Shorty Gen 1

Bike Radar
“This means impressive braking and, in particular, cornering traction in the sloppiest, softest ground. Surprisingly, it performed pretty well in our roll-down tests too.

The 3C compound and siped centre tread generates decent grip on wet rocks and roots, and the well-supported tread blocks stand up to hard cornering loads well.” – Seb Scott, BikeRadar.com, February 2017

Mountain Bike Rider
MBR.co.uk spent a whole year testing the Shorty and rated it an impressive 9/10:
“Maxxis’ superb 3C rubber formula is a big factor in the performance — it feels predictable everywhere and lasts reasonably well considering the grip on offer. The spaced-out Shorty knobs are noticeably slow rolling, and a tad lumpy on hard surfaces, but the 830g weight and mid-thickness casing, with EXO protection, add up to just about a perfect blend for most UK winter trail riding.

As a tough, versatile, aggressive trail tyre that can handle wet or dry conditions, the Shorty is 99 per cent sorted.” – James Smurthwaite, MBR.co.uk, January 2015

Pink Bike
“When it comes down to it, the Shorty is still a specialist, and although the range of conditions it works well in is broader than its full-spike relatives, for most riders it won’t be a tire that they put on and forget about for the rest of the year like a Maxxis Minion or a High Roller II. On the other hand, when conditions warrant, the Shorty is an excellent choice for blasting through the muck and mire, and it remains usable even as the trail begins to dry out.” – Mike Kazimer, PinkBike.com, February 2015

Worldwide Cyclery
WorldCyclery.com said the “Shorty was able to handle anything we threw at it”:

“The Shorty was able to handle anything we threw at it. The open tread pattern shed enough mud to keep the tire clean and digging in to the trail. The shorter spike design keeps the knobs from squirming on rocks and roots. Maxxis killed it with the Shorty tire!” – Max Morgan, WorldCyclery.com, February 2018

Single Track World
Single Track Magazine’s, James Vincent, put the Shorty through its paces and here is his verdict:

“In fact, I struggled to find the limits of the tyre, and only begrudgingly took it off when I realised that A) I had other tyres to test, and B) it might be nice to save some of that outstanding grip until winter, rather than burning it all up in one glorious summer.” – James Vincent, SingleTrackWorld.com, March 2019

Dirt Mountain Bike
Dirt Mountain Bike dubbed the Shorty “a tyre that gives predictable and confident handling in both wet and mixed conditions”, here’s what else they had to say:

“The larger volume and tough sidewall casing (our choice is the reinforced EXO option), gives good support and control even at lower pressures. With a weight of just over 800g, these aren’t going to hold you back. They set up tubeless easily and the 3C compound gives great traction without wearing out too quickly… For off-piste natural riding when real grip is needed this Maxxis rubber is a great choice.” – Sean White, DirtBikeMountain.com, April 2017

Vital MTB
VitalMTB.com rated the Shorty a solid 4.5 stars out of 5:

“For its intended purpose and conditions the Maxxis Shorty is a no brainer, allowing riders to get away with murder on the trail and ride out of some ridiculous lines with confidence… They will inspire confidence and see you push loose corners to new speeds and induce loads of sound-effects on your way down the trail!” – AJ Barlas, VitalMTB.com, June 2014

Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, March 2020:
“I’ve never bought winter tyres before. I’ve always just muddled through, saving cash. I now realise thats a false economy. These tyres offer great grip in a range of wet sloppy British conditions. I’m running these front and rear on my Whyte 130CRS which is a trail bike that I ride like an Enduro”

Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, March 2020:
“Thanks to the mild German winters, trails become pretty funny from Dec – April. The Shorty on the Front of the trail bike helps a lot to wallow in and through the mud these days.”

Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, September 2019:
“Had it fitted to the rear on my 29er and grabbed like crazy on everything from soaked roots to gravel berms.”

Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, June 2019:
“What can I say about this tyre – it is simply awesome!

Grips like a boss on wet loam, roots, clay, etc. and clears quickly. Rolling speed is surprising fast – faster than a DHR2 in my opinion. Grip is more than respectable on dry hardback and rock although not as good as a DHF – but the second you get in the Forest or after a sprinkling of rain – the Shorty is back in front.

The best UK all year front option out there!”

Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, November 2018:
“Perfect tire for aggressive riding in all-weather conditions. Mounted tubeless without any issues on 20mm inner width rim even though it’s a WT tire! I run it on a hardtail mounted front at 1.6-1.7 bars, paired with another Shorty 2.3 on the back at 1.9bar. Maxxterra 3C lasts for ages mounted front.”

Rider, ChainReactionCycles.com, July 2017:
“One of the best… Mud or dry it does the job”