Designed for riders who want more than just pure efficiency, the High Road Gen 3 promises loads of grip, plenty of comfort and, above all, excellent puncture protection. That makes it a clear all-rounder and a deliberate step away from the High Road SL, MAXXIS’ no-holds-barred time trial version built purely for racing. Here, the focus is on a well-rounded performance package rather than just pursuing marginal gains. At first glance, the tread pattern looks fairly classic, reminiscent of designs from Pirelli and Schwalbe. On closer inspection, though, it points in the opposite direction, giving it a distinctive twist.
The Ultra-Racer of the Test? – The MAXXIS High Road Gen 3 in Our 2025 Road Tire Test
Efficiency isn’t the High Road Gen 3’s strong suit, which is evident both on the road and in the lab. With a rolling resistance of 16 watts, it sits firmly in the lower end of the field. Only the tube-type Pirelli P ZERO Race RS is slightly slower at 16.6 watts. Compared to the fastest race tires on test, the MAXXIS trails by about 4 watts on average, lagging by as much as 5 watts behind the test winner, the Continental GP 5000 S TR. At 328.4 g, it’s also one of the heaviest tires on test, outweighed only by the Schwalbe Pro One TL. That said, the High Road brings other strengths to the table. Most notably, it delivers outstanding puncture protection, particularly along the centre of the tread, giving you peace of mind even on rough roads.
Grip is another clear highlight of the High Road as it sticks resolutely to the tarmac, inspiring loads of confidence and remaining easy to control, even under hard braking. At the limit, however, it tends to lose traction suddenly, which is due to the stiff sidewalls. The tire’s cornering performance is excellent, nonetheless, though a little more nervous than the top-tier models. Surprisingly, the tire handles gravel and cobbles rather well, despite the firm feel, although comfort takes a back seat here. The High Road’s compliance is on the stiffer side, so you’ll feel potholes and imperfections in the road more directly. On the plus side, fitting it is refreshingly hassle-free. The tire goes on easily, fits snugly to the rim, and seals up reliably, even without any sealant. Visually, MAXXIS go for bold lines and prominent branding, which will likely appeal to fans of the brand.
Tire Characteristics
Rolling Resistance
Pinch-Flat Protection
Puncture Protection
Grip
Conclusion on the MAXXIS High Road Gen 3
The MAXXIS High Road Gen 3 is a characterful all-rounder with clear strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to efficiency, it lags noticeably behind the competition. However, it delivers outstanding grip, excellent puncture protection and reliable handling in return. So if you’re not counting every last watt and want a tough, grippy tire with a bold look and strong personality instead, this one’s a compelling – and notably more affordable – alternative to the classic race tires on test.
Tops
- Excellent puncture protection
- Plenty of grip
Flops
- High rolling resistance
- Heavy
Made in Taiwan | Tested size 30-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 30.4 | Tire height in mm¹ 21.5 | Tire height + test rim depth in mm² 66.7 | Weight 328.4 g | Price € 69.9
1 measured dimensions with 5.0 Bar, 2 Test rim: HUNT 40 Carbon Disc 622 x 22TC (Rim height 45.2 mm)
Find out more on maxxistires.com.
The Test Field
You can find an overview of this comparison test here:
The 13 best road bike tires head to head. Reviewing the best tubeless and clincher tires for road bikes
All tires in review: Challenge Criterium RS | Continental GP 5000 S TR | Continental Aero 111 | Continental GP 5000 TT TR | Hutchinson Blackbird Race | MAXXIS HighRoad Gen 3 | Michelin Power Cup TLR Competition Line | Pirelli P ZERO TLR RS | Pirelli P ZERO Race RS | Schwalbe Pro One TL | Specialized RapidAir TLR | Specialized S-Works Turbo TLR | Vittoria Corsa Pro TR
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock
