Maxxis Aspen vs Rekon Race – XC Tire Showdown
Published: 6/23/2025
Tags: tire, comparison, aspen, rekon race, xc, racing, tubeless, maxxis
Maxxis Aspen vs Rekon Race – XC Tire Showdown
Looking for the perfect cross-country tire combo? You might find yourself staring down a couple of the most popular options in modern XC racing: the 
Maxxis Aspen↗️ and the 
I’ve raced both on everything from desert slab to rooty singletrack—and this page breaks down the differences so you can pick the right setup for your course, conditions, and style.
Quick Recommendations
| Use Case | My Pick |
|---|---|
| Lowest rolling resistance | Rekon Race |
| Best lightweight race setup | Aspen F/R |
| Best front tire for grip | Rekon Race |
| Best for punchy, dry XC courses | Aspen F/R |
| Best for loose or technical terrain | Rekon Race front + Aspen rear |
| Best for sticky mud or mixed wet conditions | Aspen F/R |
| Most durable setup ( w. Vittoria Air-Liners↗️ ) | Rekon Race F/R |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Maxxis Aspen | Maxxis Rekon Race |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (120 TPI) | ~768g (2.4”) | ~825g (2.4”) |
| Rolling Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Cornering Grip | ⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Braking Control | ⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best Terrain | Hardpack, slab | Loose over hard, roots, rocky |
| Best Conditions | Dry, Mixed | Dry |
| Compound | MaxxSpeed | MaxxSpeed |
| My Front/Rear Use | Front or Rear | Front or Rear (Exceptional front tire) |
Race Feel
Maxxis Aspen
The Aspen 2.4 MaxxSpeed is Maxxis’s flagship XC race tire for a reason — it’s light and fast. I reach for this tire when the course is dry/mixed, not too loose, and I want every watt to count. But while it’s fast and light, it can feel a little sketchy if conditions get very loose or quite greasy.
I’ve raced it F/R on smooth, punchy courses and on chunky terrain. But if traction is borderline, I might reach for something grippier up front. That being said, the Aspen delivers a surprising amount of grip especially at lower pressures.
Maxxis Aspen 2.4 MaxxSpeed
Fast dry to slightly mixed course XC tire. Lightweight and race-proven.
Maxxis Rekon Race
This is what I grab when I want a bit more forgiveness—especially in corners. The Rekon Race still rolls fast (actually tests better in rolling-resistance than the Aspen according to Bicycle Rolling Resistance) and adds noticeably more grip under braking and through loose-over-hard sections.
As a front/rear it’s a great tire for dry conditions on a wide variety of terrain. As a front tire paired with an Aspen in the rear? That’s a combo that balances confidence and speed beautifully. And during long, technical endurance races - I know this thing will have my back even when I’m dead tired and not riding anywhere close to my best.
Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4 MaxxSpeed
Review – fast rolling XC tire for dry trails. The Maxxis Rekon Race is my go-to front tire for dry, rough XC courses. See how it performs and why it’s in my rotation.
Tread Pattern Breakdown
Rekon Race: tighter center tread and a smoother cornering transition.
Aspen: wider spacing between knobs and minimal transition to side lugs.
Rekon Race: tighter center tread and a smoother cornering transition. Aspen: wider spacing between knobs and minimal transition to side lugs.
| Feature | Rekon Race | Aspen |
|---|---|---|
| Mud Clearance | ❌ Tighter spacing packs up quickly | ✅ Plenty of room for mud shedding |
| Transition Knobs | ✅ Lots of them - predictable cornering | ⚠️ Requires more cornering commitment |
| Puncture Resistance | ✅ A little less room for rocks in the tread | ⚠️ Less protective in terms of tread |
Rolling Resistance vs Weight: What Actually Makes You Faster?
According to Bicycle Rolling Resistance, the Rekon Race 2.4 WT actually rolls faster than the Aspen in lab tests:
- Rekon Race: 26.8W at 25 PSI
- Aspen: 28.5W at 25 PSI
That’s a ~1.7W advantage per tire under controlled conditions. So why do I still sometimes reach for the Aspen over the Rekon Race on some dry courses?
It’s about 55g less per tire, or over 100g for a full setup. While that won’t save you big watts, it can make the bike feel more responsive on climbs or when accelerating repeatedly on punchy terrain or out of corners. It also sheds mud more effectively than the Rekon Race (sometimes races start off dry and end in a mud fest) and has a slightly more supple ride feel at low pressures. For dry, high-speed XC courses where grip in tricky corners isn’t the limiting factor, the Aspen’s weight and speed make it hard to beat.
