Introducing the Maxxis Rendez, a very spiky but light weight XC tyre…

Version tested: 2.1 wire 70A

How much: £16.19-24.29

From: www.justridingalong.com

Why? XC tyre designed for loose or muddy conditions.

First impressions: They look spiky, unlike any other tyre tread I’ve seen. First ride they seemed slower rolling than the Crossmarks which just came off but noticeably gripper under braking. Slowing down with the Rendez feels like lobbing an anchor overboard even on loose surfaces.

Yay: Fantastic grip in muddy or loamy conditions whether cornering, braking or traction up climbs. The spiky knobbles really seem to dig in as they look like they should. Also this is one of the lightest tyres Maxxis make, weighing just 450g for the eXCeption version. They clear well, mud just falls off the tread.

Nay: They do drag a little bit more than pure XC race tyres. Also steering can feel slightly weird with one on the front, like a notchy headset due to the knobbles digging in.

Overall: The kind of tyre you can use every day in the winter, and for muddy races.

Tested on: Kona singlespeed

Where: Around Sheffield

Author: Jon

Test date: Summer 2008