CX/Gravel Tire Test: Maxxis Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR 45

Maxxis has recently updated its lineup of gravel bike tires with new versions featuring their new gravel-specific HYPR-X compound. Up to now, Maxxis has only offered their "Dual" compound on their gravel tires, a compound with which we are pretty familiar, as Maxxis offers this compound on a wide range of their tires. The HYPR-X compound is now their top-level gravel compound, combining the low-rolling-resistance road bike HYPR compound with their mountain bike-specific MaxxSpeed compound.

Ad Buy Maxxis Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR at Amazon.com

The Reaver is one of the first tires to receive the HYPR-X update, and it's a good opportunity for us to compare the new HYPR-X compound to the Dual compound, as we've already tested the regular Reaver EXO/TR (read our review) a while back. We've tested the 40 mm version of the regular Reaver, but the new HYPR-X Reaver is only available in the 45 mm version, so we'll have to be a bit more careful when comparing these.

Together with the new compound, Maxxis also claims an improvement with the introduction of an even stronger nylon that's used on their 120 TPI casing. We're not sure if this new nylon will be used on all of Maxxis's tires that come with their 120 TPI casing, but it makes sense to assume their entire range gets this upgrade. The casing also still features EXO protection on the sidewalls that will improve the cut resistance and air tightness of the casing.

The tires also receive a new look with Maxxis' latest branding, which is more subtle than their tires of the past. In our opinion, this is also a worthwhile upgrade over their older tires, as the new tires have a much sharper, modern look.

We're going to compare the 45 mm Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR to the 40 mm Reaver EXO/TR, as well as an extensive range of tires from competing manufacturers in the 44-50 mm size range.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Maxxis
Model	Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR
Year	2025
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	ETB00574000
EAN	4717784044590
TPI	120
Compound	HYPR-X
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	45-622
Specified Weight	500 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	60
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	45-622 (700x45c)

Maxxis Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR 45 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	500 grams
Measured Weight	500 grams
Measured Width Casing	43 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	44 mm
Measured Height	40 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	0.8 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.2 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	1.80 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (30 ml sealant)
Measured Width	43 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (46 psi / 3.2 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (38 psi / 2.6 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (31 psi / 2.1 bar)	18.9 Watts CRR: 0.00567
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (23 psi / 1.6 bar)	21.9 Watts CRR: 0.00656
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	34 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness	1.80 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	69 Points
Wet Grip Center	Members Only
Wet Grip Edge	Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center	0.8 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.2 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

The new Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR is a definitive upgrade over the older Reaver EXO/TR (read our review), as performance in all of our tests has improved. First and foremost, we see rolling resistance has been reduced by 20-25% which now makes the Reaver a competitive choice in the gravel segment. The puncture resistance of the tread has been improved by approximately 15%. The cherry on top is found in the wet grip test, with a 5 to 10% increase on our hard test surface.

The Reaver HYPR-X is a good example that shows the importance of the compound. From experience, we estimate the compound makes the most dramatic change (70 to 80%) to the tire's performance, while casing and tread improvements are only marginal improvements most of the time.

The new Reaver with HYPR-X compound is now a top choice in the top gravel segment if you value a tire that's made for performance. We also expect Maxxis's other gravel bike tires that receive the HYPR-X upgrade to deliver solid performance, and we're happy to see Maxxis in this position, as off-road tires have always been their expertise.

Ad Buy Maxxis Reaver HYPR-X/EXO/TR at Amazon.com

RATING: 4.1 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Highly Recommended

Comments