Mavic

Crossmax Pulse Tire - 29in

Many of Mavic's tires mix compounds and casing types to aim for grip, puncture protection, or other properties that recommend them for use as front- or rear-specific tires. With the Crossmax Pulse 29in Tire, though, the French company went for low weight and low rolling resistance, qualities that are appropriate for both the front and rear tires on a rig built for nothing but XC speed.

Compared to the all-mountain Crossmax Quest XL, the XC Crossmax Pulse Tire features an overall harder mix of compounds. The Quest uses a blend of 50 durometer rubber for the centerline and 40 on the shoulders, while the Pulse uses a 55/50 mix, giving it less shoulder grip but a far lower rolling resistance. The Pulse also eschews any additional puncture protection, relying on its tubeless compatibility to reduce flat risk while enjoying a lower rotational mass compared to Mavic's two-layer, all-mountain tires. The Crossmax Pulse is for big attacks, not big hits.