Maxxis just gave its best-selling trail rubber a 30%-longer-lasting makeover and went all-in on the supersized 32-inch wheel — headlined by a brand-new, do-it-all Aspen AT cross-country tyre.
New MaxxTerra: 30% longer life, 15% more grip
The quiet headline here is not a wheel size — it is the rubber. Maxxis has reformulated MaxxTerra, the mid-hardness compound that wraps most of its trail and enduro tyres, and says the new version lasts 30% longer and delivers 15% more traction than the outgoing compound, all while holding the same rolling efficiency (BikeRadar).
Per BikeRadar, Maxxis developed it in response to rider demand for longer-lasting tyres that still perform on the trails — a real pain point given how fast a soft rear knobby squares off. The compound is being phased in across the trail range, with the first tyres — Rekon, Forekaster, Dissector, Minion DHF and DHR II and Assegai among them — on shelves now (off-road.cc).
New MaxxTerra vs the old compound
Source: BikeRadar / Maxxis
“A new option for riders and builders interested in maximising momentum, smoothing trail feedback, and unlocking new riding possibilities.”
The 32-inch range, decoded
Having tested the waters with a single 32in Aspen, Maxxis has now committed to a full five-tyre lineup — Aspen, Aspen ST, Aspen AT, Forekaster and Dissector — all in a 2.4in width on the new 32in diameter. The race-minded Aspen ST also comes in a skinnier 2.15in (Bikerumor).
The pitch for the bigger hoop is straightforward. Maxxis says 32in brings better rollover, a larger contact patch, better stability and lesser deflection from the terrain, with the gains framed as strongest in rough terrain (off-road.cc, BikeRadar). The Aspen, Aspen ST and Aspen AT are available now at £74.99 (~R1 600) each in the UK; Forekaster and Dissector follow in Q3 2026. Maxxis has not published South African pricing.
The five new 32-inch Maxxis tyres
| Aspen ST 2.4 | Aspen 2.4 | Aspen AT 2.4 | Forekaster 2.4 | Dissector 2.4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claimed weight (g) | 810 | 812 | 880 | 1,109 | 1,186 |
| Casing (TPI) | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 60 |
| Compound | MaxxSpeed | MaxxSpeed | MaxxSpeed | New MaxxTerra | New MaxxTerra |
| On sale | Now | Now | Now | Q3 2026 | Q3 2026 |
Specs: Bikerumor
View data table
| Weight (g) | |
|---|---|
| Aspen ST 2.15 | 697 g |
| Aspen ST 2.4 | 810 g |
| Aspen 2.4 | 812 g |
| Aspen AT 2.4 | 880 g |
| Forekaster 2.4 | 1109 g |
| Dissector 2.4 | 1186 g |
Aspen AT: the do-it-all XC tyre
The genuinely new product is the Aspen AT. Think of it as an Aspen that has been to the gym: the original’s thin chevrons grow into thicker, proper trail-ready tread blocks that stand taller and merge into one another for more support, while keeping the fast-rolling XC DNA (Bikerumor).
It sits between the minimalist Aspen and the aggressive Forekaster, runs a 120tpi single-ply XC casing with EXO puncture protection, is E50 e-bike rated, and uses the fast MaxxSpeed compound. Crucially for most riders, it is the only one of the new tyres also offered in a regular 29in (2.4in), not just 32in — at £74.99 (~R1 600) either way (BikeRadar).
