Prototype Maxxis Minion 29" x 2.5" and new DHR 2 Tires - Interbike 2011

Sep 15, 2011
by Mike Levy  
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Maxxis Interbike 2011

Minion DHF in 29" While it can't be denied that big wheelers are both here to stay and offer very different, and sometimes advantageous, ride qualities, the larger diameter hoops haven't yet found the same traction in the aggressive trail and all-mountain world. There are a few good reasons for this, but lack of proper tire selection is one of the most prominent - it doesn't matter how much the bike rips if you're having to stop to fix a flat every twenty minutes or are held back by unpredictable tires. This is changing slowly as manufacturers, both of tires and frames, realize that aggressive riders can also benefit from 29" wheels. A great example of what's to come is Maxxis' prototype 29" Minion DHF shown below, a 2.5" wide high volume tire that uses a tread pattern that has been proven to work well when pushed hard.

Maxxis Interbike 2011

The tire shown above is still in the prototype stages of development, but what you're looking at is basically a Minion DHF tread that has been mated with Maxxis' new 2.5" wide Tubeless Ready (that's the 'TR' on the hot patch) 29" casing. The carcass uses a single ply casing, making it ideal for those all-mountain types who aren't in the market for a boat anchor of a tire, along with a proper UST bead for easy tubeless conversion. We were told that this is one of the very first examples, but we can imagine seeing it being made available in other widths and multiple compound choices as well. The future is looking bright for big wheels.

Maxxis Minion DHR II

Minion DHR 2: Maxxis also had the very first example of their prototype DHR 2 rear tire on hand, so new that it had yet to receive a hot patch on its sidewall. Maxxis had it out on display despite it being the only DHR 2 in existence at this point in time. Thankfully we skipped the Interbike Fashion show, unlike some of the other media outlets, and were able to spot this hidden gem that was squirreled away with the standard production tires.

Taking a cue from many riders who preferred to run the DHF as a rear tire, Maxxis designed the new DHR 2 to make use of cornering knobs that are obviously very similar to what is found on the Minion DHF. The tire's crown knobs have also been completely revised when compared to the original, with the open central channel of its predecessor being closed off by braking lugs that span the width of the tire's crown. Keep in mind that the DHR 2 is still in prototype form, but it is clear to see that Maxxis is listening to riders and have responded with a promising looking new rear tire option. Watch this space for more information.

Visit the Maxxis website to see their entire lineup.

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Reviews and Tech First Looks Tires Maxxis Interbike


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119 Comments
  • 17 3
 The 29ers are coming! Quick, run for your 26er! lol
I've never seen so much talk and coverage on 29" components and bikes until this years Pinkbike Interbike reviews. Sorry 29er haters, the industry is innovating. 26" wheels will always have thier place but soon it will be a large mix.
  • 25 1
 If you weren't concerned before, be concerned now, they are making f'n Minions in 29. Run for the hills.
  • 25 3
 I'm definitely concerned, I'll say it in good old french canadian: "TABARNACK!!! what's with all this 29er hype?"

Screw innovation, 25% faster bullsh*t, I'd like to see 25% faster in rocky, super technical tracks...
Oh wait, a 29er isn't that easy to manoeuver? Oh poor you, you jumped on the fashion-wagon and now you're stuck with a lame bike lol.

Always funny to see girls riding 29ers when they're barely 5 feet tall, very weird imagery lol.
  • 2 6
flag endurocat (Sep 15, 2011 at 11:23) (Below Threshold)
 Here comes another company that tells you,29" wheels?, we got you covered.
Only one problem, WTB has this big tires already and they are not selling well.
Sales on 29" tires is going to the 1.9 - 2.2 users.
  • 13 1
 The WTB tires don't sell well, as they are WTB's. They don't sell well to begin with. 29'er is faster over rocks and roots, you can just plow over them. the 29'er is a wicked thing for many cyclists, and for some, not so much.
  • 5 4
 Sorry guy's, like it or not but the industry does not agree with you, it's becoming obvious with every year. With every innovation came growing pains, you name the component and there were people that hated on it. Don’t be so ignorant to never really test out a 29er when you get a chance. Trust me, I didn’t like the idea of a 29er either when the buzz was rolling in but I was also in the same mind-frame about disk brakes years ago. Keep an open mind; else you might be that only guy on the trail with an old school 26” bike one day. Cheers.
  • 7 2
 Maybe because WTB tires are crap?
  • 2 1
 That was my point, they make the worst tires.

