MAXXIS MAMMOTH

Fat bike tire initial review

By Erik Plankton

May 25^th, 2014

PRE production samples

Hi5bikes - the local Maxxis dealer here in Finland got a pair of Mammoth 26x4 and Chronicle 29x3 tires. I was lucky enough to get them for testing. These are early findings based on one ride in dry conditions.

26x4.00 120TPI 8-30psi

The Mammoth weighed in at 1270g & 1300g. Compared to Vee Rubber Missions 1670g & 1680g (ridden approx. 700 kilometers). Mounted on 70mm rims the Mammoths measured 90mm wide on the body and 95mm at the widest part of the knobs at 14psi.

the ride

Test conditions: dry rock, forest single track with some roots, gravel road, paved road. Weight of rider: 97kg. I started the ride at 14psi in the rear and 12psi up front. First there was a short paved road that led to gravel. Immediately I noticed that there is absolutely no self-steer effect. Very lively steering feeling. The rolling resistance was low and the bike felt very much lighter compared to the Vee Rubber Missions. You can certainly feel the 780g weight loss. Especially on single track the front end felt much lighter and was easier to lift over rocks and roots. The 120TPI casing provides a very supple ride and smoothes out smaller stuff very nicely.

I dropped the pressure to 8psi front and rear in the forest and it felt great. The pressure was measured with a Pro digital meter. Very smooth rolling and tons of grip. At this low pressure you could start to feel a tiny bit of drag in the steering, but it was still very enjoyable. Running this low pressure on the Missions on dry rock results in a horribly sticky self-steer effect.

Hope to get more rides in this week and have a more in-depth review in more varying conditions. And of course a review on the 29+ Chronicle is on the way too. They look and feel awesome!