If you’re XC and you know it, you’re probably familiar with Maxxis’ popular Larsen tire. The Larsen was designed as a versatile cross country tread with low center knobs that strike a balance between providing traction and offering low rolling resistance. Fans of the Larsen will be excited about Maxxis’ new Race TT tire, as it is essentially the new and improved version that was first spotted in Taipei..
Much like the Larsen the new Race TT was designed to be a very versatile tire for XC riders, and it works as a front or rear tread. The company has made incremental changes to increase traction, decrease rolling resistance, improve muddy weather handling and provide better resistance to punctures or cuts. Click below the break to see how Maxxis has re-cut the classic Larsen…
There are a number of updates in the new Race TT’s tread pattern, starting with some redesigned siping. The Race TT (seen on the left) now has sipes on the transition knobs to provide better straight line traction, and the sipes that were found on the Larsen’s side knobs (shown on the right) have been turned by 90 degrees to provide better biting edges while cornering.
The tire’s knob arrangement has also been reworked for the Race TT. The center knobs are now smaller, and still feature inclined geometry for increased rolling speed. The smaller knobs have been re-counted and placed in a tight configuration so the new tire has a greater contact surface than the Larsen. Maxxis also says the distribution of these knobs increases resistance to punctures and slices caused by sharp rocks.
While this might lead you to think they’re simply adding more rubber, that’s not quite the case- because the center knobs have shrunk, the channels between the rows are actually wider than the Larsen’s design allowing the Race TT to shed better in muddy, wet conditions.
The Race TT features Maxxis’ Exo Protection System, with 60tpi casings made from light, flexible and damage-resistant fibers. The Race TT tire will be available as a tubeless ready model in 27.5 2.0 or 29 x 2.0 sizes.
