Ask Pinkbike: Suspension Setup, Cassette Queries, and Tire Tips

May 30, 2016 at 12:41
by Pinkbike Staff  
Ask Pinkbike Header

Here at Pinkbike we get inundated with all kinds of questions, ranging from the basic "Can I have stickers" to more in-depth, soul-searching types of queries like if you should pop the question or what to name your first child. Ask Pinkbike is an occasional column where we'll be hand-picking and answering questions that have been keeping readers up at night, although we'll likely steer clear of those last two and keep it more tech oriented.




Sag Confusion

Question: Pinkbike user DMezzer asked this question in the downhill forum: I'm having some trouble setting up the 2014 Manitou Dorado that came on my Norco Aurum 6.2 that I picked up last fall. I've only had a handful of rides on it this spring and have never changed the air pressure that the fork came with from the factory until I recently bought a shock pump. When I set the fork's recommended pressure for my weight (65 PSI for my 175lb weight w/ gear on), it's quite stiff - there's maybe only 15% sag - so I'm trying to focus on getting sag to around 30 - 35%. The problem is that with 35% sag, the fork sits nearly a full inch into its travel without any weight on it, and it doesn't extend fully when I lift the bike up and push the wheel down.

Is it typical to lose some of your usable travel with a higher sag setting?


bigquotesYou've got a few things going against you here. First, your sag setting is whack and you're asking for a world of hurt if you ride hard with that setup, not to mention that your bike is going to handle worse than a wagon full of large rocks. Aim for around 20%, regardless of what the recommended air pressure is. Adjust it from there; some riders prefer a bit more, some prefer a bit less.

As for the fork being stuck down in its travel, that is easy to fix. With a Dorado air spring system, the poppet valve that allows the positive and negative air chambers to equalize is open when you screw the shock pump onto the valve. All that's happened is that the fork was probably down in its travel a bit when you last attached the pump, and when you unscrewed the pump the fork was then held down at this point. Attach your shock pump, adjust the pressure so you have a sensible amount of sag, and then pull the stanchions out so they're completely extended before unscrewing the pump. Your bike will now feel approximately twenty times better now that the fork isn't too soft and an inch too short. - Mike Levy

Manitou Dorado
  No fork is going to work well if it isn't setup correctly, not even the impressive Dorado.




11-Speed Cassette on 9-Speed Hub?

Question: cannibalize asks in the Bikes, Parts, and Gear forum: Looking to switch out to an 11 speed drive train, and while I can find an answer in relation to road stuff, I haven't been able to find a solid answer for mountain. Can I run a Shimano 11-speed cassette on an (I assume it's 9 speed, it's an unbranded hub, likely Formula) 9 speed hub?

bigquotesYes, Shimano's 11-speed mountain bike cassettes will work on a 9-speed freehub. This isn't the case with their 11-speed road bike cassettes, which need a different freehub body, but luckily you're riding a mountain bike and don't need to worry about that. That new cassette should install without any issues - enjoy the expanded gear range. - Mike Kazimer
Shimano XT M8000 review
If you already have a 9- or 10-speed Shimano compatible hub there's no need to purchase a different freehub body when upgrading to Shimano's 11-speed drivetrain.



All 'Rounder Tire for an Aggressive Trail Rider

Question: CFIV asks in the All Mountain, Enduro & Cross-Country forum: I am currently running a 2.3 Maxxis Minion DHF front and a 2.4 Ardent rear. I love the Minion, but I would like better climbing traction and braking performance out of my rear tire without sacrificing too much in the rolling resistance department. I am looking at the HR II and DHR II. I ride varied terrain so would like a good all 'rounder. Any experience with these rear tires for aggressive trail and park riding?


bigquotesIf your terrain is suitable for the Maxxis Minion DHF/Ardent combination, then you would also be happy with the DHR II or the High Roller II. The 2.4-inch version of the Ardent has a pretty aggressive tread (completely opposite of the wimpy 2.3-inch version), so the DHR II should brake better and climb about the same. The High Roller II is a popular tire anywhere the trails are beat up (bike park trails come to mind) and it provides all-around grip and a reasonably fast rolling tread. Try the Onza Ibex in a 2.4-inch. It is made at the same factory and is almost identical to the HR II tread pattern, but it has a grippier rubber compound and slightly taller tread blocks. The Ibex will meet your demand for better braking and climbing traction, and it corners faster than the HR II as well. Its transition blocks are better spaced, so you don't have to wait for the edging tread to catch when you lean the bike over. I have been riding both High Roller II and Ibex tires for a number of months and their rolling resistance feels exactly the same - a little slow on pavement, but they wake up considerably once they hit the dirt. - RC

BMC Speedfox 2 Trailcrew 2016
Onza's 2.4-inch Ibex FRC 60 looks like a twin sister to the venerable Maxxis High Roller II. It offers improved grip and is more predictable in the corners.



