A mountain bike's tyres are the only part of the bike in contact with the ground and they are the first part of your suspension system, so they are super important. Modern tyres are pretty complicated so I sat down with Aaron Chamberlain from Maxxis to find out more about them. Tread pattern, compound, bead, casing, puncture protection, width, pressures, we discuss it all. Tyre selection is critical and hopefully this conversation will help you make the right choices. So sit back, hit play and find out all about modern mountain bike tyres from Maxxis' Aaron Chamberlain.

You can find out more about the Maxxis range by heading to maxxis.com. To find out more about Maxxis tyre technology, head here.

You can follow Maxxis on Instagram @maxxistires or @maxxisbike where you can also get help and support. If you want some help but don't use Instagram, then you can email them on socialmedia@maxxis.com.

Supporting Partners

Muc-Off

Muc-Off, have a wide range of post-wash products to keep your bike looking and running sweet. From the range of lubes for all weather conditions, to Silicon Shine which not only makes your bike look great and helps stop the mud sticking, but it also makes your suspension feel silkly smooth if you spray it on your stanctions. Check out their Waterless Wash too for those occasions where the bike needs a bit of a clean but it doesn't warrant a full wash.

The Muc-Off bike specific pressure washer literally makes washing your bike a blast. You have got the chance to win your very own pressure washer bundle by entering our competition before the end of June over at downtimepodcast.com/muc-off.

Downtime listeners can also get 20% off at muc-off.com. All you need to do is use the code DOWNTIME20 at the checkout. It's a single use code, so make the most of it (code does not apply to sale items).

PNW Components

The Range Handlebar from PNW Components combines comfort from compliant 2014 aluminium with control from a more relaxed back sweep and upsweep. Add a 30mm rise, and the PNW Components Range Handlebar creates the perfect blend for your most demanding rides. And unlike most things in the bike industry, they’re actually in stock and available now. Visit pnwcomponents.com to learn more.

Podcast Stuff

My 2021 Spring/Summer merch is here, including our first ever recycled t-shirts. If you want to support the podcast, and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that's using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop.

Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments.

For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast.

Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to subscribe. It’s free and means you’ll get every episode delivered to your device as soon as it’s available. You'll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. While you're there, why not join our newsletter, to get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday, full of interesting bike-related stuff, competitions, product recommendations and more.

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Photo - Boris Beyer