Maxxis has been a big player in the tire game for years, and their expertise is not limited to the bicycling world. In fact, like most of their competitors, a solid background in the manufacture of automotive and motocross tires has led to an impressive array of high performance mountain bike tires.

Of the many brands out there, Maxxis is one of only a few that sees consistent use on the Shore, and in other Freeride hotspots. With several tread patterns and widths to choose from, and design features that reduce the chance of pinch flats, Maxxis DH tires boast many of the "must-have" characteristics on the Shore rider's checklist. I have run Mobsters and High Rollers in the past, and always felt that they were consistent, confidence-inspiring all-around performers.

Mobster 2.7 Super Tacky

Enough chit-chat, how was the sticky rubber?

I've run the Super Tacky compound for several rides now, and have been very impressed. The sticky rubber hooks up like brand new Velcro. I can actually hear the tires grabbing roots and rock -similar to the way your knobs make noise when rolling on pavement. It's very comforting to hear that dull "whizzing" noise when ripping at high speeds, trying to force the tires to come unstuck. I pushed them hard through high-speed turns, varying my braking and body positioning, and was rewarded with the same reliability I have always enjoyed with Maxxis tires. They don't often come unglued, and when they do it is usually from pilot error rather than a limitation of the tire's performance.

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On drops and jumps, the tires hook up and start steering or braking (depending on the situation) a little quicker than I was accustomed to. This was especially evident on the many small hits on Ned's that come up at high speeds -immediately upon touching down I felt like the bike was headed where I was looking, no squirreling for a split second before the knobs hooked up. Instead I would hit the ground running, so to speak. This allowed me to take several sections at higher speeds than I ever have before, in wet conditions, no less. Performance on ladder bridges and built stunts is equally impressive - the tires added an edge that I definitely need on skinnies, and stuck well at speed to some of Digger's newer handiwork on Ladies Only. Again, this is all in wet conditions, when traction is at a premium. When dry, built stunts don't present much of a traction problem, and I suspect the benefits of the sticky rubber would be somewhat neutralized.

I haven't yet been on a ride where I didn't notice the advantages of the new Super Tacky compound from Maxxis. I have not been running them long enough to comment on their durability, although that is always one of the drawbacks of a softer compound tire. More on that once I've had a chance to put some more miles on.

High Roller 2.5 Super Tacky