@MFMMDI I agree, I have ridden several 29'ers currently just not a huge fan of them, don't hate them, I just find they suck some of the liveliness out of the bike. But they just plow.
  • 5 2
 @bonfire You just said it: "They just plow". No offense to any one who rides them, but most people I've seen riding on 29ers don't have very good technical skills, and by that I mean they suck at choosing the right lines on a 26" and looking far enough in berms and other areas on a track to not have to slow down and brake all the time, hence pedaling alot more. Sure, a 29er just goes over stuff as if nothing was, and if you do come to slowdown going into a berm, well it'll just roll faster once you pedal out of it...

Personnaly I'll stick to 26", driving technical, and almost never slowing down, if slightly before hitting berms and keeping all my speed, when it comes to pedaling or climbing, if they've been making them 26" for decades, I doubt it's because they're bad at it.
  • 3 0
 Hey guys, dont hate on WTB. I agree that a lot of their tires suck, But i've got some Bronson 2.3s and THEYRE AMAZING. And I hear that the weirwolfs are good too. Beyind that, Im not much of a fan, but still they arent all crap
  • 2 3
 nearly every 29er rider I come across is actually just a shitty rider, then they tell me how great their bike is and how it can roll over anything in its path as if no one but them is onto the witch craft, meanwhile they are hobbling down the trail or sucking wind on the uphill, most of the time, not always this has been the case
  • 3 2
 I just picked my 2012 29er stumpy after riding a 6" 26" bike for years. I love it, 5 inch monster trucks through any thing lower standover than my Pitch and it jumps amazingly (I did not expect that) I really never thought I'd whip a 29er but this bike proved me wrong after one ride on our rental I had to buy it
  • 7 3
 I also whipped a road bike, it was a wicked ass feeling, still doesn't beat good old 26". Gonna have to try harder then that to impress most people around here that 29ers are the shit lol.

And it's called Mountain Biking, not Monster Trucking.
  • 7 1
 I was just using that to describe that I lost very little maneuverability that so many people say is the down side to 29ers but it does handle rocks much smoother than a 26. I used to be like you, til I actually tried a particular bike on my local trails and I prefered it. Maybe you should actually give it a shot instead of shooting down everything thats different is a fad, millions of people can't all be wrong. When suspension came out there were people like you now it's the norm, same with disc brakes, carbon frames, alluminum frames and that other thing... oh yeah mountain bikes
  • 3 0
 and poozank, come to the springs I know a ton of 29er riders that can show you how a bike is meant to be ridden
  • 3 5
 Lol, actually I did try a 29er, a Turner Sultan, and honestly, i hated it, hence the reason why i'm shooting down everything that is 29er (and don't go on saying that this model or that model is better, it's the 29er feeling in general I dislike). Yeah sure, I went over stuff as if nothing was, was it fun, no. I'm riding a bike, not a monster truck, and when I ride a mountain bike, there has to be some technicality to it.

29ers to me is like all these new cars coming out lately, they park themselves and do 3/4 of the driving for you. I don't call that driving, same as I don't call something "riding" when all you do is pedal, hold on and roll over anything in a straight line without actually doing much.
  • 4 2
 then why not ride a bmx on the trails? Different strokes for different folks I guess. and again I hated 29ers one month ago, I happened to find one that I really liked so I got it.
  • 1 0
 hopefully the dhr2's arent as shitty as the first ones
  • 1 0
 BLIPDH... Me and couple of people I know, actualy love DHR and would choose it anytime over Highroller for instance. It clears out of mud easier, provide anchor like stopping power, and it drives really well. I wish there was a UST 1ply version for AM.
  • 3 0
 29"s have their advantages, and so do 26". One is not 100% dominant over the other, the same way there are arguments for and against 24" wheels. I don't see why people are instantly against 29"... Maybe they just don't like change? But there are definate advantages to wagon wheels. Once you get going the 29" wheels will keep you rolling better and help you retain speed over rough terrain. But in turn they won't be as good on tight corners and I can't see them being much use on a pumptrack lol
  • 4 0
 Obviously (or not so obviously, according to the continuing banter on PB), sales dictate whether a new innovation sticks around or gets passed off as a trend and forgotten. And sales of 29ers is obviously good, and getting better every year so it's sticking around. It may not be for everyone (myself included), but that doesn't mean they don't have their place. And as for the riders having no technical skill? Well, the 29er riders I encounter on the trails are passing me so I can't ask them.
  • 2 1
 it actualy would be interesting to see some company come up with a 24" mini XC/trail bike, focused on standing pedalling only, for getting a 100% of every stone on your trail. It would be so easy to pick it up from the ground and whip it even from small roots and stones. Trail BMX anybody?

