Maxxis Aggressor Review: Is This the Most Versatile MTB Tire on the Market?

Are you an aggressive trail rider or enduro enthusiast looking for a tire that can handle it all? Look no further than the Maxxis Aggressor. This versatile all-mountain tire has been making waves in the mountain biking community, and for good reason.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Maxxis Aggressor a top choice for riders who demand exceptional traction, control, and durability on a wide range of terrain. From its innovative tread design to its dual compound construction, we’ll explore how this tire stands up to the challenges of loose, chunky, and technical trails.

Whether you’re powering through rocky descents, cornering on loose-over-hardpack, or grinding up steep climbs, the Aggressor promises to deliver the performance you need. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out as we break down the key features, performance characteristics, and real-world application of the Maxxis Aggressor.

Overview and Key Features

The Maxxis Aggressor is a versatile and aggressive all-mountain/enduro tire designed for riders seeking exceptional traction and control on a wide range of terrain. With its burly tread pattern and dual compound construction, this tire excels in loose, chunky, and technical conditions, making it a popular choice among riders who demand unwavering grip and confidence on the trail.

Intended primarily for aggressive trail riding, enduro racing, and all-mountain adventures, the Aggressor combines the best characteristics of a downhill-specific tire with the rolling efficiency and durability required for extended climbs and descents. Its wide, open tread pattern features ramped center knobs for reduced rolling resistance, while the aggressive side knobs provide exceptional cornering grip and braking traction on loose or muddy surfaces.

One of the key features of the Aggressor is its dual compound construction, which utilizes a softer rubber compound on the tread for enhanced grip and a firmer base compound for improved durability and longevity. This combination ensures that the tire maintains its impressive traction and control throughout its lifespan, even as the tread wears down.

Tire Construction and Design

The Maxxis Aggressor tire features a durable and reliable construction that can withstand the demands of aggressive trail riding. The tire casing is made from a high-quality, reinforced material that provides excellent puncture resistance and sidewall protection, ensuring your ride remains uninterrupted even on the roughest terrain.

The tire bead is designed for easy installation and secure fitment on a wide range of rim sizes, ensuring a tight seal and preventing air loss or burping during hard cornering or impacts. The compound used in the Aggressor tire is a proprietary blend that strikes the perfect balance between grip and durability, providing exceptional traction on various surfaces while resisting excessive wear and tear.

The tread pattern on the Maxxis Aggressor is meticulously engineered to excel in a variety of trail conditions. The aggressive, alternating knob design provides superior braking and cornering traction, while the strategically placed siping enhances grip and shedding of mud and debris. The center knobs are slightly ramped for efficient rolling resistance on hardpack surfaces, while the shoulder knobs are heavily siped for added bite in loose or soft conditions.

Trail Conditions and Recommended Use

The Maxxis Aggressor is a versatile and aggressive tire designed to excel in a wide range of trail conditions. Its burly tread pattern and sturdy construction make it an excellent choice for enduro and aggressive trail riding, where you’ll encounter a mix of loose, rocky terrain and varying soil conditions.

For enduro riders, the Aggressor provides the grip and control needed to tackle technical descents with confidence. The widely spaced knobs and ramped leading edges offer excellent braking traction, while the siped shoulder knobs bite into loose corners, providing reliable cornering grip on loose over hardpack surfaces.

Trail riders will appreciate the Aggressor’s ability to hook up in a variety of conditions, from loose, dry trails to tacky, loamy singletrack. The alternating knob heights and staggered spacing effectively shed mud, ensuring consistent traction even when the going gets sloppy.

While primarily designed for aggressive trail and enduro use, the Aggressor can also handle light downhill duties, making it a versatile option for riders who like to mix up their terrain. However, for dedicated downhill or bike park riding, a more robust and heavily lugged tire may be a better choice.

Performance and Grip

The Maxxis Aggressor is a versatile and capable tire designed for aggressive trail riding. Its tread pattern features widely spaced knobs with ramped edges, providing excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. On loose, dry terrain, the Aggressor digs in tenaciously, offering superb traction for climbing and braking. The ramped knobs also shed mud effectively, maintaining impressive grip in wet conditions.

