The new Maxxis HighRoad aims to impress as an all-round road bike tire, providing lower rolling resistance and better puncture protection. Now in its third generation, the HighRoad is available in two versions, featuring a revamped HYPR rubber compound and promising even better performance. But how much of that promise translates to real-world riding?
Tires are the unsung heroes of road bikes. They form the crucial link between you and the tarmac, significantly influencing grip, rolling resistance, and comfort. While many riders invest tons of money in carbon wheels and aerodynamic cockpits, there’s an area where you can achieve more than just better grip without breaking the bank: the right tire can optimise rolling resistance, boost puncture protection, and ultimately enhance your riding experience.
With the third generation of the HighRoad, Taiwanese manufacturer MAXXIS set out to further refine their all-rounder tire. Like its faster counterpart – the HighRoad SL – the new HighRoad promises to be lightweight, durable, and efficient. This versatile road bike tire is available in both a classic folding bead version and as a tubeless variant. The tubeless version is also compatible with hookless rims – for more on the ongoing debate around hookless rims, check out our feature here.
On review: What can the new MAXXIS HighRoad tire deliver?
The third generation of the MAXXIS HighRoad comes with a familiar bold branding and is available in several versatile options: with widths of 25, 28, or 30 mm, it’s suitable for all sorts of setups, from aerodynamic combinations like 25 mm at the front and 28 mm at the rear, to 30 mm for modern, wider rims. While the updated tread design bears some resemblance to tires from Schwalbe and Continental, the HighRoad points in a different direction, distinguishing itself clearly from the slick HighRoad SL version, which is tailored for uncompromising race performance.
Technically, the HighRoad scores with an optimised HYPR rubber compound, delivering great grip, particularly on wet tarmac. Its unique casing construction is designed to save weight while enhancing comfort by using a more flexible fabric layer to better absorb vibrations. This is paired with K2 technology: a robust fibre layer in the tire bead provides effective protection against cuts and punctures, all while being lighter than its predecessor.
Here’s where the two variants differ: the tube-type version features a relatively thin sidewall, while the tubeless version requires a sturdier construction for inhanced durability. However, this inevitably results in a significantly higher weight.
In our test, the tubeless version was easy to mount and sealed reliably with Muc-Off sealant. Mounted on Miche Kleos RD 50 wheels with 21 mm internal width, the tire impressed with its snappy acceleration, confident grip, and precise cornering, even in damp autumn conditions. Thanks to the excellent puncture protection, we stayed puncture-free throughout the entire testing period with the new HighRoad.
Do you need the new MAXXIS HighRoad tire?
Absolutely! The third-generation MAXXIS HighRoad impresses with outstanding grip, smooth rolling performance, and reliable tubeless sealing. If low rolling resistance is your priority, the inner-tube version paired with a TPU tube offers an intriguing option: it saves weight and delivers noticeably less rolling resistance – even though, at 194 g, it’s slightly heavier than the HighRoad SL at 184 g. For maximum performance on dry tarmac, the HighRoad SL is the better choice, delivering more responsiveness and cornering grip. However, if your preference leans toward gravel adventures, check out our gravel tire group test for alternatives suited to off-road exploration.
Would we buy the new MAXXIS HighRoad tire?
Oh yes! The MAXXIS HighRoad inspires confidence and maintains its performance even in challenging conditions. Plus, with a price of € 52 in average, this new race all-rounder is competitively priced compared to other road bike tyres like the Continental GP5000 or Schwalbe Pro One. Despite the lower price point, the HighRoad holds its own against the competition in terms of performance and delivers impressive speed on par with its sibling, the HighRoad SL. Whether it can also prove its durability over thousands of kilometres remains to be seen in long-term testing. However, the thin sidewall of the tube-type version may raise some concerns about puncture protection.
Tops
- Excellent cornering grip
- Reliable tubeless setup
Flops
- Relatively high weight of the tubeless version
For more informationen, visit maxxistires.com.
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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Jan Richter