But I must admit that after I got familiar with how 29ers look, 26" L and XL frames start to look really stupid to me, especially 26" XC racing bikes with thinner tyres.
  • 1 0
 @enrico650

Its pretty freaking clear that you don't like 29ers, fear 29ers, and in fact know squat about 29ers. Yes WTB has a Weirwolf LT 2.5 labeled 29er tire but by their own GMS sizing, a 57mm tread width is NOT actually 2.5 inches wide. And in point of fact, MOST 29er riders actually don't buy tires in the 1.8 to 2.2 size. We buy tires in the 2.2 to 2.4 width range. Stop confusing what you read about in mountain bike action profiles of XC racers with what real trail riders use. Hell, even what the great Intense bicycles you claim to know so much about spec's on their 29er models. The Tracer 29 AM/Enduro model uses 2.35s and the Spyder 29 XC model ALSO comes with 2.35s.
  • 1 6
flag endurocat (Dec 28, 2011 at 11:40) (Below Threshold)
 You can try and try to bullshit your way arround this forum. You still don't carry weight (your own words) not mine.
Just another Canadian trying to impress the So. Cal. Where the sport was created and the 29ers you love so much.
And its NORBA National champ for your info.
  • 4 0
 OOOOOOh. NORBA NATIONALS! Bow down. Jesus Christ. No one gives a fuck. This is a comment thread from September. Go outside and ride your bike, you live in SoCal, so use your nice weather.
  • 1 5
flag endurocat (Dec 28, 2011 at 15:01) (Below Threshold)
 Its the Gentleman bastard! So, how are things going in your part of the world?
Recession times? No money? Having to deal with crappy weather?
You are correct , no one gives a f*ck. (About your little country)
  • 2 0
 Relax, ladies. Its only 3 inches.
  • 1 1
 Hahahhah.

Anyone else find the hilarity of an American joking about a recession? We are a strong nation, it is the Ukraine that is weak.
  • 1 3
 Its 4 inches. Tomato, potato, Its all the same with all those small countries, useless for I all I care. Small and insignificant to the rest of the world. .
  • 4 1
 Good old America. Fuck Yeah! Man I yearn for the day, the world slowly begins decimate your nation. 13 trillion in debt, immense brain drain, poor education, nearly no manufacturing ability, increasing unemployment. But at least you can still get a big mac.
  • 1 4
 @lopez65
Ha,ha,ha,ha. Listen to this clown. In his country you can't even afford a big mac.
Its all the same with these small patches of land,they are in transition.
They either have been invaded or in the process of been invaded.
just wait a couple of years, somebody is going to claim them!
  • 1 1
 Yep...china most likely will be claiming the USA...or at least california. They own about half of the government debt. Japan holds about a third of it. Its only a matter of time before what's happened in europe with greece, italy, ireland and spain happens over here in north america. Investors will lose confidence in the idea that the USA will eventually pay its bond holders off, the well of credit will dry up, and the US economy will REALLY collapse. It'll make the 2008 financial meltdown seem like a grenade going off in comparison to the nuclear level of failure company.
  • 3 1
 Well at least I'm learning Mandarin. Just to make sure everyone knows, We're not all a*sholes that are proud of what our country is doing/has got itself into. Thats just enrico650 and an unfortunately large number of other people.
  • 1 2
 What has happened in Europe deeeight? The hardest working countries Germany, France and UK are paying the debts of lazy effers with pretty much no chance of getting the money back? If there was no Euro as a common currency and strong countries weren't risking a total collapse, Greece would be left alone without a glimpse of an eye. In a matter of 20 years Greece would turn into a fourth world country with closed clusters of villas owned by British pensionaries. Sorry Mediterraneans for generalizing, in Scandinavia people have double so much money as you do, they have huge social insurances, more stabil sources of income, waaaay more natural resources - yet they seem to spend way less money on stupid stuff like cars and motorbikes, villas, parties etc. comparing to what I see in your countries. Where is your money coming from? A miracle horn of plenty? called British, Scandinavian, German and French tax payers? - Was that what you mean deeeight? I'm not sure about N American situation but I think you can't compare that.

