Global tyre giant introduces its fastest and lightest road offering yet
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The Maxxis High Road SL tyre range will comprise tyre widths of 25- and 28C (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
The tyres are appreciably light at 170g a unit (25C, actual)(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
The High Road SLs will initially be offered as a clincher option but a tubeless version will be available this summer(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Maxxis has just launched its new performance road tyre, the High Road SL. It will form part of a four-prong lineup together with the High Road (all-rounder), Pursuer (durable) and Re-Fuse (commuter) tyres. Described by Maxxis as its 'lightest and highest-performing tyre' it naturally sits at the top of the range.
Constructed from a supple 170 TPI casing, the High Road SL should provide good all-round performance, particularly in terms of traction and overall pliancy, all the while keeping weight to a minimum - 170g to be precise (25C, actual). In terms of tyre compound, the High Road uses an all-new HYPR-S rubber - an evolution of the HYPER composite used on the regular High Road tyre - which Maxxis claims has reduced rolling resistance by 12 per cent over its sibling.
Owing to its meagre mass, the High Road SL naturally offers limited puncture protection but still makes do with a K2 breaker material situated under the tread layer to thwart penetration from sharp debris. Owing to this fact the American company has slated these tyres for race/competition use only - 'they're designed to be fast, not last'.
The Maxxis High Road SL tyres are available as clincher tyres for now and will adhere to the contemporary sizing standards of 25 and 28C (no 23C options). A tubeless-ready option will be available this coming summer.
Pricing for all High Road SL derivatives (excluding tubeless) is $64 / £49.99.
Tech spec: Maxxis High Road SL
Price: $64 / £49.99
Type: Clincher
Size options: 25C, 28C
Weight (actual, 25C): 170g per tyre
TPI: 170
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Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor.
Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.
