Maxxis has re-designed its Shorty mid-spike tire, which is ideal for muddy and extremely dry riding conditions. The new Shorty will be available in three casing and compound options for trail, enduro, and downhill riding.
After input from Maxxis downhill and enduro athletes, the new Shorty features two knobs in the center tread, as opposed to the single "double-wide" knob on the previous iteration. In addition, the side knobs now offer more cornering support.
Revised sipping on the knobs will help with braking and traction, and raised ridges on the casing help shed sticky mud.
The revised Shorty will be offered in a range of sizes 2.4-inch width for both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels.
The new tire is available in multiple casing and compound options. For trail riding, the Shorty comes with the 3C MaxxTerra compound with an EXO casing, and both the 27.5-inch and 29-inch sizes weigh less than 1,000 grams. For enduro riders, the Shorty comes with the 3C MaxxGrip compound and a DoubleDown casing, and the 29-inch version weighs 1,209 grams.
The downhill version of the tire uses the 3C MaxxGrip compound as well, and it has Maxxis's Downhill casing. The 29er version weighs 1,286 grams, however, Maxxis claims that both the DoubleDown and Downhill casings are 5 percent lighter than the previous Shorty.
This tire sits in between the Wetscream, a dedicated mud tire, and the Assegai, a super grippy all-condition tire. The Shorty is a more condition-specific tire that's not as well suited for all conditions. For riders looking for a solid all-condition tire, Maxxis offers the Minion DHF and DHR II tires, which are known to be some of the best mountain bike tires available.
