MAXXIS Rekon Race Mountain Bike Tire Bundle - Durable XC Grip

In this review the focus is on the MAXXIS Rekon Race mountain bike tire bundled with a Cycle Crew tire lever. This package is aimed at cross-country riders who want a fast-rolling rear tire that stays tough on rougher terrain; the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a semi-slick, small-knob tread for speed and EXO sidewall protection for durability, plus a handy tire lever for installation and roadside repairs. The review considers how the 29x2.40 WT profile, tubeless-ready construction, and 120 TPI casing perform in real-world XC and short-track situations.

Key Features

• Rekon Race tread: The small-knob semi-slick design delivers lower rolling resistance for faster acceleration and steady speed on packed XC courses.
• EXO sidewalls: Cut- and abrasion-resistant material protects the tire edges during rockier rides and reduces the chance of sidewall damage.
• Wide Trail (WT) profile: Built to match wider modern rims, the 2.40 in width provides improved contact patch and stability without feeling sluggish.
• Tubeless ready: Allows lower inflation pressures for better grip and fewer pinch flats while still accommodating tubes if needed.
• 120 TPI casing: A higher thread-per-inch count offers a balance of supple ride feel and structural strength for XC use.
• Bundle tire lever: The included Cycle Crew lever makes mount and demount tasks easier during shop installs or trail fixes.

Who It's For

The bundle is best for cross-country and short-track racers or recreational XC riders who want a fast rear tire that can handle light to moderate trail abuse; pairing this Rekon Race as a rear with a more aggressive front tire is a common setup. Riders running modern wider rims (19mm to 35mm internal) who prefer tubeless setups will get the most from the WT design and lower pressures.

Less suitable are riders who need a heavy-duty downhill or enduro tire for sustained big-hit impacts, or those who demand extremely aggressive front-end traction-the Rekon Race is optimized for speed and efficiency rather than maximum biting knobs for steep, loose technical sections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low rolling resistance from the semi-slick, small-knob tread helps maintain speed on packed XC courses.
• EXO sidewall protection reduces cut and abrasion risk on mixed-surface rides.
• Wide Trail 2.40 WT profile improves stability on wider rims and supports confident cornering.
• Included Cycle Crew tire lever is a useful practical addition for installation and repairs.

Cons

• Smaller knobs mean less aggressive bite in very loose or muddy front-end conditions compared with dedicated front tires.
• As a tubeless-ready tire, achieving a perfect seal can still require a quality rim and sealant; some setup effort is needed.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The MAXXIS Rekon Race 29 x 2.40 WT bundle is a smart buy for XC riders who prioritize speed and a dependable rear tire that tolerates rougher lines. The EXO sidewall and tubeless-ready WT design deliver practical durability and improved stability on modern rims, while the included tire lever is a helpful convenience. It represents good value for riders wanting a fast, resilient rear tire without stepping into heavier trail or enduro-specific rubber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tire tubeless compatible?
Yes, the Rekon Race is tubeless ready and can be run with sealant or used with a tube.

What rim width does WT suit?
Wide Trail (WT) tires are designed for modern rims with roughly 19mm to 35mm internal width.

Does the bundle include tools?
Yes, the package includes one Cycle Crew tire lever to assist with mounting and repairs.