MTB Tire Test: Maxxis Rekon Race EXO TR 28x2.25

Maxxis describes the Rekon Race as a semi-slick XC race tire which we feel is questionable as the center knobs are bigger than we expect from a semi-slick MTB tire. Maxxis recommends to use the Rekon Race as a rear tire with a more aggressive tire on the front for general XC use, or Rekon Race front and rear for racing on short tracks and you don't need much front grip.

We're testing the 29x2.25 Rekon Race 120 TPI EXO TR which means it has a 120 TPI casing with reinforced sidewalls (EXO) and is tubeless-ready (TR). The compound is the Maxxis "Dual Compound" of which we couldn't find much information except it's harder in the center and softer on the edges. We'll be comparing the Rekon Race EXO TR to the Maxxis Aspen EXO TR (read review), Maxxis Ikon 3C MaxxSpeed (read review), Schwalbe Racing Ralph '19 TLE Addix Speed (read review), and the Schwalbe Racing Ray TLE Addix SpeedGrip (read review).

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Maxxis
Model	Rekon Race EXO TR
Year	2019
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At
Manufacturer part number	ETB00046300
EAN	4717784033389
TPI	120
Compound	Dual Compound
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	57-622
Size Inch	28"
Width Inch	2.25
Specified Weight	670 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	60
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	29x2.25

Maxxis Rekon Race EXO TR Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	670 grams
Measured Weight	680 grams
Measured Width Carcass	55 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	56 mm
Measured Height	54 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	3.5 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	1.5 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 35 psi / 2.4 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (40 ml sealant)
Measured Width	55 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 51-55 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 56-60 = 34 psi/2.3 barHigh Air Pressure (38 psi / 2.6 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 bar 51-55 = 32 psi/2.2 bar 56-60 = 29 psi/2.0 barMedium Air Pressure (32 psi / 2.2 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 bar 51-55 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 56-60 = 23 psi/1.6 barLow Air Pressure (25 psi / 1.7 bar)	26.6 Watts CRR: 0.00797
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 bar 51-55 = 19 psi/1.3 bar 56-60 = 17 psi/1.2 barExtra Low Air Pressure (19 psi / 1.3 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 55 psi / 3.8 bar	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 45 psi / 3.1 bar	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 35 psi / 2.4 bar	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 25 psi / 1.7 bar	Pro Data
The MTB 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	25 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	6 Points
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	1.5 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	60 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	1.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	3.5 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 MTB grip test rim width = 30.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

Surprisingly, the Rekon Race EXO TR is faster than the Maxxis Ikon 3C MaxxSpeed which is something we did not expect. The Ikon 3C MaxxSpeed is lighter, doesn't have reinforced sidewalls and we were under the impression the 3C MaxxSpeed was the fastest compound in the Maxxis MTB lineup. Compared to the very similar Maxxis Aspen EXO TR, performance in our tests in nearly identical with only minor differences here and there.

Compared to the Schwalbe Racing Ray TLE with Addix SpeedGrip compound, the Rekon Race performs just a little bit worse in nearly all of our tests and measurements. We rated the Racing Ray 4 out of 5 so we think a rating of 3 out of 5 is reasonable for the Rekon Race. We still recommend this tire as the differences are small and if you like the Rekon Race, there is no need to change. If you're looking for the absolute fastest MTB tires, faster tires available (MTB Overview).

RATING: 3.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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