Which One I Run (and Why)
On flat, steady-speed courses, the Rekon Race may be marginally faster. But on climbing-heavy or punchy terrain, the Aspen often feels quicker thanks to its lower rotating weight. When things get loose-over-hard or rooty, the Rekon Race lets me carry more speed with confidence.
Aspen vs. Rekon Race: Which One’s More Versatile?
Winner: Maxxis Aspen
The Aspen sheds mud better, handles a wider range of conditions, and weighs less. It’s what I grab when I’m unsure about weather or terrain. In terms of versatility, it’s the better all-round XC tire — even though the Rekon Race offers more confidence in rough or unpredictable terrain, the Aspen still performs surprisingly well across almost any course.
Durability & Wear
In my experience, Rekon Race generally holds up better over time. It resists rock cuts and retains cornering grip longer, while the Aspen tends to wear faster—especially the center knobs. That said, both use durable Maxxis rubber and hold up well even on rocky Colorado terrain, with no major issues like knob tearing in my experience.
Braking & Cornering Feel
The Aspen’s braking chevrons work well in straight-line deceleration. But in off-camber turns or if you accidentally find yourself braking late through a corner, the Rekon Race is less punishing.
Some of My Past Race Setups
| Event | Front Tire | Rear Tire | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Otter | Rekon Race | Aspen ST | Light, fast setup on a dry, loose-over-hard course |
| Moab Rocks (Day 1 - Porcupine Rim) | Rekon Race | Rekon Race | Gnarly slickrock = predictable grip — no regrets |
| Moab Rocks (Days 2/3) | Rekon Race | Aspen ST | Plenty of slickrock grip - made for a nice balance of control and speed |
| Grand Junction Rides & Vibes | Rekon Race | Aspen | Chunky high desert - more rear grip needed than the ST |
My Favorite Combos
✅ Rekon Race Front / Aspen Rear
If I had to pick one setup for unknown XC terrain, this is it. Fast-rolling and more predictable than Aspen F/R.
✅ Aspen Front & Rear
For dry, high-speed courses where traction is consistent and there’s quite a bit of acceleration/deceleration. Think twisty, punchy XC courses. But I might be looking elsewhere for deep dust or wet roots.
✅ Rekon Race Front & Rear
If you don’t mind turning over a little extra rotational weight, this is a stable and confidence-boosting setup for chunkier or looser courses. Add Vittoria Air-Liners↗️ for maximum durability.
Final Thoughts
Both the Aspen and Rekon Race are top-tier XC tires—and I’ve trusted both on critical race setups. The right pick depends on the course, the conditions, how confident you want to feel in corners, and how much you’re trying to shave off your weight budget. Hopefully, this helped you land the right combo.
That said, no review beats your own ride feel. Test your setup before race day—trail familiarity and tire confidence go a long way when the clock is ticking.
🎯 Not sure what tires to go with?
Use the RaceDaySetup Tire Selector to get personalized recommendations based on terrain, riding style, and your goals.
Try the Tire Selector →🔧 Quick FAQ
Which tire rolls faster, Aspen or Rekon Race?
Lab-tested rolling resistance favors the Rekon Race (26.8W vs. 28.5W at 25 PSI). But the Aspen is lighter, which can make it feel faster on courses with climbing or frequent accelerations.
Which tire has better cornering grip?
The Rekon Race — especially in loose-over-hardpack or off-camber turns. Less of a transition to the side knobs makes them more forgiving.
Which tire performs better in mud?
The Aspen sheds mud better than the Rekon Race and doesn’t pack up as easily in wet conditions thanks to its wider knob spacing.
What about inserts?
Definitely. I run both with Vittoria Air-Liners↗️ and typically 13–18 PSI depending on course conditions.
What’s the best combo for unknown terrain?
Rekon Race front / Aspen rear. It balances grip, flat resistance, and rolling speed. If know it’s going to be wet — steer clear of the Rekon Race.
Which tire lasts longer?
The Rekon Race usually wears more slowly and holds cornering/braking grip better over time. The Aspen’s center knobs tend to round off faster.
Where to Buy
Don’t forget the Orange Seal! 🦭Related Gear
Air-Liner Light XC Tire Insert
Insert system for rim protection and lower pressure confidence.
Maxxis Aspen ST 2.4 MaxxSpeed
Semi-slick version of the Aspen. Ideal for hardpack and short track.
Eflator Digital Tire Pump
Compact digital inflator that’s perfect for travel and daily pre-ride top-offs.