Maxxis' tire range has had a bit of a gap between its XC and trail/gravity range. Tires like the Ikon and Aspen are designed for max speed with their low profile, while Rekon and Ardent add a little more grip they are still in the XC camp. Maxxis also has its gravity-orientated tires like the Dissector, Minion DHF, Minion DHR, and Assegai, but these are focused heavily on braking and cornering performance. If you were looking for the best mountain bike tire for fast trail riding, Maxxis didn't really have any answers.
With the popularity of downcountry bikes growing though, Maxxis decided to redesign its Forekaster, originally a wet weather XC tire, by giving it more volume and a new, more aggressive, tread pattern. The new Forekaster has been designed to work across mixed conditions and sits between the Rekon and Dissector in the Maxxis line-up.
The tread pattern has a similar layout to the previous Forekaster with the center knobs remaining relatively unchanged. The side knobs have had an update, now in a straight row, Maxxis says that they are also taller which should give more cornering bite.
The casing now features ridges which Maxxis claims helps mud shed from the tire and the tire features EXO sidewall protection.
The new Forekaster will be offered in 3C MaxxTerra as well as the dual compound of its existing guise. Previously only available in 2.35, the new tire will come in either 2.4 or 2.6 widths for added grip and comfort. Maxxis claims that the 2.4in tire will weigh in at 945g, while the 2.6in is 1035g.
Currently, there is no word on when we can expect to see the new tires hit the shelves and little detail on pricing other than the Forekaster range starts at £59.99.
