Maxxis Rekon+ review
The Maxxis Rekon+ is pricier than similar tires in its class, but offers a full range of performance advantages and terrain capabilities.
What is it
The Maxxis Rekon+ is billed as an aggressive trail tire inspired by the Ikon+ for intermediate and technical terrain. Wide knobs down the middle provide control under braking and L-shaped side knobs assure support when carving loose turns.
Pros
- Reasonable weight for a plus tire
- Accelerates quickly
- Fast rolling on mixed conditions
- Good sidewall protection
- Impressive grip on rocks and roots
Cons
- Expensive
- Narrower than advertised
- Accelerated knob wear
Our test tire came with all the extra ingredients.
Mtbr’s Take
The Maxxis Rekon+ tread design is one I am very familiar with, as it’s inspired by one of my favorite XC race tires, the Maxxis Ikon which is reviewed here. Designed for intermediate and technical terrain, the Rekon+ uses wide center knobs to provide control under braking, while L-shaped side knobs stabilize when carving loose turns. Well-placed siping enhances grip, while ramped center knobs lower rolling resistance.
Sharp leading edges and ramped center knobs make the Maxxis Rekon+ a fast rolling tire.
For this test we counted the Maxxis Rekon+ on a set of Stan’s Baron wheels with an internal rim width of 35mm. Tubeless setup was a tad finicky, requiring use of a compressor to seat the tire completely. The bead was loose compared to similar tires in class. The casing is more substantial than others in this class, yet weight is reasonable at 835 grams.
Wide knobs down the middle provide control under braking and L-shaped side knobs assure support when carving loose turns.
We started our Maxxis Rekon+ testing at 17psi and found the grip to be incredible, but ride quality was a little rough. After dialing down pressure to 14psi, the casing’s soft and supple character began to shine through. Depending on terrain and riding style, I would suggest riding the Rekon+ at 15-16psi and dial down from there.
Braking performance was superb and carving in and out of berms was a pleasure. When approaching fast, scrubbing speed, and then sprinting back up to speed, you can literally feel the knobs bite. And there was no slipping down wet off camber sections, nor did the sidewalls ever fold, even while tackling less than predictable terrain. By the end of my first ride, I trusted the Maxxis Rekon+ and was taking chances I normally wouldn’t.
On fire roads and smooth singletrack, the Rekon+ roll fast and smooth. I could see using them for bike packing or even a long distance endurance race.
Our test tires measured the equivalent of 2.64, considerably less than what’s printed on the hot patch.
Bottom line, the Maxxis Rekon+ is a fantastic tire for riders that like to go fast and appreciate a little extra grip. The tire is excellent option for cross country riders looking to add some trail capabilities to their tire arsenal without adding too much weight or adding rolling resistance. And while it’s narrower than claimed and I did notice some knob degradation near the end of this test, performance did not change. So while the Maxxis Rekon+ is on the pricier end in this tire category, it offers a full range of performance advantages and terrain capabilities that arguably make it worth the price of admission.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Price: $111
More Info: www.maxxis.com
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