Have some unresolved tech questions? Jump in the Pinkbike Forum and we'll look to answer it for next time.

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196 Comments
  • 87 6
 Personally, I like the same Onza brand Gwin uses.
  • 7 1
 Ah yes, the Onza Shorty, great in the mud if only I could buy one
  • 3 10
flag mretard (Jun 15, 2016 at 7:30) (Below Threshold)
 I've just moved on to continentals for trail riding, much cheaper than maxxis imo, more grip ive found aswell
  • 27 0
 You have a few things going against you...like not owning a shock pump.
  • 19 1
 Does that trick to equalize pos/neg pressure apply to Rockshox Solo Air forks, too? I have a Revelation that seems to sit at least 10mm into its travel at rest.
  • 12 0
 No, it doesn't work the same.
You may need to put a zip tie into the dust seals to remove a "void" in the lowers.
Or you may have too much oil/grease in the solo air so the negative air chamber doesn't equalize properly.
  • 3 0
 I had that problem. As stated above, grease blocks the channel of air, so the negative chamber pulls the fork down. You have to open the bottom of the spring and let the air out, and then reset it with the shock pump.
  • 15 0
 Had this issue myself. Lock the front wheel under something (or under your feet), pull hard up on the bars to try and extent the forks to top out. You will probably hear a faint fizzle sound as the air equalises. Then go for a ride and flog the f&ck out of them for causing you problems.

Worked for me.
  • 3 0
 I had this problem with a fork I got used. Zip tie in seals didn't quite do it, but unseating the nut from the air side of the lowers (without letting any oil out, a 25 second job) released some negative pressure and now ride height is correct.
  • 1 0
 Worked on my Fox Float 40 if anyone is having this issue.
  • 1 0
 What about a 2008 fox float rlc? Does anybody know about this?
I'll try zip ties, removing nut and pulling methods.
  • 4 1
 The Rock Shox solos have a tiny hole on the air sleeve. A little grease over this opening will suck down the fork. If you release the air and pull out the air spring assembly you can check it. Only need a shock pump and 24 mm socket. Rock Shox's web site will walk you through it step by step..
  • 1 0
 @Uuno:
It seems that you have a negative coil spring, so there is a minimum pressure tu put to extend the fork to the maximum. And the zip tie will only work air side, as you have an open bath if i'm not wrong.
Also check your oil levels.
Pulling method only work with dorado (or maybe other USD forks), as you inflate these forks thru the air piston's shaft, there is a machanism to connect both chambers when the pump push the valve's pin. It won't work at all with your fork, as you don't have any negative air spring.
  • 1 0
 @yeahdog31 I have a pair of Revelation Solos. I took them to my LBS, who stripped them down and rebuilt them. One they were done they ended up at the same level. We measured the actual usage compared with the MM indicator printed on the stanchion and determined that the indicator is wrong. The forks work very well and don't have any complaints about performance.
  • 14 1
 I don't think we can really make a valid dig at road bikers about changing freehubs @mikekazimer , considering the amount of new industry standards released every day for mountain biking....
  • 3 1
 ever wanted to put new race bike parts on a cool old road bike frame?
  • 1 0
 @snowintrees: that's to be expected. I have had Giant Anthems over the last few years that have parts incompatible with the previous year model: wheel size, hub width, bb, headset, steerer tube...
  • 13 0
 May suggest bunging the DHF 2.3 on the back and getting a 2.5 for the front? I was running a 2.35 DHF on the back til not too long ago and it works great.
  • 2 0
 I run a Dhf 2.7 up front and a Dhf 2.5 in the back on my big bike
  • 2 0
 @Gasket-Jeff: I run 2,5 front 2.40 rear nowadays
  • 6 0
 Jared Graves said in his Specialized bike check on here "with Maxxis you just use Minions for everything'

Personally I've always ridden DHF front and rear for everything from DH to XC. Any attempts to deviate from this has led to disappointment
  • 1 0
 I've been wanting a 27.5 2.5" DHF in the front and maxxis only makes them in WT version now... I can't find the non WT versions
  • 6 0
 @CustardCountry: I had Minions (2.5) on front and rear of my DH bike and it was a total drift king. It was a total hoot and incredibly predictable.
  • 4 1
 @nbaumgarten: What rim widths are you on? The WT design works really well down to 28-29mm inner but is optimized around a 35mm inner rim width. Racers have been winning world cups on narrower rims with these same tires so dont hesitate to try a WT tire out.

