledon received 2 million each in 2022.At sea angling's 2022 White Marlin Open, Jeremy Duffie netted a world-record-setting $4,536,000 for landing a 77.5lb white marlin.Still, the most fabled prize in cycling is not something to turn your nose up at prize money or not.

British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour

The Tour de France starts this week. I repeat, the Tour de France starts this week. And Ryan Mallons here to get the countdown underway with all the latest cycling news and views on the live blog. As long as he can contain his excitement, of course

It's not much, but Astana Qazaqstan bosses are throwing the best they've got towards the 2024 Tour de France. Regardless of how it turns out, the Kazakh team will write on big story with their British sprinter Mark Cavendish. The Manxman's retirement from last year's Tour de France in tears after ha...

Maxxis is one of the leading manufacturers of mountain bike tyres of all disciplines. Known primarily for its downhill and enduro tyres, Maxxis also offers top-level cross-country tyres.The brand has a large range of mountain bike tyres employing varying technologies, so it can be difficult to know what the best Maxxis tyre is for your type of riding.Maxxis also produces a wide range of road bike tyres, gravel tyres and options for commuting.In this guide, we focus on Maxxis range of mountain bike tyres, including an overview of its tyre technologies, compounds and casings.Maxxis mountain bike tyre technologies explainedThe construction of a Maxxis mountain bike tyre involves many layers. - Maxxis - https://www.maxxis.com/uk/Maxxis casing constructions explainedMaxxis offers a variety of MTB tyre casings to suit different types of riding. Tyre casings impact how a tyre feels and the level of protection it provides.All else being equal, a thinner casing is usually more supple than a thicker casing, but offers less protection on gnarly terrain.Maxxis uses a range of different options across its tyre range, from lightweight casings to heavy-duty casings for gravity riding:Single-ply casing features one layer of nylon wrapped from bead to bead. This conforms well to terrain, giving a supple ride feel, and is lighter than Maxxis other casings.Dual-ply casing features two layers of nylon, adding additional protection and sidewall stiffness for enduro and downhill riding.Wide Trail (WT) construction optimises the tyre tread for 30 to 35mm-wide rims, avoiding the square profile that tyres with narrower designs face on modern wide rims.Tubeless Ready (TR) features sealant-compatible rubber and uses dual-ply 60 TPI (threads per inch). There is a butyl insert for support and rim protection, offering increased grip and reliability. A tubeless-ready bead locks the rim and the foldable bead provides additional weight savings.Maxxis puncture technologies explainedEven the best mountain bike tyres can be punctured by thorns, lacerations and snake bites. Maxxis offers four types of puncture protection to deal with these problems: Silkworm Protection is a puncture- and tear-resistant material incorporated into the tyre's casing under the tread.EXO Protection is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to a tyres sidewall. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and flexible in order to retain tyre performance. EXO Protection is for exceptionally rocky trails, where the chance of tearing the sidewall is high.EXO+ combines Silkshield and EXO protection. The Silkshield layer runs from bead to bead, with a layer of EXO along the sidewalls.Double Down (DD) is a dual-ply casing for enduro and downhill racing. Two 120 TPI casing layers are reinforced on the sidewall with a butyl insert to avoid gashes and pinch flats.Maxxis tyre compounds explainedRubber compounds can have a big impact on the grip, longevity and handling of a tyre. Maxxis uses different combinations of rubber compounds for different ride characteristics: Single Compound tyres feature one compound throughout the tread for optimised longevity and performance.Dual Compound tyres feature two types of rubber and offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip.Triple Compound (3C) tyres have three types of rubber arranged for the ultimate traction at the end of racing.MaxxSpeed tyres use a silica-infused compound, inspired by technology from premium road tyres, for ultimate rolling speed.Maxxis cross-country tyresMaxxis Ardent RaceMaxxis' Ardent Race is a shallower version of the Ardent trail tyre. - David Rome/Future PublishingDual or 3C MaxxSpeedEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WTRecommended as front or rear tyreThe Ardent Race is designed for technical cross-country courses. Borrowing the tread pattern from the full-fat Ardent trail tyre, a smaller tread height is used to achieve faster rolling speeds.Maxxis AspenThe Aspen rolls and corners well, thanks to its large shoulder knobs. - MaxxisDual compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.10, 2.25, 2.40inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Aspen is a lightweight cross-country racing tyre designed with low rolling resistance and straight-line grip in mind. Its a go-to choice for many racers, because the large shoulder knobs find traction in a variety of conditions, while the rounded-off crown helps maintain speed.Maxxis Aspen STThe side knobs are the same as the regular Aspen. - Jack Luke / Our MediaSingle compoundEXO or EXO Team Spec casingTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 29inWidth: 2.25, 2.40inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Aspen ST features a super-low profile tread pattern that has been the reserve of sponsored riders for the past five years.Its low rolling resistance is said to give top-of-the-range speed, while raised side lugs ensure it remains grippy in dry, dusty conditions.Maxxis Crossmark IIThe Crossmark II rolls fast and finds plenty of traction in the dry. - David Arthur / Immediate MediaDual compoundEXO protection availableTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.10, 2.25inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Crossmark II is a fast-rolling tyre designed for maximum straight-line speed. Its low rolling resistance and sharp cornering bite ensure the tyre excels in dry conditions, and the reinforced sidewall shrugs off rocks and knocks well. Read our full Maxxis Crossmark II reviewMaxxis ForekasterMaxxis Forekaster makes for a good downcountry tyre. - MaxxisDual or 3C compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.25, 2.35, 2.60in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Forekaster is a wet-weather tyre for XC racing and light trail riding. Working well as a front tyre in sloppy conditions, its more aggressive than other cross-country tyres and lends itself well to downcountry riding.Maxxis SevereThe Maxxis Severe is ideal for wet and loose cross-country terrain.MaxxSpeed rubber compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.25inRecommended as front or rear tyreThe Maxxis Severe is the latest addition to the Maxxis cross-country line-up and is designed to tackle wet and muddy XC racecourses. The narrow 2.25in profile and spiky tread help it to cut through soft ground and clear mud quickly. It features the new, silica-infused MaxxSpeed compound for ultimate rolling speed.Maxxis IkonMaxxis' Ikon is very fast-rolling, with high levels of traction in the dry. - Oliver Woodman/Immediate MediaDual or 3C Maxx compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyDiameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Ikon is a lightweight tyre designed for speed and reliability, utilising the 3C Maxx compound. A tightly packed tread pattern with squared-off shoulder knobs makes the tyre fast-rolling but grippy in dry conditions.Maxxis PaceThe Maxxis Pace utilises a shallow but tightly spaced tread for hard-pack conditions. - MaxxisSingle or dual compoundSilkworm or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.10inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Pace is one of Maxxis fastest cross-country tyres. The low-profile tread and narrow width offer little rolling resistance, but do limit the tyre on wet, gnarlier terrain.Maxxis Rekon RaceThe Rekon Race has a shallow, fast-rolling tread, but the shoulder knobs offer good levels of grip in the corners. - Andy Lloyd / OurMediaSingle or dual compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.00, 2.25, 2.35, 2.40in WTRecommended as a rear tyreThe Rekon Race features a similar tread pattern to the standard Rekon. It has a shallower tread, making the tyre a good choice for dry conditions, where grip can be substituted for straight-line speed.Maxxis trail and enduro tyresMaxxis AggressorMaxxis' Aggressor tyres roll fairly fast, yet still provide plenty of bite. - Max Wilman / Immediate MediaDual compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30inRecommended as a rear tyreThe Aggressor is a good all-rounder, offering great cornering ability and puncture resistance in dry, rocky terrain as well as ample grip in looser conditions. The tyre struggles with wet-weather grip, and the aggressive tread pattern affects rolling speed. Read our full Maxxis Aggressor reviewMaxxis ArdentThe Ardent performs like a trail tyre, but isn't much heavier than a cross-country tyre. - David Arthur / Immediate MediaSingle or dual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.25, 2.40inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Ardent is lightweight trail tyre that offers bite in the corners, with high rolling speeds. It's a great choice if you're looking for a fast and tough tyre for mixed conditions, perfect for downcountry riding. Read our full Maxxis Ardent ReviewMaxxis High Roller IIThe Maxxis High Roller II offers high levels of grip in most trail scenarios.Single