MTB Tire Test: Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 25.6 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 38 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 65 Points
- Conclusion: 4.0 / 5 Recommended
- Comments
- Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec
![Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/maxxis-aspen-st-team-spec-1.jpg)
The Maxxis Aspen ST is a new tire from Maxxis with an even lower profile than the regular Aspen we have known for years. It is worth paying attention if you are interested in the Aspen ST because it is available in both a "regular" 120 TPI version and a limited edition 170 TPI "Team Spec" version that was previously only available to top pro cyclists and teams sponsored by Maxxis.
Because the new Aspen ST's 170 TPI casing is thinner than the 120 TPI version, the most noticeable difference is the weight. In the 29x2.25 size, the 170 TPI version is 60 grams lighter; in the 29x2.40 size, it's 65 grams lighter, which is a significant advantage. We also expect the rolling resistance to be lower, but to know exactly how much, we will need to test both versions of the Aspen ST.
The casing seems to be the only difference, and the 120 TPI and 170 TPI versions are otherwise the same in construction. Both versions also come with Maxxis's new MaxxSpeed compound introduced last year, which we are already familiar with from our tests of the Aspen MaxxSpeed (read our review) and Rekon Race MaxxSpeed (read our review). Both versions also come with Maxxis's well-known (EXO) sidewall protection, and both tires are tubeless-ready (TR).
We tested the 29x2.40 version of the Maxxis Aspen ST in the 170 TPI Team Spec edition and will compare it with the Aspen MaxxSpeed and Rekon Race MaxxSpeed we tested last year, as well as a selection of recently tested mountain bike tires.
Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturer Specs | |
---|---|
Brand | Maxxis |
Model | Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec |
Year | 2024 |
Supplied By | Bought in store |
New or Used | New |
Mileage | 0 km |
Price Range | High |
Buy At | |
Manufacturer part number | ETB00523700 |
TPI | 170 |
Compound | MaxxSpeed |
Bead | Folding |
ETRTO | 61-622 |
Size Inch | 29" |
Width Inch | 2.40 |
Specified Weight | 685 grams |
Max Air Pressure (psi) | 50 |
Made In | Members Only |
Available Sizes |
29x2.25 29x2.40 |
Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec Test Results
![Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/maxxis-aspen-st-team-spec-3.jpg)
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements | |
---|---|
Specified Weight | 685 grams |
Measured Weight | 699 grams |
Measured Width Carcass | 59 mm (un-round) |
Measured Width Tread | 58 mm |
Measured Height | 57 mm (un-round) |
Measured Knob Height Center | 1.4 mm |
Measured Knob Height Edge | 2.9 mm |
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) | 2.5 mm |
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall | Members Only |
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) |
Rolling Resistance 55 PSI / 3.8 Bar |
Members Only |
Rolling Resistance 45 PSI / 3.1 Bar |
Members Only |
Rolling Resistance 35 PSI / 2.4 Bar |
21.9 Watts CRR: 0.00656 |
Rolling Resistance 25 PSI / 1.7 Bar |
25.6 Watts CRR: 0.00767 |
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
![Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/maxxis-aspen-st-team-spec-2.jpg)
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
---|---|
Total Puncture Score Tread | 38 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 | 2.5 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
![Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec road bike tire on a grip test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/maxxis-aspen-st-team-spec-4.jpg)
Static Grip Test Results | |
---|---|
Wet Grip Average | 65 Points |
Wet Grip Center | Members Only |
Wet Grip Edge | Members Only |
Measured Knob Height Center | 1.4 mm |
Measured Knob Height Edge | 2.9 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
- Maxxis Aspen ST MaxxSpeed EXO/TR Team Spec
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)
The Aspen ST in the Team Spec edition is the fastest tire from Maxxis we have tested to date. However, looking at the competition, it is clear that faster mountain bike tires are available. If you want the absolute fastest mountain bike tires, there may be better choices than the Aspen ST with 170TPI Team Spec casing.
Overall, we saw good performance and could not find any significant shortcomings. It is also noteworthy that when we compare the 170 TPI Team Spec casing with the 120 TPI casings of the Aspen and Rekon Race, the puncture resistance of both the tread and the sidewalls is not inferior. Our sample may be on the heavy/thick side, which may have slightly influenced the test results.
It is a decent tire, but we expect the "regular" 120 TPI version to score similarly in our tests. The most significant advantage of the 170 TPI casing is likely the lower weight.
RATING:
4.0
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Recommended