The Aggressor is a relatively new addition to Maxxis' lineup, one that's billed as a jack-of-all-trades, suited for everything from XC to all-mountain riding. Enduro superhero Richie Rude even took home a number of victories on the Enduro World Series circuit running the Aggressor on the rear of his bike, although unfortunately there's no guarantee that you'll experience similar results if you decide to mount one up.
Maxxis Aggressor Details• 26", 27.5" and 29" options
• Folding bead, dual compound
• Double Down casing available
• Weight: 890 grams (actual, 27.5", EXO casing)
• MSRP: $62.00 USD
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www.maxxis.com /
@Maxxis Available in a 2.3” width for 27.5”, 29”, and yes, even 26” wheels, the Aggressor uses a dual compound construction, with a softer rubber used for the side knobs and a harder compound used for the center knobs in order to increase the tire's lifespan. The tread itself is fairly low profile, especially compared to Maxxis' classic DHF or DHR II patterns, but even though the lugs may not be especially tall, the squared off leading edges are intended to give the tire plenty of bite.
In addition to the reinforced single-ply EXO casing version tested here, Maxxis also offers the Aggressor with their Double Down casing. Double Down adds another casing layer as well as a butyl insert, creating a tire that's almost as robust as a DH tire, but with a smaller weight penalty. As tested, the 27.5” Aggressor weighed 890 grams; the Double Down version weighs a claimed 1050 grams.
On the TrailI used the Aggressor as a rear tire on several different wheels whose inner rim widths ranged from 23 – 30mm. The tire measured true to size (2.3”), and although the tread profile does get a little more square on wider rims the performance remained consistent throughout that range of rim widths. Setting it up tubeless wasn't any trouble, and once everything was seated and sealed I usually ran around 25 psi.
Conditions during testing covered the full spectrum, everything from slippery and greasy to completely dry, dusty, and blown out, but it was in those drier conditions that the Aggressor felt most at home, with plenty of cornering traction and predictable grip for steeper sections of trail. It's a tire that's almost forgettable, and I mean that in a good way – you can mount it up and ride just about anywhere without worrying that it's not going to be up to the task, especially when paired with a meatier tire up front. The shorter tread height means that there's no folding or squirming even when pushing into a tall berm at full speed, and the overall shape of the tire provides a smooth transition onto the side knobs during those moments of hard cornering.
As far as overall grip goes, I'd place the Aggressor in between the Minion SS and the DHF. It'll hook up in places where the semi-slick Minion would have trouble, but in wetter or really loose conditions the shorter lugs aren't able to dig in as well as a tire with a more aggressive tread. The compound is soft enough that there's still traction on wet rocks, but there's not as much room between the lugs to shed thicker mud. If I were planning on visiting an area like Colorado or Utah, places where 'loamy' isn't an adjective that's commonly used to describe the trails, the Aggressor would be one of my first choices for a rear tire.
Pinkbike's Take | Similar to the way that backpacking tents are rated, I'd categorize the Aggressor as a three seasons tire, at least in my neck of the woods, where winter rains make mud a constant companion out on the trails. Up until then, the Aggressor is a good option for riders looking for a faster rolling tire that doesn't sacrifice much in the way of grip or cornering performance. - Mike Kazimer |
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Reviews are great buy they should compare to similar offerings from other manufacturers.
Tires I've tried in the back that personally, i do not feel are as good as the aggressor for my riding style:
- high roller 2: great traction and super loose in a good way. the gaps in the knobs are noticable with flats on rocky terrain and when riding roots. you can feel the slip until you bite with the know due to the space between the knobs.
- Trail Kings: great but high rolling resistance and flat super easy.
in my opinion: DHF up front and Aggressor in the rear. You cannot beat this combo for aggressive riding that still needs pedaling. personally, I've had 0 issues with the tire and only have been blown away.
Edit: Not sure if this would effect you but completely kitted up I've been about 210-215lbs and I found that I could run the aggressor at slightly lower psi than the SS. I had to run the SS a bit firmer than I would normally like in order to take full advantage of the super fast rolling speed.
shop.maxxis.com/c/bicycle_mountain_aggressor
But yeah, serious thanks for the link and continuing to support us 26" Luddites!
I really want @Maxxis releases the Aggressor in 2.5 WT or plus size... Here's to hoping. I'm loving the idea of these new high volume plus tires.
Compared to a Purgatory (which is a similar price point) - I find that it rolls faster. I'm a Minion DHF WT fan, so with that on the front, and this on the back, they work well together.
Haven't had a SE4 or Trailboss, so can't give any credible input there. Cheers!
For my part I have tried the WTB Trail Boss and the Specialized Purgatory.
My take on the 2: Trail Boss rolls sig faster, has slightly less grip, but side knobs rip out faster than the Purgatory.
I'll probably give the Aggressor a try as the real world online prices seem more competitive than either the Trail Boss or Purgatory.
Yes!
Thank you Maxis.
I recently bought the Exo Dual Tubeless Ready version of it ( www.probikeshop.fr/pneu-maxxis-ignitor-exo-kv-29x2-35-tubeless-ready-souple/115649.html ) as a replacement of my rear wheel's worn out Ardent and really like it a lot.
Anyone else riding this tire in the back ?
My terrain varies from hardpack, loose over dirt to gravel, with some raining riding all year at random.
shop.maxxis.com/c/bicycle_mountain_aggressor
Maxxis rocks!!!
@dirtchurner The 26" Aggressors are still relatively new and working their way out to the distributors and eventually to the local shops.
Minions have great bite , perfect profile.
My buddy picked up ten of the 26 ers.
Just incase they become extinct.
Who reads the last paragraph????