MAXXIS HIGH ROLLER II PLUS TEST
MAXXIS HIGH ROLLER II PLUS
Living life in the fast lane
Maxxis is known for making some of the best performance tires in the world for everything from bicycles to motorcycles to cars and more. Over the years, Maxxis has developed a number of great bicycle tires, including the High Roller IIs. These tires have seen their fair share of World Cup race courses and have been spec’d OEM on more bikes than we can count. More recently, Maxxis took its famous tread pattern and adapted it once again to meet the newest mantra in the cycling industry, which, of course, is that wider is better. The all-new High Roller II Plus is a mid-fat-specific tire made for aggressive plus-sized bikes. Maxxis sent us a pair of these wide High Rollers, so we mounted them up and took them for a spin.
Tech Features:
The new plus-sized High Roller IIs come with the same tread pattern riders have enjoyed for years, but they stretch it out over a high air volume carcass. We tested the High Roller IIs in the 27.5×2.8-inch size, but Maxxis also offers these tires in a 3-inch wide version. Two different compounds are available, including the 60-tpi dual compound that sells for $95 and the 120-tpi 3C MaxxTerra model that sells for $105. The High Roller II Plus is designed with an open tread pattern to help shed mud, and the ramped knobs keep the tires rolling fast. Large square side knobs add to cornering traction, and a tubeless-ready bead allows riders to run these tires at super-low air pressures. The plus-sized High Roller IIs we tested weighed 915 grams.
Field Test Results:
We mounted our new Maxxis rubbers to a pair of Sun Ringle wheels and set them up tubeless. The tires sealed to the rims with no issues at all, and we found tire pressures of 16 psi in the front and 18 psi in the rear to be ideal for our local trails. The High Roller II Plus is an aggressive tread pattern that grips well on a wide variety of terrain. Our testers had no problem finding traction on climbs, descents or ripping through turns. At times, the tires seemed to have too much traction, which is why Maxxis suggests using its Rekon Plus tire in the rear for a faster rolling setup; however, some riders will find the High Roller IIs are the ultimate tire for enduro-style plus bikes. The High Roller IIs held their shape really well when riders pushed them hard into corners, and we felt confident in their ability to survive rough and rocky terrain. Riders looking for burly plus-size tires with endless amounts of traction and a fairly low weight penalty will find the Maxxis High Roller IIs are a great tool for the job.
Hits
• Great traction
• Tubeless-ready
Misses
• Slow-rolling
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION
Mountain Bike Action is a monthly magazine devoted to all things mountain biking (yes, that’s 12 times a year because we never take a month off of mountain biking). It has been around since 1986 and we’re still having fun. Start a subscription by clicking here or calling (800) 767-0345.
Available from the Apple Newsstand for reading on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
Subscribe Here
Contact us via email at [email protected]
____________________________________