Also to answer the question of a great rear tire to pair with a front DHF, try out the new Aggressor. It rolls much faster than a High Roller II or DHR II on the rear while offering similar grip at the limit and improved climbing traction over both tires. DHF/Aggressor is the combo of the year.
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: how is braking traction on the aggressor compared to a DHR II
  • 2 0
 @CustardCountry: god bless you on muddy conditions with Minions Razz
  • 5 0
 @mikeyspaff: The Aggressor brakes a lot better on hardpack since there are so many braking edges but the DHR II wins out on looser terrain due to the open pattern allowing better knob penetration. Hope this helps.
  • 5 0
 Kiss my 26'' ass, Maxxis Razz
  • 9 0
 @Maxxis: I've been looking for better knob penetration lately after a prolongued dry spell.
  • 1 0
 @maxxis are there plans to release the aggressor is a wt? My concern that Maxxis tires have been more narrow than some resulting in a less than desirable profile for those running wide rims (I have 30mm internal). How would the existing 2.3 work with a wider rim?
  • 1 0
 @DragRider: I love Minions in the wet, although that's why I still have a set of 2.5 Wet Screams and a 2.5 Swamp Thing which pairs nicely with a 2.2 Cut down wet scream to choose from when the weather it really bad
  • 1 0
 @ryan83: The Aggressor actually works really well on wider rims. The Ibis factory enduro team has been running them for the last 1.5 seasons on their 941 rims.
  • 14 1
 Aggressive, all-arounder Trail tire combo:

Magic Mary front
Bontrager SE5 rear
  • 10 0
 Agreed - that's a solid combination.
  • 113 0
 I'm waiting for a tire company to make a front tire called "business" and a rear called "party"
  • 12 0
 @dtax: Shut up and take my money!!!
  • 24 0
 @dtax: as soon as Transition start making tires.
  • 6 0
 @dtax: yes! the Mullet Combo.
  • 5 0
 @dtax: The Mullet tire combo for all your banjo playing needs!
  • 2 0
 @dtax: lol this!
  • 3 1
 @dtax: I'd buy it
  • 1 0
 also, Continental Kaisers in hot chili compound. used them on my big bike for 1.5 year, now trying the Mary's to see what's better. and IF they are better than DHF/DHR combo i use as a benchmark
  • 2 0
 MM Front DHR 2 rear - solid!
  • 2 0
 @headshot: gonna try that, bruh. seems like total cornering grip and braking bite.
  • 8 2
 I like the Nobby Nic in back and Hans Damf in front. I never ride pavement, so I went with the Trail Star compound this year, as opposed to Pace Star last year. I think the softer rubber makes a big difference on wet rocks and roots. Feels comfy and grippy in the dry, as well.
  • 2 0
 I run the same combo..I use pace star in the back for compound.
  • 10 1
 I found HD the worst front tyre I've ever used. Been happy with it at the back but the new NN better out back until it disintegrated. Hated every ride with the HD leading the way. Sorry to be negative! I know tyre choice can be quite personal but had to give me 2c.
  • 5 1
 @ThomDawson Same here. The HD--especially in a 2.35--is great out back but I'll take anything with a more square profile out front before putting it out there.
  • 9 3
 Love my Hans Damph up front!
  • 5 1
 I have the same HD and NN combo, and love it, front and back respectively. Great tire combo, and pretty light.
  • 2 2
 @ThomDawson: Hows the weather in negative town?
  • 4 0
 Surprised no one is mentioning conditions they like/dislike their tires. Makes all the difference.
  • 3 1
 @sevensixtwo: The HD has absolutely no wet grip, especially on roots or slick sections of trail. I've eaten too many stumps from trusting Hans, and I now run the grippier, and much cheaper SE5 front and SE4 rear
  • 1 0
 @allix2456 thanks man! I rode a demo bike on holiday in Los Angles which had HD's. Rode great, but it's bone dry there. The only time I see HD's on pro enduro bikes is when racing on super dry courses. For the rest of us that can't change tires everyday for weather, HD seems like a bad choice.
  • 1 0
 Anyone have good all-around tire suggestions in the 700gram weight range? Currently I ride Nobby Nics - they're great all around and light, but they're a little sketchy on hard pack...
  • 4 0
 @sevensixtwo: You should try magic mary up front with rock razor out back...
  • 1 0
 @ThomDawson: My experience of an NN is the same, it just can't take rocks and there are some shockingly big gaps between the centre tread that leave the carcass exposed. It doesn't seem to roll well on smoother stuff either....I cannot understand what surface it's actually good for, unlike the Magic Mary up front which is the nuts!!! I'm going to try a DHR2 on the back of my trail bike instead of the NN and for my DH rear when it's drier swap out the Mary for a Hans Dampf.