32-inch wheels and the new range: the trade-offs
- MaxxTerra now lasts ~30% longer and grips ~15% better with no speed penalty (Maxxis claim)
- A 32in hoop adds rollover, a bigger contact patch and more stability in rough terrain
- Aspen AT finally gives Aspen fans a genuine all-terrain option — and in 29in too
- Proven at the sharp end: a first elite XC stage win at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic
- A 32in setup needs a compatible frame and fork — a real limit on smaller full-suspension bikes
- Bigger wheels and taller tread mean more rotating weight (the Dissector 32in tips 1,186g)
- Industry skeptics argue 32in will not grow the sport, just reshuffle existing buyers
- Forekaster and Dissector 32in are not out until Q3 2026, and SA pricing is unconfirmed
Proof on home dirt: the Absa Cape Epic
For South African readers, the proof point landed on home soil. At the 2026 Absa Cape Epic, 32-inch wheels took their first elite XC stage win: Swiss racer Felix Stehli and his partner won Stage 3 on 17 March 2026 aboard a 32in Stoll P32, crossing the line in 4:19:52.9 — over a minute clear of the next team (Bikerumor).
BikeRadar reports a Maxxis Aspen-shod 32in bike took a Cape Epic stage that week, and Maxxis has leaned hard into the result — the marketing line is literally that they are winning races now. Whatever you make of the wheel size, that is a meaningful real-world result on some of the roughest, fastest marathon terrain on earth (BikeRadar).
What the testers and the trade are saying
Independent verdicts from across the cycling press — follow each link for the full review.
Fastest Maxxis yet (tested: Aspen ST Team Spec 29×2.4)
“The Aspen ST in the Team Spec edition is the fastest tire from Maxxis we have tested to date.”
Read the full reviewEarly 32in ride impressions
“When I rode with other people on 29″ bikes, it seemed like I didn’t have to push as hard as usual to maintain the same speed.”
Read the full reviewSkeptics converted
“everybody hoped that it wasn’t as good as other people say, but then we did some back-to-back riding, and it’s really, really good”
Read the full reviewTap to vote — see how readers lean
Frequently asked questions
What is actually new about the MaxxTerra compound? +
Maxxis says the reformulated MaxxTerra lasts about 30% longer and grips around 15% better than the previous version, with no loss in rolling efficiency. It is being phased across the trail range now (per BikeRadar).
How do I tell the new compound from the old one? +
Check the sidewall: the old compound reads “3C MaxxTerra”, the new one just says “MaxxTerra”. Boxes also carry an orange “New MaxxTerra” graphic.
Will 32-inch tyres fit my bike? +
Only if your frame and fork are built for the larger 32in diameter — most current 29ers are not. The Aspen AT is the exception in the new range: it is also sold in standard 29in (2.4in).
What is the difference between Aspen, Aspen ST and Aspen AT? +
Aspen ST is the fastest, most minimal (hardpack and gravel); Aspen is the XC race all-rounder; Aspen AT is the new knobbier, taller-block version for looser, rougher terrain — still fast, but with more grip and control.
Can I buy these in South Africa yet? +
Maxxis has not announced SA pricing or release timing. UK RRP is £74.99 (~R1 600) per tyre. Check the price watch above for live local listings as stock arrives.
Further reading
- Maxxis Launches New 32″ Tyres Plus New MaxxTerra Compound and Aspen AT Tyres — BikeBiz
- Maxxis' most popular compound is now 30% more durable with 15% more grip — BikeRadar
- Maxxis says 32in tyres bring “measurable gains” as it expands beyond cross-country — BikeRadar
- Maxxis Aspen AT rolls out a knobbier XC tyre to lead a 5×32in tread line-up — Bikerumor
- 5 new 32in Maxxis tyres for gravel, XC and trail (with weights) — Bikerumor
- Maxxis goes all in on 32in wheels with new tyre range and all-new Aspen AT — off-road.cc
Strip away the hype and there are two stories here. The new MaxxTerra is the one that affects the most riders today: a drop-in durability and grip upgrade on tyres you already buy, identifiable at a glance by the simplified sidewall. The 32-inch platform is the bolder bet — genuinely promising in the rough and validated by a Cape Epic stage win, but gated by frame compatibility, extra rotating weight and a wait for SA stock and pricing.
If you are due new rubber, the updated MaxxTerra trail tyres and the versatile Aspen AT (in normal 29in) are the easy wins. Going 32in is a whole-bike decision — exciting, but one to make with your frame’s clearance and a long-term review or two in hand.