When it comes to hardpacked surfaces, the Aggressor strikes a fine balance between rolling speed and cornering grip. The staggered knob arrangement bites into the trail, inspiring confidence during hard cornering and aggressive maneuvering. Braking traction is equally impressive, with the widely spaced knobs digging in to provide controlled deceleration.

The Aggressor truly shines on mixed and loose terrain, where its aggressive tread pattern comes into its own. The tire hooks up remarkably well, providing precise steering and unwavering grip through loose corners and over chunky rock gardens. Even in wet and muddy conditions, the Aggressor maintains impressive levels of traction, shedding debris effectively and finding purchase on slippery surfaces.

Tread Design and Rolling Efficiency

The Maxxis Aggressor’s tread pattern is designed to strike a balance between grip and rolling efficiency. The center knobs are relatively closely spaced, providing a semi-slick area for reduced rolling resistance on hardpack surfaces. However, the aggressive side knobs offer excellent cornering traction and bite into loose or soft terrain.

This hybrid tread design allows the Aggressor to roll reasonably well on firm trails, while still providing ample grip when you need it most. The ramped leading edges of the knobs help reduce pedaling effort, minimizing the “lag” or “vague” feeling that can plague some ultra-aggressive tires.

Additionally, the Aggressor’s tread depth is moderate, which helps reduce rolling resistance compared to tires with extremely deep, widely spaced knobs. This makes the Aggressor a good choice for riders seeking a balance of traction and efficiency, without the outright drag of a full-on downhill or muddy conditions tire.

Overall, the Aggressor’s tread pattern aims to provide a versatile blend of grip and rolling speed, making it a popular choice for trail and all-mountain riding where a mix of conditions is encountered. While not as fast-rolling as a semi-slick or full slick, the Aggressor offers a compelling compromise for those prioritizing traction without giving up too much efficiency.

Tread Life and Durability

The Maxxis Aggressor features a dual-compound tread with a firmer base layer for enhanced longevity and a softer top layer for exceptional grip. This construction strikes an impressive balance between tread life and traction. With a robust tread depth and reinforced sidewalls, the Aggressor demonstrates impressive resistance to cuts, punctures, and abrasions, even in the most demanding trail conditions.

The tread pattern is meticulously designed to shed mud effectively, further contributing to the tire’s durability. The ramped center knobs maintain their sharp edges for consistent braking and cornering performance, even as the miles rack up. Maxxis’s proprietary rubber compound is engineered to resist excessive wear, ensuring the Aggressor retains its aggressive tread pattern and biting edges for an extended period.

While the exact tread life expectancy varies based on factors such as rider weight, terrain, and riding style, the Maxxis Aggressor consistently outperforms many of its competitors in terms of overall durability. With proper tire pressure and maintenance, it’s not uncommon for experienced riders to log hundreds of miles on a single set of Aggressors without experiencing significant tread wear or premature failure.

Available Sizes and Options

The Maxxis Aggressor is available in a wide range of widths, diameters, and casing types to suit different riding styles and terrain preferences. Here are the various options:

Widths

• 2.3″ (58mm)
• 2.5″ (63mm)
• 2.7″ (69mm)

Diameters

• 27.5″ (650b)
• 29″

Casing Types

• EXO Protection: A lightweight yet durable casing with an additional layer of protection against punctures and abrasions.
• Double Down (DH): A reinforced casing designed for downhill and enduro riding, offering exceptional resistance to cuts and pinch flats.

Weights

• 2.3″ EXO (27.5″): 810g
• 2.3″ EXO (29″): 870g
• 2.5″ EXO (27.5″): 890g
• 2.5″ EXO (29″): 950g
• 2.7″ EXO (27.5″): 1020g
• 2.7″ EXO (29″): 1080g
• 2.5″ Double Down (27.5″): 1190g
• 2.5″ Double Down (29″): 1260g

The variety of sizes and casing options allows riders to choose the perfect Aggressor tire for their specific bike, riding style, and terrain conditions, balancing factors like weight, rolling resistance, and durability.

