MXA TEAM TESTED: DUNLOP GEOMAX MX32 REAR TIRE: 5/5 STARS!

Sep 9, 2014

WHAT IS IT? The Dunlop Geomax MX32 rear tire is a soft- to intermediate-terrain tire that was built to replace the Geomax MX31 and MX51.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Dunlop Geomax MX32 rear tire.

(1) Replacement. The Geomax MX51 rear has been Dunlop’s star player in recent years. It was a rear tire that held its ground on semi-hard to intermediate terrain. The wrecking crew could not say anything bad about the MX51 rear, but also nothing great. It was a workmanlike rear tire. But it is gone, replaced by the new MX32 (for soft to intermediate terrain) and the MX52 (for intermediate to hard conditions).

(2) Changes. Dunlop’s most ballyhooed advancement on the MX32 is its progressive cornering block technology. It is basically a knob within a knob that places a small knob inside an existing one. Additionally, the MX32 features fewer knobs in the center row to allow the pressure to contour the rubber to the ground for increased traction. The rubber has been upgraded with an innovative anti-rebound formula.

(3) Performance. Bottom line? We approve. The new technology allows the tire to grip the ground better. Any time we leaned the bike, whether under braking or on the gas, the MX32 tracked exceptionally well, outperforming the MX51 by leaps and bounds. Straight-line traction was good, but there was a little wallow on less-than-loamy dirt under acceleration. What the MXA test riders liked best was the MX32’s versatility. Although designed for intermediate to soft dirt, it performed well on everything from hardpack to muddy conditions.

(4) Durability. By touch, the knobs feel soft and pliable. We thought the softer rubber would break down quickly, but, lo and behold, we gave this tire a lickin’ and it kept on tickin’. All the knobs stayed intact with no breaking or cracking. The MX32 wore evenly and lasted longer than the MX51. The wrecking crew was impressed that this performance-based tire was so durable.

(5) Value. With the Dunlop MX32 rear, you get what you pay for. The retail price is steep, but this is a high-performance tire that is also durable. If you are a hardcore racer, this tire is worth forking out the dough for, but play riders would be better off with something more affordable.