I don't get all the HR2 comments about transitioning it over on the rear. It's an issue on the front but never found it matters on the rear.
  • 2 1
 @ThomDawson: completely agree - HD up front is a joke, completely unpredictable drift.
  • 2 0
 @sevensixtwo: ok just to clarify I'm talking about all uk weather/ conditions. As said above the HD was particularly bad in wet and on roots or buffed limestone, Welsh slate, pretty much anything but sand-paper-like sandstone. It gets clogged in mud because of its close spacing. Gripwise it's just ok in the dry, any tyre is 'ok' in dry. Fast rolling I thought but at the detriment of much grip.
  • 1 0
 @ThomDawson: have heard of guys cutting the intermediate knobs on the HD and being happier with it. Likely depends on your terrain.
  • 1 0
 @powderturns: I can see how that might work. The shoulder knobs seem a little weedy if left to do much of the work on their own though..?
  • 1 0
 Used to like the HD - then I tried a DHR 2 and the Magical Mary up front. DHR 2 and MM are very similar - MM edges it slightly. HD is a reasonable all rounder but not up there when the chips are down..
  • 2 0
 @Longtravel: been running that combo all through the muddy British winter out of reluctance to buy a new tyre. Rear's all over the place in the wet, great fun.
  • 1 0
 @ThomDawson: Same here, did not like the HD at all, thanks to the intermediate knobs it is slippery in corners if not leaned over hard but if you lean it all the way over the crappy soft side knobs fold over and let go. Switched over to specialized butcher up front and am much happier. Riding mostly intermediate and hardpack terrain
  • 9 0
 I love HR IIs. I run a 2.4 on the front and the rear. Works great for me.
  • 2 0
 Same. Love 'em!
  • 7 0
 Interesting the aggressor still isn't really in these conversations. Have been looking at one to replace my wearing HR2 out back based on reviews I've read.
  • 4 0
 Definitely check it out. In my experience, it's a decently fast rolling tire, good climbing traction, predictable cornering, and pretty good braking traction. Good all-rounder IMO.
+1 for Double-Down too, if your terrain calls for it.
  • 3 0
 DHF/Aggressor combo FTW. Just look at any Richie Rude bike check this season, then look at the series standings.
  • 8 0
 Happy with my dhf/hr2 combo. Onzas look interesting tho
  • 1 0
 Best combo I have found! Predictable and wear good!
  • 8 3
 On a side note I have just put a set of 3" Surly Dirt Wizards on and they grip like crazy - reminds me of Gazzalodis back in the day.
  • 2 2
 try the 3.8 surly nates! it is absurd what you can get away with on them.
  • 4 0
 Gazzalodi's, there's that early 2000's 26+ cred.
  • 1 0
 @fartymarty on a 26"? I'm curious if those fit into 26" frames and forks or if they're really a plus sized tire. If you fit them, how was clearance?
  • 2 0
 @powderturns: The Dirt Wizards are on my Krampus (29+). The Gazzas were 24x3 on a 26" frame. There are a few piccys on my profile.
  • 16 12
 PB selling Maxxis again and again and again !