Tire Installation and Setup

The Maxxis Aggressor is designed for tubeless use, making installation a straightforward process. The tire’s bead hooks securely onto most modern tubeless-ready rims without the need for excessive force or specialized tools. For those running inner tubes, the generous bead-to-bead diameter ensures compatibility with a wide range of rim sizes.

When setting up tubeless, the Aggressor’s pliable casing and well-designed bead shape allow for an airtight seal with just a floor pump in many cases. However, for stubborn setups, using an air compressor or tubeless inflator can provide the extra boost needed to pop the beads into place.

Maxxis recommends running the Aggressor at pressures between 25-35 PSI for optimal traction and comfort on the trail. The ideal pressure will vary based on rider weight, terrain, and personal preference. Heavier riders or those seeking a more damped ride may want to err on the lower end of the range.

For tubeless setups, Maxxis suggests using a high-quality sealant designed for mountain bike tires. Their recommended sealant quantities range from 60-100ml, depending on the tire’s internal volume. Properly maintaining sealant levels is crucial for ensuring an airtight seal and preventing burping or air loss during aggressive cornering or impacts.

How the Aggressor Compares to Other Trail/Enduro Tires

The Maxxis Aggressor stands out in the trail/enduro tire category for its exceptional grip and durability. Compared to other popular options like the Maxxis Minion DHF, Schwalbe Hans Dampf, and Continental Der Kaiser, the Aggressor offers a unique balance of characteristics that make it a favorite among riders.

In terms of grip, the Aggressor’s aggressive tread pattern with ramped knobs and well-spaced lugs provides excellent traction on loose and technical terrain. While not quite as aggressive as the Minion DHF, it outperforms many other tires in its class when it comes to braking and cornering grip. The Aggressor’s grip is on par with the Hans Dampf but with better rolling resistance.

Speaking of rolling resistance, the Aggressor strikes a sweet spot between grip and efficiency. It rolls noticeably faster than the Minion DHF or Der Kaiser, making it a better choice for longer rides or races where pedaling efficiency is crucial. However, it’s not as fast-rolling as some dedicated cross-country tires, sacrificing a bit of speed for its impressive grip.

Durability is another area where the Aggressor shines. Its dual-compound construction with a tougher base layer and softer outer knobs provides excellent longevity, even under demanding conditions. The Aggressor’s sidewalls are also reinforced, offering better protection against cuts and abrasions compared to some of its competitors.

Overall, the Maxxis Aggressor is a well-rounded tire that excels in a variety of trail and enduro conditions. Its balance of grip, rolling resistance, and durability make it a popular choice for riders who want a tire that can handle technical terrain while still being efficient enough for longer rides and races.

Retail Pricing and Cost Analysis

The Maxxis Aggressor tire line covers a wide range of sizes and models to fit different types of mountain bikes and riding styles. Here’s an overview of typical retail pricing for some popular Aggressor models:

• Aggressor 29×2.3″ (EXO/TR): $65-75
• Aggressor 27.5×2.5″ (EXO/TR): $60-70
• Aggressor 26×2.3″ (EXO/TR): $55-65

The dual compound EXO/TR (EXCEPTION/Trail) versions are more expensive but offer enhanced sidewall protection and increased longevity over the standard Aggressor models. Pricing can vary further based on retailer and any sales/discounts.

To analyze the long-term cost, consider the cost-per-mile which factors in the tire’s lifespan and your typical riding mileage. An Aggressor 29×2.3″ EXO/TR tire weighing around 1050g with a $70 retail price used for 1,500 miles of trail riding would give you:

Cost-per-mile = $70 / 1,500 miles = $0.047 per mile

This means each mile of riding costs you about 5 cents for the rear tire, which is very reasonable for a quality trail tire from a respected brand like Maxxis. Proper tire pressure and avoiding excessive skidding can further extend the Aggressor’s life and lower its cost-per-mile.

Types of Riders and Terrain

The Maxxis Aggressor is a versatile tire that caters to a wide range of riders and terrain types. Its aggressive tread pattern and sturdy construction make it an excellent choice for trail and all-mountain riding, particularly in loose and chunky conditions.

For trail riders who frequently encounter loose, rocky, and rooted terrain, the Aggressor’s deep and widely spaced knobs provide exceptional traction and braking performance. The tire’s open tread pattern effectively sheds mud and debris, ensuring consistent grip even in wet and muddy conditions. This makes the Aggressor an ideal companion for riders who relish technical singletrack adventures.

All-mountain enthusiasts will appreciate the Aggressor’s ability to handle a variety of terrain types, from flowy trails to steep and demanding descents. The tire’s dual-compound construction, with a tougher base layer and a softer outer knob layer, offers a perfect balance between durability and grip. This versatility allows riders to tackle a wide range of riding styles, from aggressive enduro racing to more laid-back all-mountain explorations.

While the Aggressor excels in loose and rugged terrain, it can also perform well on hardpack surfaces, making it a suitable choice for riders who frequently encounter a mix of trail conditions. However, it’s important to note that the tire’s aggressive tread pattern may not be the most efficient choice for extended periods of pedaling on smooth surfaces or long cross-country rides.

Overall, the Maxxis Aggressor is an excellent tire for riders seeking a confident and capable companion for their trail and all-mountain adventures, particularly in loose and challenging terrain conditions.

Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages

The Maxxis Aggressor is a versatile and capable tire that excels in a variety of trail conditions. Its main advantages include:

Grip and Traction: The aggressive tread pattern provides excellent grip on loose, rocky, and muddy terrain. The side knobs offer superb cornering traction, allowing you to rail turns with confidence.

Durability: The dual-compound rubber construction combines a softer side knob compound for grip with a firmer center compound for improved rolling resistance and longevity.

Versatility: While primarily designed for trail riding, the Aggressor can also handle light enduro duties, making it a great all-around tire for riders who enjoy mixing up their terrain.

On the other hand, some potential disadvantages of the Maxxis Aggressor include:

Weight: With its burly tread and reinforced casing, the Aggressor is on the heavier side, which can impact climbing performance and overall bike weight.

Rolling Resistance: While the center knobs are firmer to reduce rolling resistance, the aggressive tread still generates more drag compared to semi-slick or faster-rolling tires.

Noise: The widely-spaced knobs can produce a noticeable “buzz” or hum on hardpack surfaces, which some riders may find distracting.

Overall, the Maxxis Aggressor strikes a balance between grip, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for riders who prioritize traction and control over outright speed and low weight.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Maxxis Aggressor is an excellent all-around trail tire that delivers superb performance across a wide range of conditions. Its aggressive tread pattern provides exceptional traction and cornering grip on loose, chunky terrain, while still rolling reasonably well on hardpack surfaces. The dual compound construction strikes a nice balance between durability and grip, ensuring both longevity and confidence-inspiring traction.

For riders who frequently encounter mixed conditions with plenty of loose, technical trails, the Aggressor is an outstanding choice. Its versatility allows it to shine in everything from loose-over-hardpack to muddy, greasy conditions. The tire’s robust construction also means you can lean on it aggressively without worrying about premature wear or damage.

However, if you primarily ride well-groomed flow trails or spend a significant amount of time on pavement getting to the trailhead, the Aggressor’s aggressive tread may feel a bit overkill. In those scenarios, a faster-rolling, less aggressive tire might be a better option.

Overall, the Maxxis Aggressor is a top-tier trail tire that delivers exceptional performance and durability for riders who frequently encounter challenging, technical terrain. Its versatility and confidence-inspiring traction make it an excellent choice for those seeking a tire that can handle anything the trail throws its way. If you’re looking for a tire that excels in loose, chunky conditions without compromising rolling speed or longevity, the Aggressor should be at the top of your list.