Maxxis Crossmark 26 x 2.1" Exception Tyre Maxxis tires have been developing quality rubber in a huge range of tread patterns to suit riders all over the world in all sorts of conditions and continue to dominate the mountain bike scene. Developed several years ago in conjunction with Christoph Sauser, the Maxxis Crossmark has become the benchmark race tyre for dry and dusty conditions, spawning many new shapes & sizes in 29er and Tubeless forms. The fast rolling tread pattern makes the Crossmark an ideal racing tyre, but anyone wanting to go fast on dry hardpack trails will fall in love with the sprightly Maxis tyre as well as the predictable drift you get when pushing it hard through the corners. It isn't ideal in wet nor really loose conditions, but it's supple casing and decent volume provide a surprising amount of grip in a wide variety of conditions. Perhaps indicative of its true strengths, show up to any enduro event or local dirt crit and you will see many other riders using the Crossmark, and for good reason - for Australian racing conditions, this tyre is one of the best options out there. Exception Model Like many Maxxis tyres, the Crossmark is available in a number of different widths, casings and rubber quality. While they may all share the same tread pattern, there is a distinct difference in ride quality between the entry-level wire bead tyre and the top-end Kevlar and Tubeless models, and this quality is what seperates this model from the cheaper entry-level tyres. The Exception model uses a much lighter and more supple 120 TPI (threads per inch) carcass that reduces weight over the standard Crossmark and increases the tyre's ability to mould over obstacles rather than bounce off. The rubber compound is also a stickier 62a durometer that provides more grip than the cheaper rubber on the standard Crossmark, and you end up with a tyre that keeps traction for longer. While the casing is more dense, it is lighter overall and helps get the 2.1" model down to just 510 grams - fast 'n' light but still sensible for riding proper mountain bike trails.
From Maxxis:
"The CrossMark is the dramatic evolution of the cross country racing tyre. The nearly continuous center ridge flies on hardpack, yet has enough spacing to grab wet roots and rocks. The slightly raised ridge of side knobs offers cornering precision never before seen on a tyre this fast. The Maxxis Crossmark features a fast rolling center ridge for smooth and efficient rotation with raised side knobs for better cornering".
The Maxxis Crossmark Tyre features:
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