or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.40in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe High Roller II offers high levels of grip even on the loosest of trails, with predictable slip-to-grip cornering characteristics. This grip comes at the cost of fast wear, though the tyre deals well with rocky terrain. Its high duro crown makes the High Roller II fast in a straight line, considering its heft. Read our full Maxxis High Roller II reviewMaxxis TomahawkThe Maxxis Tomahawk covers ground well, and its chunky shoulder lugs keep grip in most conditions. - MaxxisDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Tomahawk features aggressive side knobs that dig deep into the terrain to find grip in all conditions. A rounded-off crown offers good rolling performance, making this tyre a good all-rounder.Maxxis downhill tyresMaxxis AssegaiMaxxis' Assegai is well respected as one of the best front tyres on the market. - Ian Linton / Immediate MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.50in WTRecommended as a front tyreThe Assegai is one of the grippiest, most controlled front tyres on the market. Maxxis describes this as a downhill tyre, but it's equally at home on enduro trails if youre pushing hard. Read our full Maxxis Assegai reviewMaxxis DissectorThe Dissector's shoulder lugs provide good traction through the corners. - Ian Linton / Immediate MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.40in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Dissector is designed for high-speed downhill courses, but its also suited to general fair-weather cycling. This zippy tyre can be pushed hard downhill and features slip-to-grip cornering characteristics that may be off-putting to some on wet trails. Read our full Maxxis Dissector reviewMaxxis Minion DHFThe Maxxis Minion DHF is renowned for its grip levels. - Max Wilman / Immediate MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.50in WTRecommended as a front tyreThe Minion DHF provides grip in the sloppiest conditions. Its predictability on various terrain has seen it remain virtually unchanged for over a decade. Read our full Maxxis DHF reviewMaxxis Minion DHR IIThe Maxxis Minion DHR II offers great braking traction and complements the Minion DHF well. - Andy Lloyd / Our MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.40WT, 2.50inRecommended as a rear tyreThe Minion DHR II is the Yin to the Minion DHFs Yang, providing excellent braking and cornering traction, as well as fast rolling speeds. It's widely considered one of the best rear tyres on the market, offering excellent all-around traction. Read our full Maxxis DHR II reviewMaxxis ShortyThe Shorty excels in sticky mud, thanks to its tall shoulder tread. - Our MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.40, 2.50in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Shorty performs well on wet, muddy trails, thanks to its mid-spike tread design. The tyre continues to roll well even when the trails dry up, and offers high levels of comfort. Read our full Maxxis Shorty reviewMaxxis WetscreamThe Wetscream is Maxxis' most extreme mud-spike tyre. - MaxxisDual or 3C compoundDD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.50inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThis spike tyre will find you grip on off-camber pistes where other tyres would have you in a pile at the bottom. Drag is the penalty for this, making the Wetscream a niche option for the muddiest of conditions.Maxxis Minion SSMaxxis' Minion SS is a semi-slick tyre designed for dry courses. - MaxxisDual compoundStandard or EXO or Silkworm protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.50in WTRecommended as a rear tyreThe Minion SS offers high rolling speed thanks to its semi-slick crown, while the large side knobs offer high levels of grip in dry conditions. Braking ability does suffer due to the shallow tread pattern in wet conditions.Maxxis fat tyresMaxxis ChronicleThe Maxxis Chronicle features a tightly packed tread pattern. - MaxxisDual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5inWidth: 3.00inRecommended as a front or rear tyreDesigned for trail rides and bikepacking expeditions, the Chronicle is a versatile plus tyre with a tightly packed tread pattern.Maxxis Minion FBFThe Maxxis Minion FBF is a front-specific fat tyre. - James Huang / Immediate MediaDual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5inWidth: 3.80, 4.00, 4.80inRecommended as a front tyreThe Minion FBF offers high levels of cornering ability and low rolling resistance. It's recommended only as a front tyre.Maxxis Minion FBRThe Maxxis Minion FBR is a rear-specific fat tyre. - MaxxisDual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5inWidth: 3.80, 4.00, 4.80inRecommended as a rear tyreThe Minion FBR features a rear-specific tread pattern designed to minimise rolling resistance and maximise traction in all conditions. It's designed to be paired with a Minion FBF on the front.