I'm surprised that the Maxxis Aggressor wasn't mentioned. Maybe Maxxis is trying to clear out as many DHR2 and HR2 before they get left with too much inventory?
  • 2 0
 yeah if maxxis is the context that seems like the obvious choice for the in-between
  • 12 1
 @RollinFoSho, I don't think the Aggressor is going to push the DHR II to the sidelines. The Aggressor is a good all-rounder, especially in drier conditions, but the DHR II still takes the cake when it comes to wetter, steeper terrain.
  • 2 0
 Just put an Aggressor on the back of my Spitfire as a replacement for a very worn DHR. I know it's new versus worn but it seems to roll a bit easier and still work just as well in all other aspects.
  • 36 1
 Uh. Pretty sure he just recommended the onza over the maxxis
  • 2 0
 The DHR IIs are brilliant. I've taken to running them both front and rear on my trail bike. Switching out for a shorty up front when it get properly soft and/or wet. They feel very similar to a dhf but definitely roll faster and are more predictable than the HR2s in corners.
  • 6 1
 @ibishreddin: maxxis is onza... Well that's what Arron gwin thinks anyway!
  • 1 7
flag RollinFoSho (Jun 14, 2016 at 13:16) (Below Threshold)
 Sure, he recommended a tire from a sister company Onza, made by the same company CSI in Taiwan. There are many other great tires by other companies that could have been mentioned, is all I'm saying. Onza Ibex definitely worth a try. We are all well aware of the DHF, DHR2, HR2. If you don't these then you are new to PB.
  • 6 1
 I was a Maxxis fanboi for the last 10 years until I tried the Michelin Rock'r2 and Grip'r2. I can get rid of my inventory now as I found the perfect combo for the Alps. Completly different level compared to all the others.
  • 4 0
 @dhridernz:

DHR2 front and rear seems like a very popular combo these days in BC
  • 1 0
 @RollinFoSho: Yep, that's what I've been running the last few years, and have nothing but good things to say. Much preferred over DHF. Better braking and no squirmy feeling.
  • 2 2
 @RollinFoSho: To be fair, the guy asked about Maxxis tires specifically in his question.
  • 1 5
flag RollinFoSho (Jun 14, 2016 at 15:59) (Below Threshold)
 @TheR:

That's exactly my point.

Examples:

Ask Pinkbike. April.05 2016
Maxxis Aggressor?
(-no explanation needed)

Ask Pinkbike. Jan.26 2016
Bontrager SE4 or Maxxis DHR II Front Tire?
(- no mention of SE5 or other good tires)
  • 15 1
 @RollinFoSho, I'm not quite sure what you're getting at. We choose the questions for Ask Pinkbike from the forums. If a user asks about how a certain tire performs, it wouldn't make sense to start talking about a different brand in the response. That'd be like answering the question, "What does an apple taste like?" by talking about oranges. Maxxis is an extremely popular brand, so it only makes sense that their tires will end up the topic of discussion in more than one Ask PB column.

We review lots of tires over the course of each year, including the SE5 that you keep mentioning: www.pinkbike.com/news/bontrager-se5-team-issue-tire-review-2015.html.
  • 2 12
flag RollinFoSho (Jun 14, 2016 at 16:43) (Below Threshold)
 @mikekazimer:

You guys are choosing the questions and answers, notice a pattern? Thanks for most of what you guys do, I'm just giving some constructive criticism.
  • 9 5
 Contental trail kings 2.4 apex protection front and rear. I regularly ride out 30k on them with my enduro. Couldnt be happier.
  • 3 0
 They are good, grippy tyres but I find my 2.4 is noisy as f*** and drags twice as much as my hr2, hr wtb Bronson and panaracer fire ever did
  • 5 0
 DHF up front and Aggressor in the rear! playful, fast, great in corners, and durable. the Highroller II in the rear is super fun and playful but i have had durability and traction issues on really sharp rocky terrain (any tire would though) - not terrible though.
  • 1 0
 I run the TK 2.4 Apex Protection in the front but a 2.4 Mountain King in the back. I find that the bike rolls a lot better and do not have the feeling that the rear end is sketchy...I am not too fast, though!
  • 1 0
 2.3 hr2 exo 3c up front and 2.3 aggressor dd dual compound on the rear to hold up to the rocks a bit better, grips awesome and I found the ardent 2.4 lacking traction on steep climbs and pinched real easy
  • 1 0
 Currently running this as a rear tire with a 2.35 MM super gravity up front. So far so good. The contis tread doesnt seem to wear but the sidewalls do. I'm seeing threads after a couple months of use
  • 1 0
 Iunno, I haven't any problems with them aside from the road chomping em a little quicker then others, not like I ride the road a lot... they're designed to compliment eachother if you run the tread patterns the right way, I like the way they feel now, a little worn down, but not dead...haha might have to get a set of them there tread snips...if i had the money for new tires every two monthsXD
  • 2 0
 @santoman: the mountain kings, for me, had some durability issues and did not hold up as well in the corners. but that is just my style, i like to lean my bike deep into turns. Im now a full Maxxis convert
  • 3 0
 I see a lot of people a liking the HR2's - but I don't like them as much as the original High Rollers. They don't seem to grip as well and easy to wash out.. Although I have found them better when it is dry and loose!
  • 2 0
 I'm in the same boat man. I have hr2s on my dh bike and an OG high roller on the rear of my AM bike and I prefer the original for sure.
  • 2 0
 Same with me, i cant cornering hard or braking hard with my HR2 in the slippery tracks. I'm using HR2 both front and rear. Really good in the dry and dusty track, but when the rain start to pour that time i usually have the troubles. Want to try the Magic Mary-Hans Dampf combo. Will they serve as a good all around tires?
  • 1 0
 @zulki-fly: I am running MMs on the front and they are superb you can apply a heap a pressure with no slip. Can't comment on the Hans Dampfs as I am now running Butchers on the back.
  • 1 0
 @zulki-fly: I've also been looking at the MM/HD combo so I'm curious too.
  • 2 0
 @StackingItSince1991: I'm a bit curious with Schwalbe's durability. I've always been a Maxxis fans for a decade until i moved to a place and trails that have such a glossy mud and rocks when wet. Heard Schwalbe's thread shoulder torn easily, is it true?
  • 1 0
 @zulki-fly: I've heard that too. I've only just changed over to the MM's for the winter and mostly where I ride there aren't any hard, sharp rocks that are that hard on tires.
  • 1 0
 @zulki-fly: I'm currently using magic Mary trailstar upfront and hans dampf pacestar out back. The MM is an awesome and I can't see me using anything else now on the front. The HD in pacestar compound is awful though. Sure it's fast rolling but there is virtually no grip anywhere and I'm not impressed with the tyre life
  • 2 0
 @zulki-fly: Good news! We're starting to offer 3C MaxxGrip on some of our lighter EXO trail tires for riders that need to pedal through wet rocks, slimy roots, and slick mud but dont want to pedal a DH-weight tire around. The DHF is currently available with a choice of dual compound, 3C MaxxTerra, or 3C MaxxGrip depending on your trail conditions and how much you are concerned with treadwear.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: its an honest question,did it come in 26'?
  • 1 0
 @zulki-fly: These options are only on the 27.5 tires at the moment but anything could happen in the future based on demand.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: How about the max terra compound, if you go for the number of grips from both compound will it be 85 for maxx grip and 45 for max terra?
Or just close call like 85-65?
  • 1 0
 Questioning sag setting for DHill forks... should you set the sag on flat ground in a seated or standing position or attempt to do it at a DHill angle (not exactly sure how to do this without grabbing the brakes). I've also got a dorado that is way to stiff with hardly and sag at the recommended air pressures. Even installed the IAT in the air spring leg in hopes of reducing the pressure a bit without giving up midstroke support.
  • 2 0
 If on flat ground, I roll then put pressure on the handlebars, otherwise, I elevate the rear wheel to simulate the general terrain I use my DH for.
  • 2 0
 How much do you weigh and what pressure are you running? Also, the IAT you mean the Dorado equivalent of air tokens right? Not the IRT which is a secondary air chamber piece?
  • 1 0
 @intensemack10: about 195lbs geared up and yes...IAT setup like tokens running with 2 spacers.
  • 1 0
 @intensemack10: pressure is at 65psi
  • 1 0
 @stupordave: Hmmm, I'm About 160 or so and run 60-65 psi. I generally like my suspension on the plush / active side.

It sounds like the fork is not performing as it should. When was it last serviced?
  • 1 0
 @intensemack10: just brought it from a local. Said it was just serviced prior to selling. I can remove the spring leg and let all the air out and it still has pressure inside. If I pump it a few times through its travel (feels smooth) it seems to suck in some air from somewhere and I can release more out. I just figured it was the negative chamber equalizing and allowing air to escap to the positive side. Think I need to tear it all down? The inside of the bottom chamber where I installed the IAT was pretty clean and seemed to have the right amount of lube in it.
  • 7 2
 just buy a minion ss and your troubles will be gone.
  • 15 5
 said no one ever
  • 4 0
 My troubles aren't gone, but I've been really surprised with the SS. Corners better than the Rock Razor (I think it's because the shoulders grab a little earlier) and I've been shocked that it has decent traction in most conditions short of really greasy slop. Aggressor front/SS rear has become my favorite summer setup.
  • 1 0
 @DrPete: I like a fast rolling rear also. SS, RR, Slaughter all worth a look to speed up your climbs a tad whilst still being able to corner well. I think Bruni took his win on the Slaughter DH, and as we all know that for sure justifies it for everyone else (joke).
  • 2 0
 love this rear tire , HR2 up front with SS rear . No trouble climbing and i keep coming back to this setup it just works
  • 2 0
 I ran a Slaughter all winter in BC and was absolutely amazed at the grip it provides. Obviously compromised in real mucky situations and not great on wet roots (nothing really is though), but a shocking amount of grip overall.
  • 3 0
 Been considering both of these.....would appreciate some thoughts....

How does the minion SS cope with abrasive rocks and wear/punctures?

Same question for the Aggressor?

Cheers
  • 1 0
 @Travel66: I've got a couple hundred miles on the SS and it's wearing surprisingly well. Aggressor is very impressive as well. The fact that both are dual compound seems to keep them pretty durable. Aggressor is available in the Double Down casing if you want something sturdier, and rumor from Maxxis is that the Minion SS is coming in DD as well, but for now the Silkworm EXO version has had no puncture issues to speak of.
  • 1 0
 @DrPete: thanks dude
  • 2 0
 @Travel66:

i can vouch for the slaughter rear, its also cheeper then the Minion SS
  • 3 0
 @DrPete: Not a rumor, this fall you should start seeing DoubleDown tech on the Minion SS, High Roller II, Minion DHR II, and Griffin tires. The Griffin, previously designed as a bike-park tire, is now also going to be available in a trusty EXO/TR construction for trail riders looking for a little extra speed.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: Sweet! Looking forward to it.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: please make DD casing tires in 26x2.5/2.4 size!
  • 1 0
 @mate1998: Minion DHF is already there.
  • 1 0
 @DrPete: not in DD according to Maxxis
  • 1 0
 @mate1998: I have a DHF 27.5x2.5 DD sitting in my garage.
  • 1 0
 @mate1998: never mind, I'm an idiot. Wasn't looking at 26.
  • 1 0
 As a Schwalbe fanboy I just bought a 2.4 Ardent to go on the rear to see how it goes against the Mary up front...any opinions welcome as it hasn't arrived yet. I wanted something faster rolling and a little looser for summer? I've been running the ikons on my DJ and really like em so could be a convert if the Ardent works well.
  • 5 4
 It won't.
  • 1 0
 @NotDannyHart: work well?
  • 2 0
 it may want to step put on you a little on hard cornering but you should like it. I like them in the front as well with like a minion ss in the rear, they roll very good and have surprisingly good traction but loose their edge after about 300 miles as a front tire I have found.
  • 3 0
 Ardent 2.4 has been a great rear tire. Big volume, pretty light, fast rolling and predictable traction. Good durability too, but I wouldn't put it up front.
  • 2 0
 If you can find one, the 2.4 ADvantage wipes the floor with the Ardent in my opinion and I've ridden them back to back several times on varying terrain. It's a tire that was ahead of it's time I think- high volume, nice big side knobs and works well in all kinds of conditions.
  • 1 0
 Oh, 26" only btw... so you're out of luck if you're running a different wheel size!
  • 1 0
 @gtrguy: yeah I'm on them new fangled 275 wasamajigs...never heard of the advantage I'll give it a goosey
  • 1 0
 @maxlombardy: have you tried it up front? I actually like the 2.4 up front more so than in the rear, I think its due to the round profile and predictable traction and good corner and transition knobs.
  • 1 0
 @gtrguy: yer I had some of those, they were great, but sold my 26" HT
  • 1 0
 i wish to buy the cane creek the dbinline. now i've a cube fritzz 160 from 2014, i've looked into a lot of threads online or forms some people are fitting the shock to there frame with 2mm of clearance should i go for it? should i try find an other shock with the same adjustments durability?

