First Look: Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR Tubeless Cyclocross Tire

The growing population of tubeless cyclocross racers now have another tire option from Maxxis, adding to a constantly-growing list of tire companies supporting the tubeless movement that many of us at CXM have adopted with much success.

Just two weeks ago, we brought you news of Ritchey’s upcoming, high-volume tubeless Shield tire, and today we’ve got our hands on the new Mud Wrestler TR tubeless cyclocross tire and have our first look, photographs and weight of the new tubeless tires.

Mud Wrestler Goes Tubeless Ready

A more pronounced TR carbon bead, and EXO sidewall protection. Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR tubeless cyclocross tire. © Cyclocross Magazine

Way back in 2009 at Interbike we first saw Maxxis’ first Mud  Wrestler cyclocross clincher. Back then, the tire was listed at 35c, and came in a 60 tpi casing. Last March, we brought you the news from Frost Bike of Maxxis’ entry into the world of tubeless cyclocross tires with a new Mud Wrestler with a TR (Tubeless Ready) casing, and we’ve got a pair in for testing.

The new Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR comes in a 700x33c size, in a 120 tpi casing. What makes this new version tubeless ready?

The carbon-reinforced bead of the new Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR tubeless clincher. © Cyclocross Magazine

Maxxis’ Derek Bond explained, “We redesigned the bead, it’s not exactly a UST type, but it’s more of a square profile.” Looking at the bead, it’s definitely more pronounced than a standard clincher, although a bit less boxy than a Hutchinson tubeless clincher. The Mud Wrestler TR also utilizes a carbon bead to reduce stretching, similar to what Hutchinson utilized when the company updated its silver tubeless tires after early burp problems with its first generation tires.  

Looking inside the tire, you can see there’s some reinforcement by the bead and up the sidewalls for protection against punctures and sidewall tears during tubeless use. Maxxis also changed the rubber compound to be compatible with any sealant. Bond emphasizes that cyclocross racers should “have the ability to use any sealant without any kind of issue whatsover.”

Carbon bead and sidewalll reinforcement on the Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR tubeless cyclocross tire. © Cyclocross Magazine

The move towards tubeless cyclocross tires should be welcomed by Maxxis fans who are curious about converting to tubeless cyclocross tires, as Maxxis is one of a few brands that we’ve never had good luck with as a tubeless conversion. The non-tubeless Maxxis Mud Wrestler is also the tire that Gunnar Shogren converted to tubeless for the first time at the 2013 Masters Worlds, but had it blow off his rim during the title race.

Use some elbow grease to mount and seat the new Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR tubeless cyclocross tire. © Cyclocross Magazine

Our test tires were close in weight and average 379 grams, just a few grams over the 370g listed weight.

Note, the tire’s packaging makes it clear that you’re not supposed to use tire levers or a compressor. So get ready for a workout when mounting and seating the tire.

Not Just for Mud: Tubeless Adds to the Versatility

Years back, we reviewed the Mud Wrestler as a decent all-around tire in soft dirt or moderately loose dirt, dry and wet grass, and a capable tire in all but the sloppiest mud. The TR casing of the new model just adds to the versatility of the Mud Wrestler.

The knob shape and moderate height actually help the tire roll quite smoothly on hard pack, but it wears out relatively quickly if you spend a lot of your riding on pavement. Taller knobs, or more aggressive treads (such as the Challenge Limus or Schwalbe Rocket Ron) offer more grip in the nastiest stuff, but the Mud Wrestler could be a good bet should you need one tire for most of the season.

Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR tubeless cyclocross tire. © Cyclocross Magazine

If we only had one Maxxis Mud Wrestler we had to combine with a different tire, we would slightly prefer to use this as the front tire. Up front, it has good cornering traction and will last longer.

Stay tuned for our full review and mounted measurements of this soon-to-be-available tubeless version. Will it work well on Road Tubeless rims? NoTubes rims? Converted rims? We’ll be sure to find out.

And for more tubeless tire reviews, don’t miss our tire reviews in Issue 25, available now in print and digital.

Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR Tubeless Cyclocross Tire Specs:

MSRP: $60
Weight: 379g
Width: 33c
Availability: soon
Bead: carbon (do not use tire levers or compressors)
More info: maxxis.com

Maxxis Mud Wrestler TR Tubeless Cyclocross Tire Photo Gallery: