Review

MAXXIS Receptor im Test

MAXXIS put the Receptor in the speed gravel category, claiming to be lightning fast on the road and yet grippy on gravel. And it’s got the looks to back that up. But can the tire also reveal these strengths in our big gravel tire group test?

MAXXIS Receptor | 425 g | € 59,90 | Manufacturer’s website

Like the Challenge Gravel Grinder and the Schwalbe Terreno Dry, the MAXXIS Receptor looks blisteringly fast. It looks promising with its smooth central tread and grippy shoulder knobs, which is the same configuration as some of the fastest tires on test. But can an off-road specialist like MAXXIS deliver in this respect? The Receptor is in no way inferior to the competition in terms of looks. Exclusively available in black without a tan wall option, the choice is somewhat limited, but it suits every bike.

Well meaning – The MAXXIS Receptor on the road

Efficiency is what you expect from the Receptor, but that’s not what you get. It feels slower than the direct competition from Challenge and Schwalbe, and the laboratory tests confirmed this. With a rolling resistance of 18.1 W, it even lags behind designated all-rounders with significantly more aggressive tread – too bad!
The Receptor isn’t able to keep up in terms of grip either. The shoulder knobs are too small to make a real difference. Unfortunately, this robs you of confidence and makes the MAXXIS Receptor one of the least grippy tires in the wet. At least it stands out from the competition regarding compliance, though this also makes it one of the most puncture prone tires in the test field. The MAXXIS Receptor is super easy to install, allowing you to do so by hand, and it seals just as easily.

Tire Characteristics

intended use

  1. asphalt/hard pack
  2. trail

rolling resistance

  1. slow
  2. quick

pinch protection

  1. low
  2. high

puncture protection

  1. low
  2. high

handling in wet conditions

  1. slippery
  2. grippy

Conclusion

Despite its shortfalls, we’d still put the MAXXIS Receptor in the speed category. Due to the lack of efficiency, limited traction on gravel and forest loam, as well as the poor puncture protection, it’s difficult to identify the perfect use case for this tire. That’s too bad considering the MAXXIS Receptor’s classy look and the excellent performance of its big brother, the Rambler.

Tops

  • good looking and easy to fit

Flops

  • inefficient for a fast tire
  • limited traction on gravel and in wet conditions
  • puncture prone

Made in Taiwan| Tested size 40-622 | Tire widht in mm¹ 40,25 | Tire height in mm¹ 35,91 | Tire height + test rim in mm² 81,23 | Weight 425,4 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 (Click for review) | Maxxis Receptor | 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)


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: czajac Photos: Jan Richter