Frames from very small to very large, bikes from every category and customised without drifting into extreme price regions. Considering that Maxx is a rather small forge, the Rosenheim-based company has taken on quite a lot. But perhaps the Bavarians have found their niche with this individual yet versatile programme.
Maxx was even able to provide us with the brand new Pacemaxx just in time for this test. A bike with rarity value, as new products in the touring bike segment are otherwise few and far between. The idea behind the new Pacemaxx: A particularly high level of riding stability, thanks to a geometry based slightly on mountain bikes. Maxx also relies on high rigidity with a tapered head tube, 180-kilo approval, thru axles and a universal derailleur hanger from Sram. The latter is practical if you need a replacement on the road. The internally routed cables, on the other hand, are debatable in the context of cycle touring. However, the cables are still easy to reach through the large openings in the frame. Nice to see: Our test bike is clearly the cheapest in our comparison test of stable touring bikes, despite being customised to our needs.
Facts at a glance: Maxx Pacemaxx
- Bike category: Trekking/travelling bike
- Drive: Chain
- Gear system: Shimano Cues U8000 (2 x 11)
- Translation: 36 / 22; 11 - 45 Z.
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT 420 (four-piston)
- Tyres: Schwalbe Smart Sam, 57 mm
- Lighting system: f. / h. B & M IQ-X, 100 Lux / B & M Dart Plus
- Pannier rack: Tubus Logo Evo, 26 kg; Lowrider Duo 15 kg each
- Frame sizes: S to 3XL
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium
- Permissible total weight: 180 kg
- Warranty: 10 years
- Special features: Very wide range of sizes, thru axles and high weight approval, equipment via configurator
Driving safety en masse: how the Pacemaxx rides
In keeping with the touring bike theme, Maxx is sending the Pacemaxx to the editorial team with a configuration that offers great handling qualities. Wide Smart Sam tyres provide comfort and traction even off the beaten track. The mudguards are designed to match. Even with wide tyres, there is still enough clearance. Comfort handlebars, ergo grips and suspension support mean that there is hardly any comfort missing on the road. Even a frame lock is on board.
The Maxx transported our test luggage with conspicuous ease and safety. Powerful four-piston brakes from Shimano ensure short braking distances even with a heavy load, and the equipment from the SON dynamo to the Busch and Müller IQ-X light and the Tubus racks is of high quality. Even without the trapezoidal shape, the frame realises a low standover height and still scores with high weight clearance and stiffness. Only the seat post has to be chosen long enough due to the short seat tube.
The decidedly durable Linkglide drivetrain from Shimano with 2x11 gears and a significant reduction ratio is a good choice for a bike like this, even if the old XT groupsets seemed a little more valuable to us despite being in a similar price range. As you might have guessed, the Pacemaxx cuts a really good figure as a touring bike. Its only weaknesses are in everyday use. Here, the high weight due to the stable and extensive equipment and the sometimes somewhat sluggish handling can be a hindrance.
BIKE review of the Maxx Pacemaxx
Strengths
- High payload and driving stability
- Comfort even on bad roads
- Good value
Weaknesses
- High weight
- Driving behaviour not very lively
Overall grade: 1.8
For details on the composition of the overall score and comparison with other bikes of similar price and range of use, see below.
BIKE Conclusion
Maxx's new Pacemaxx touring bike is a winner right from the start. The bike impresses with its emphatically confident riding characteristics and high (riding) stability. However, the heavy Maxx is not really lively or lively. The price-performance ratio is fair. - Barbara Merz-Weigandt, Editor-in-Chief MYBIKE
Maxx in comparison: How Pacemaxx performs in the test
In our latest test, we tested five touring bikes from Maxx, Norwid, Patria, Tout Terrain and Velotraum. The requirement: A classy chassis for long tours up to world tours, with reasonably affordable prices of a maximum of around 4000 euros. Here is an overview of the Maxx compared to the competition.
| Touring bikes | Driving safety (20 %) | Driving pleasure (20 %) | Comfort (20 %) | Travel benefits (20 %) | Equipment (20 %) | Overall grade |
| Velotraum | 1,1 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,9 | 1,6 | 1,7 |
| Maxx | 1,1 | 2,9 | 1,6 | 1,5 | 2,0 | 1,8 |
| Norwid | 1,9 | 1,6 | 2,2 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,9 |
| Patria | 2,4 | 1,9 | 1,8 | 1,9 | 1,8 | 1,9 |
| Tout Terrain | 2,3 | 2,8 | 2,3 | 1,5 | 1,7 | 2,1 |
Note: The assessment is category-dependent and is primarily used for comparison within the test group. The grades awarded are based on school grades. A grade of 2.5 is awarded for average performance without any shortcomings.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
