MAXXIS are giving their gravel tire line-up more than just a visual update. With the new HYPR-X rubber compound, they’re aiming to strike an optimal balance between grip and rolling resistance. We’ve put the new tires to the test to find out how they perform and whether the new compound delivers on its promise
Right on time for the 2025 gravel racing season, MAXXIS are bringing a breath of fresh air to all tire shelves around the globe – and not with a simple facelift, but with a performance update across the entire gravel line-up. Alongside a fresh new look, the Receptor, Reaver, Rambler and Ravager feature an improved casing and entirely new rubber compound called HYPR-X: the HYPR formula, which trickled down from road cycling, and is well-known from the HighRoad, meets the MaxxSpeed compound from the mountain bike World Cup – and it’s precisely this combination that’s supposed to unite the best of both worlds. According to MAXXIS, they’ve managed to combine a significantly lower rolling resistance with noticeably more cornering grip – specifically 25% and 19%, respectively. The casing has been revised, too: a new, more robust 120 TPI nylon fabric combined with the proven EXO protection is intended to increase puncture resistance without negatively affecting the tire’s weight or its supple ride feel.
All new MAXXIS gravel tires remain tubeless-only – and for good reason. Previous tests already showed how easy they are to set up, and the new models are no exception: they pop onto the rim with ease and seal reliably. When it comes to tire widths, MAXXIS take a practical approach and limit the range to just two options: 40 and 45 mm, which cover most intended uses rather well. Unfortunately, anyone looking for oversized tires, will walk away empty-handed. The more road-oriented Receptor is only available in a 40 mm variant.
At first glance, nothing seems to have changed in terms of tread pattern – the visual updates lie in the details. However, MAXXIS revised the branding, taking cues from their current road models, the HighRoad and HighRoad SL: subtle grey lettering, rounded off by a list of technical features. Compared to their predecessors, which boasted a more MTB-like look, the gravel tires are now noticeably more understated. All models are also available in a lighter tan wall option, which bears a more classic gravel aesthetic. The packaging follows the new generation of MAXXIS road tires as well – less plastic for better sustainability .
In our big gravel tire comparison test, it was the Rambler that stood out within the MAXXIS line-up, generating tons of traction and delivering a strong performance even beyond hardpack tracks. The Receptor and Reaver left a more mixed impression at the time: despite their clear focus on speed, both lacked efficiency and puncture protection. With the latest update, MAXXIS are now taking a clear step towards more performance. The HYPR-X compound and the new casing sound like a promising upgrade, at least on paper. But how does the new affect the tire’s performance on the trail? We’ll show you the new models and share our first impressions of the new rubber compound!
Receptor
The MAXXIS Receptor has long been considered the fastest gravel tire in the MAXXIS line-up and, at 443 g (40 mm version), it’s also the lightest. The wide, slick centre tread is clearly designed for maximum efficiency, both on tarmac and hardpack, while the small side knobs are intended to provide at least some grip on fine gravel. This makes the Receptor a suitable choice not only for fast gravel bikes but also for all-road setups. However, it’s only available in a 40 mm variant.
In our group test, the previous version of the Receptor failed to convince in terms of efficiency, traction and puncture protection.This is exactly where the update with the new HYPR-X rubber compound comes in. We haven’t yet been able to verify rolling resistance and puncture protection in the lab – but the first ride impression already reveals a noticeable improvement in rolling efficiency. This makes the Receptor the top choice for smooth tarmac, firm ground and fine gravel. However, in wet conditions, the very fine tread quickly loses grip. If you’re looking for a fast gravel tire that also offers traction in the wet, you should take a look at the MAXXIS Reaver.
Reaver
The updated version of the MAXXIS Reaver remains the gravel-race tire in the line-up – with a clear focus on speed and control. The low-profile centre tread with mini diamond-shaped knobs ensures low rolling resistance, while the pronounced shoulder lugs deliver the necessary grip in fast corners. Positioned between the Receptor and Rambler, the Reaver is the ideal option for ambitious gravel races and fast-paced rides on mixed terrain. The previous version already impressed us in our test, proving a solid all-rounder with strong cornering performance and surprising confidence in wet conditions – and the new version takes things up a notch. Even on damp gravel tracks, the Reaver offers plenty of grip and inspires great confidence on descents.
In muddy terrain, however, it has a clear weakness: the fine tread quickly clogs up, and fails to bite into the ground, especially on the front wheel. At the same time, the flexible casing ensures a high degree of comfort – particularly in the 45 mm version, which smooths out even rough terrain with ease. On gravel, the Reaver rolls effortlessly and lives up to its racing ambitions. At 484 g (45 mm version), it’s also light enough to impress when accelerating – although the tread still demands noticeable effort on tarmac.
Rambler
At first glance, the MAXXIS Rambler may look unassuming but reveals itself as a true traction king once you hit the trail. The previous version already impressed our test team in our gravel tire comparison test, offering tons of grip, good self-cleaning qualities and impressive off-road performance, even in wet and muddy conditions. The downside: at 536 g in the 45 mm version, it’s the heaviest tire in the MAXXIS gravel line-up, and has quite a bit of rolling resistance too, especially on tarmac – which made it less appealing for long-distance racing. With the new HYPR-X rubber compound and a revised, more robust casing, MAXXIS now promise noticeable improvements in efficiency and puncture protection.
In direct comparison, the lower rolling resistance is a noticeable improvement. The new Rambler is still no efficiency miracle – but it feels significantly more agile than its predecessor. If you’re mainly looking for traction and control on loose terrain and see tarmac roads as a necessary evil, this tire is the right choice. The Rambler remains a gravel tire with a clear off-road DNA – built for slippery trails, rough gravel and uncompromising descents.
Ravager
The MAXXIS Ravager is the uncompromising answer to increasingly technical gravel routes. With the most aggressive tread pattern in the entire line-up, it’s clearly designed to generate maximum traction on loose terrain, while also scoring points for excellent self-cleaning qualities in muddy conditions. At first glance, the Ravager looks burly – the deep tread blocks are more reminiscent of MTB tires and instantly raise hopes for serious traction. Despite its chunky appearance, the Ravager weighs just 528 g in the 45 mm version – which makes it even lighter than the more finely-treaded Rambler. In our test on the muddiest home loop of the year, it delivered exactly where other tires had already given up: slippery trails, muddy CX sections and wet forest floors are no problem for the Ravager. Both the wide centre knobs and the grippy shoulder areas provide reliable bite.
One thing is clear though: on tarmac, the Ravager feels out of place. The aggressive tread creates noticeably high rolling resistance and costs a fair amount of efficiency. But if you ride in the rain, push the limits off-road, or simply want that extra feeling of security usually reserved for mountain bike tires, chances are the Ravager will become your new favourite.
Tip:
To get the most out of the new MAXXIS tires, we definitely recommend going tubeless. And no worries – if you’ve been hesitant about the hassle, you can relax. All the models we tested were surprisingly easy to mount, in some cases even without tire levers, and sealed reliably on the rim even without tubeless sealant.
Conclusions
MAXXIS made the right adjustments to take their gravel line-up to the next level. The new HYPR-X rubber compound significantly reduces rolling resistance and helps to address the weaknesses of the previous generation. The more robust casing sounds promising too. We didn’t experience any punctures during our test, though a lab test is still pending. Visually, we like the move towards a more minimalist road-style look, and away from the overloaded MTB branding. It remains to be seen how the new models perform in the long run – but our first impressions are promising.
You find more infos at maxxistires.de.
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Words: Jan Fock, Jan Richter Photos: Jan Richter
