Gravel tyres: Maxxis Reaver EXO TR & Rambler EXO TR on test - Hot ripper and speedy tourer

Speedster versus all-rounder, block tread versus diamonds. 2 Maxxis tyres in a test duel: can the Rambler convince despite the thicker block tread? And: How do the two tyres perform on road and gravel?

Maxxis Reaver EXO TR: Diamonds and ribs for speed?

Do the diamonds and ribs in the centre of the Reaver profile provide some grip? Perhaps. But on our test track, the tyre slipped in the tricky places. But it's still fun, because it steers with agility. And when the gravel motorway is reached, it rolls. This is also confirmed by the rolling resistance test, in which the Reaver comes third behind the high-flyers from Schwalbe and Conti. The Taiwanese have obviously used a slightly less fast rubber compound than the Germans. In dry conditions, the lightweight tyre is a good choice. The cut resistance is not outstanding, but okay, and the sealing is very good.

>> Continental Terra Speed & Terra Adventure test - fast adventure

>> Gravel tyres - what you need to know

Facts, figures, price: The Maxxis Reaver EXO TR

• Price: 59,90 Euro >> available here
• Nominal dimension: 622 x 45
• Measured width: 45 millimetres
• Weight: 502 grammes
• Street 3 Bar: 24.7 watts
• Street 2.5 bar: 25.5 watts
• Street 2 Bar: 27.9 watts
• Gravel 2 bar: 37.6 watts
• Cut resistance running surface (N): 363 Newton
• Cut resistance side wall (N): 216 Newton

Maxxis Reaver EXO TR: Rating & Grade

• Weight: 1,0
• Rolling resistance gravel: 1,7
• Rolling resistance road: 1,7
• Cut resistance Tread: 4,3
• Cut resistance side wall: 2,7
• Grip: 3,5
• Road feel: 1,0
• Overall grade: 2.2

Block profile for more versatility of the Maxxis Rambler EXO TR

The fine block profile of the Rambler grips better, allowing you to get through the slippery sections on our course more accurately, and it also grips better on gravel. The Rambler hardly rolls worse than the Reaver on gravel, but the difference is slightly greater on the road. The Rambler is definitely the more versatile tyre and even more of a racer than a hiker. The workmanship of the tyres is very good, they look really good up close and hold their air straight away. However, the cores are cut a little wider, and an air pressure shock is required for tubeless mounting.

Facts, figures, price: The Maxxis Rambler EXO TR

• Price: 59,90 Euro >> available here
• Nominal dimension: 622 x 45
• Measured width: 45 millimetres
• Weight: 553 grammes
• Street 3 Bar: 28.4 watts
• Street 2.5 bar: 29.2 watts
• Street 2 Bar: 30.8 watts
• Gravel 2 bar: 39.0 Watt
• Cut resistance running surface (N): 392 Newton
• Cut resistance side wall (N): 221 Newton

Maxxis Reaver EXO TR: Rating & Grade

• Weight: 1,7
• Rolling resistance gravel: 1,7
• Rolling resistance road: 2,0
• Cut resistance Tread: 3,7
• Cut resistance side wall: 2,3
• Grip: 2,0
• Road feel: 2,0
• Overall grade: 2.1

This is how we tested

All tests were carried out independently by manufacturers using their own methods. The rolling resistance test on level ground should be emphasised. We can also measure on gravel and see that a thicker tread adds power. As a "road" for the rolling resistance test, we choose a rough surface that interacts with studs and shows which rubber compound works efficiently.

The test criteria were weighted as follows for the evaluation:

• Weight: 10 %
• Rolling resistance gravel: 20 %
• Rolling resistance road: 25 %
• Cut resistance tread: 10 %
• Cut resistance tread: 5 %
• Grip: 20 %
• Road feel: 10 %