MAXXIS Rambler in review

No other tire brand are as well represented in the mountain bike scene as MAXXIS, but can the off-road pros also make gravel tires? With the Rambler, they present a tire with the potential to offer maximum traction. But have MAXXIS succeeded in transferring their off-road know-how?

This is supposed to be an off-road tire? At first glance, the tread doesn’t seem all that promising, looking more like an all-road tire than a traction monster. And the tire is rather unobtrusive in every other respect, too. There are no conspicuous tan walls, and no big logo, which is somewhat unusual for MAXXIS. Fitting the Rambler is incredibly easy because it simply jumps onto the rim – almost too easily. However, with enough tubeless sealant, the tire held air reliably, nonetheless.

Off-road wolf in sheep’s clothing – MAXXIS Rambler

The moment you hit the road, the tire delivers a much better performance than its understated looks would suggest. The MAXXIS Rambler is absolutely convincing on the trail. It conquers muddy climbs and navigates slippery corners like no other tire, turning every gravel bike into a mini-MTB. And thanks to the short knobs, the tire has excellent self-cleaning properties, too, even in extremely sticky mud. As expected, however, this comes at a price. Efficiency? This is a foreign concept to the Rambler, generating a total of 22.8 W rolling resistance, making it the slowest tire in the test – almost 11 W slower than the fastest model. The Rambler is rather mediocre in terms of puncture protection, too, which is a bit surprising considering its intended use. That said, it’s among the best regarding compliance.

Conclusion

The MAXXIS Rambler definitely falls into the high traction category – anything else wouldn’t do it justice. No other tire in the test field offers as much grip and potential as the Rambler, and with such an unassuming tread. But that comes at a price. The Rambler doesn’t know efficiency and definitely won’t win a sprint. However, if you’re looking for maximum traction, the MAXXIS Rambler is the tire for you.

Tops

• unbeatable traction
• subtle and understated look
• easy tubeless installation

Flops

• too little puncture protection for such a capable tire

Made in Taiwan | Tested size 40-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 37,7 | Tire height in mm¹ 34,68 | Tire height + test rim in mm² 80 | Weight 456,3 g | Price € 59,90
1 measured dimension with 2,5 Bar, 2 Test rim: ZIPP 303s 622 x 20.3C (Rim height 45,32 mm)

For more information head to: maxxistires.de

In our introduction of the best gravel tire on test you can’t just find our most interesting findings and our overall conclusion, but a good view on all tires tested.

All tires on review: Challenge Getaway (Click for review) | Challenge Gravel Grinder (Click for review) | Continental Terra Speed (Click for review) | Continental Terra Trail (Click for review) | Maxxis Rambler | Maxxis Receptor (Click for review) | Panaracer Gravelking Knobby (Click for review) | Panaracer Gravelking Slick Plus+ (Click for review) | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H (Click for review) | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One Allround (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One R (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One RS (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Pathfinder (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Tracer (Click for review) | Vittoria Terreno Dry (Click for review) | Vittoria Terreno Mix (Click for review) | WTB Riddler (Click for review) | WTB Byway (Click for review)

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Words: czajac Photos: Jan Richter