The new Maxxis Forekaster trail tyre
The Maxxis Forekaster has been redesigned and born again as a downcountry and trail tyre in 2.4 and 2.6" sizes.
The Maxxis Forekaster isn't a new name in the world of mountain bike tyres. The original Forekaster came out in a 2.2" casing, designed as a wet weather tyre for cross-country racing. And while there was also a 2.35" casing and it came on some trail bikes as well – really it was an XC tyre, given the casing options. And a succesful one at that, winning the Elite men's, elite women's and U23 men's XCO National Titles all in one day at Maydena Bike Park in 2021.
The new version of the Maxxis Forekaster is aimed at modern short travel (100mm-130mm) trail bikes – aka the “downcountry” segment. This means it needs to roll fast, but have great edge knobs for cornering and reliable braking traction in a wide range of trail conditions.
Currently, the Maxxis Rekon 2.4" WT is a good fit for this area, but can come up a little short on braking traction in some conditions.
Maxxis have a densely packed tread on the Forekaster to deliver the rolling efficiency, but it's still pretty open compared to the centre line of something like a Maxxis Ikon 2.35" (which is a great rear tyre for downcountry, if you're asking).
The side knobs are much taller than you'll find on something like a 2.4" Rekon, which should allow for impressive cornering confidence in loose terrain. The casing has ridges which helps clear mud, but we reckon it'll come down to what the mud is. Peanut butter death mud is pretty nasty no matter what tyres you run!
Sizing has changed to the expected norms of 2.4" and 2.6", with Dual compound or the 3C MaxxTerra – a really grippy rubber. Throw in EXO sideall protection and TR (tubeless ready) casings and the Forekaster should prove to be a popular tyre for the downcountry and trail fans alike.
Importantly, the new Forekaster fills a gap between the racey tyre like the Aspen, Rekon Race, Rekon and Ikon, and the gravity-centric Dissector, Minion amily and Assegai.
First rides on the Maxxis Forekaster 2.4"
We've had a pair of 2.4" dual compound Forekasters sent in for review. They weigh 945g with the EXO casing, which is a little weighty for something targeting performance based riding, but likely spot on for a lighter duty trail tyre.
Maxxis state the new Forekaster suits hardpack to mid-conditions, and so far we agree. It rolls quite well, loves sandy loam, and is ok on loose over hardpack. Enter a descent with more corners and lots of loose rock on hard rock – and it's a little bit vague. We'll have a review in issue #198 in late August, once some more conditions have presented themselves. But make no mistake, the name is the same but this is an all-new tyre.
Contact your Maxxis dealer or KWT Imports for availability – we hope to have a pair on hand soon for a test.