cheers guys
  • 5 0
 2mm should be enough. As long as you are confident that throughout the entire shock stroke there is no contact with the frame, go for it.
  • 2 0
 @flattire: oh don't worry about that i'll have the air out and compress the shock to ensure that it doesn't touch the frame, is there any other shock that overs the same adjustments?
  • 3 0
 Ibex 2.4 are good. They roll quite quickly and aren't stupidly expensive. Otherwise you cant beat a Minion F on both ends.
  • 1 0
 WTB Trailboss is bomb proof and the rolling resistance is stellar - DHR II and HR II are slower. I haven't had a chance to compare with the Michelene stuff but it sounds like they are producing great stuff!
  • 2 0
 I really like the new WTB patterns, @nicolai12, but the compounds wear out too fast. I've gone through three Vigilantes in the past two years and I can get better wear with Maxxis. I'm more interested in the Aggressor. Moto treads are where it's at though.
  • 3 0
 Attention Specialized: Bring back the SX casing Butcher. Everything else sucks, SX please.
  • 1 0
 The Butcher Grid would be my preferred choice over the SX if they hadn't got rid of half the volume. A 2.3" SX was a good meaty tyre, my Grid is as good but doesn't have the volume of the old SX however seems to be as grippy and more puncture proof.
  • 1 0
 Onza is better around than a HR2, except in the wet and then it is sh1t. As it is wet 80% of the time in the uk, Onza isn't going to get much use from me...
  • 1 0
 Same here, they work in the dry and I have been happy to use them on the rear for trail but just not good enough for DH when it's muddy...they don't work up front in normal UK conditions
  • 2 0
 Are there other maxxis tires that have different tread between widths? Didn't realize that was a thing
  • 1 0
 from what i understand, the only real difference between HRII 2.3 and 2.4 is size of the tread knobs, casing is the same.
  • 4 0
 I'm assuming you are talking about the gap between the center knobs, intermediate knobs, and cornering knobs? If so, that is a measurement we work to optimize on each tire. It's also the largest change in tire profile when you start playing with different rim widths. We do optimize knob size, height, and spacing on each different wheel size and tire width in order to provide a proper contact patch and predictable performance.
  • 2 0
 @Maxxis: yup mike mentioned in the article that he preferred the 2.4 ardent'a more aggressive tread over the 2.3's so I assumed that meant knob height / size. don't know if it's standard practice to tweak the design across variations in width and wheel size but that's really cool that you do. been running 2.3 dhr2's front and back for awhile on my trail bikes for awhile. my favorite tire so far. curious to try the SS or aggressor in the rear and a 2.4 up front next. thanks for the reply and don't stop making 26's! my Chilcotin and DH bike will love you long time
  • 4 0
 @niccolope: We're not, 26" Minion SS is already out and the Aggressor is coming very soon in 26x2.30".
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis: Great news! Now bring back the ADvantage 2.4... killer tire!
  • 1 0
 has anyone tried the ONZA IBEX in the wet? I have bike on order that comes with them in a 29x4 and I'm hearing they are not good in the wet at all.
  • 1 0
 They work great, at least the FRC120 type that I run does great in wet rocks. Soft grippy compound and lots of traction.
  • 2 1
 If the onza is so similar to the hr II then why is gain running blacked out maxxis? Just curious.
  • 1 0
 Gwin*
  • 2 0
 @mixmastamikal: onza do not have an intermediate tread like the shorty. They need to expand their range real quick if they want Gwinner on their tires
  • 1 0
 Basically cos they don't have a shorty
  • 2 1
 I don't really like maxxis dhr or hr2. Dhf is the best. Anyone try kenda navigals? (Hope I didn't open a worm can)
  • 9 2
 Nevegals?! I can smell troll bait from you for a mile my friend!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Nevegals were the best tire I ever had...until I tried somqethin else! I think the tire that I had befor the Nevegal was a Panaracer Smoke 1.95 from 1994.
  • 2 0
 DHF front and Tomahawk rear. I've been pumped.
  • 4 5
 Only RC would tell someone to go buy onza tires.
Let me guess. Some dinosaur buddy of his from the old days is still holding a job at onza?
Just retire already so somebody else can take your place.
  • 3 2
 20% sag seated or in the attack position?
  • 11 0
 attack
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