Geax Aka 29×2.2 tyres review

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Geax’s very fast (in the right conditions) Aka tyre. Now in 29er size

The choice of 29er tyres continues to grow with more being offered up every year, and one of the fastest we’ve yet tested is the Geax Aka.
Now available in a 29in size, Geax’s Aka tyre is vying for the crown of fastest 29er tyre. Based on our time on several rides recently, it stands a very good chance. It’s seriously rapid in the right conditions. And that’s right now; we came back from our last ride covered in dust.
It is these dry conditions that the Aka is designed for. Anything comprising hardpack, loose dirt, sand and dust is where the tyre is really good. Over roots as as well the tyre performs impressively.
The Geax Aka boasts a rounded profile tyre with a proper 2.2in width and shoulder knobs that give a nice and smooth progression over onto the edge of the tyre. When the grip does run out, does so in a smooth and predictable manner.


Fast in dry and drying conditions, the closely-packed tread pattern gives incredible speed.

The closely-packed tread consists of small angular blocks repeated in neat rows across the carcass, giving very good rolling speed in a straight line. Hit the power out of the corner and the acceleration is fantastic. Braking performance is good too, with the multitude of blocks giving good traction.
With the current dry conditions the Geax Aka is a good tyre for front and rear use. As the trails start to get a little mushier we would still consider the Aka a good choice for a rear tyre, paired with something with a bit more bite up front.


Oodles of small blocks make for a tyre that’s grippy under braking too.

It’s not the lightest tyre at 690g on our scales though, which might put off serious weight weenie racers. Trail riders wanting a fast-rolling and grippy tyre will benefit from the tougher sidewalls and increased durability. We’d probably take the extra weight of the TNT tubeless-ready version and reap all the benefits of a tubeless set-up.

Verdict
The UK might not be blessed with dry trails as often as we’d like, but then the conditions are right, the Geax Aka tyre is one of the fastest.
Pros
Fast, very fast
Good price
Durable
Cons
Slightly heavy for cross-country racers
Limited window of opportunity
More information: Geax Aka
UK supplier: Chicken Cycles
Price: £30.99
Sizes: 26 x 2.0, 26 x 2.2, 27.5 x 2.2, 29 x 2.0, 29 x 2.2
What Geax says about the Aka tyre
The AKA was designed to dominate in situations where the knob must penetrate the ground without digging, and offer exceptional grip without slowing the wheel down. Even adverse terrains like gravel, sand, and grass aren’t a match for this directional, well spaced, small blocked pattern. Gato-derived side knobs round out the profile, providing predictable cornering even when conditions get moist. It’s the choice of pro slopestyle rider Cam Zink, not because it’s a do-it-all tyre… because it’s a DOMINATE-it-all tyre.


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