Watch: Jesse Melamed Puts Maxxis Plus Tires to the Test on the Shore

Watch: Jesse Melamed Puts Maxxis Plus Tires to the Test on the Shore

The Maxxis Rekon+ (L) and Ikon+ (R); photo: Aaron Chamberlain

We first spotted the new 27.5×2.80″ Ikon+ and Rekon+ at Interbike last fall, and the sneak peek we got had us stoked! Now these tires are coming spec’d on plus-sized trail bikes like the Rocky Mountain Pipeline, and Santa Cruz’s Hightower. And, according to Maxxis, they will be available at your local shop in a matter of weeks. I’ve actually been riding a set of the tires on Pivot’s Mach 429 Trail as well.

rider: Jesse Melamed // photo: John Gibson

Both tires are 2.80″ wide, but their tread patterns are distinct. The Rekon+ is the far more aggressive of the two, but still strikes a sensible balance between cornering traction and rolling resistance. There’s not nearly as much rubber on it as, say, the 2.80″ Minion DHF I rode last month. For those familiar with the popular Ikon XC tire, the Ikon+ is the same thing, just bigger. Smaller, shorter knobs than the Rekon+, but decent cornering lugs–for an XC tire.

rider: Jesse Melamed // photo: John Gibson

In their lightest configurations, Maxxis claims the Rekon+ weighs 780g and the Ikon+ 715g. That’s damn light considering a 27.5×2.30 Minion DHF weighs substantially more at 870g! Two versions of the Rekon+ are offered and three of the Ikon+. Prices will range from $100-$130 depending on the casing and rubber compound you choose. Pro tip: always go for the EXO sidewall protection.

rider: Jesse Melamed // photo: John Gibson

Check out the impressive video Maxxis put together for the tires with EWS racer and Rocky Mountain team rider, Jesse Melamed, tackling both old and new school trails on the North Shore.