But as a whole in Europe we manage to cover ourselves. Trouble is we have no voice in the world, US, China and Russia will always bully everyone.
  • 1 1
 Well, as long as the euro-media and government press releases have you convinced that the euro is going to be saved, and that you've been drinking the magic koolaid already, all must be fine. I'm sorry that you're confusing small scandinavian countries with the second largest country on the planet, or worse mistaking us for our southern neighbour who are in the terrible financial mess. None of canada's banks needed bail-outs or propping up after the 2008 financial crisis. We have huge social insurances already and before most european countries did. As to resources... ahem... boy you're living in a sheltered world in tiny little poland if you think we lack for resources.
  • 1 1
 No bail-outs,no financial crisis. And for some strange reason your currency still below the others. Mmmmm, strange indeed.
  • 1 1
 My god you are an idiot.

Do you have any idea how global buying power and currency are related? Rah Rah Rah 'Merikuh.
  • 2 5
 Actually there is a great export from your country (bonfire) that puts the other ones below.
PROSTITUTES!
So, I see where you got your English.
  • 1 1
 Our currency is 2 cents below the USD currently, but for much of 2011 it was above parity. Perhaps if you understood though, how currency values are determined, then you wouldn't be such a moron enrico.
  • 1 1
 deeight - I sort of wasn't arguing with you, what are you talking about? I actualy said it that we don't matter... that's what I meant comparing any European problem to anything in North America is eee... strange. We have small problems comparing to yours and we will always sort out ourselves - too many smart people.

My only concern is that it seems that your southern neighbour fks around as much as he wish because he has the best guns and best experience... in a way very impressive, in another very scary. It's a kid with a gun if you know what I mean, and all we pthers have is a besball bats in the best situation. Chinese army is in the way worse technological state than Russian many years ago. The crews of American nuclear carriers must have been having the biggest WTF of their lives when "the world press held it's breath" when Chinese released a post soviet wreck to go scare taiwan - OMG they have a carrier!

And in situation when US is milking your tar sands oil polluting your land for centuries as they please - what makes you so cocky? Go kick your government in the ass first, stop loking south. BTW I adore Naomi Klein Wink
  • 1 1
 Well in that I agree with you. Really canada's biggest issues are the upcoming US economy collapse will tank the rest of the world too, and then everyone will start fighting over tangible assets (fresh water, fertilizer, natural gas/oil, uranium, etc) and well.... we got more of that than most everyone else. Hell their economy almost collapsed this summer when their congress couldn't agree on raising their artificial debt 'limit' on money they actually already borrowed. Plus the recent congressional super-commitee couldn't agree on needed spending cuts and in so doing triggered automatic cuts of around a trillion dollars, half of which has to come from the defence budget.

As to that carrier bit, the US Navy is actually looking at retiring one of their nuclear carriers (and its associated air wing) early (in 2016) when it comes up for its nuclear refueling. Doing so will save a couple billion in outright costs as well as a couple hundred billion in additional expenses of not needing to operate it until 2040 as originally planned. Not that it makes any difference, taiwan's citizens will eventually choose to rejoin china as the elderly leftovers from the civil war expire.

As to the tar sands... they're not polluting our lands any worse than european countries have polluted their own, or the americans are doing to themselves with fracking for natural gas. Tar sands oil while "dirtier" than oil-well type oil... is still vastly cleaner than coal... and the majority of the USA's electric grid (and china's for that matter) is coal fueled. It however is all still burning of fossil fuels to get energy from them in ways that release co2 and other byproducts into the atmosphere. Poland btw you should be aware the majority of its electricity from coal as well. So you're not really in any position to lecture Canada or the USA on the tar sands.
  • 10 0
 I wonder if these '2.5' tires run closer to 2.1 or 2.2 like the DHF EXO's I have. Cmon Maxxis, either make it a 2.5 or re-brand it a 2.2!
  • 2 0
 Yeah DHF EXO's are not 2.5 .........2.35/2.4 maybe. They do that to keep the published weight down.
  • 1 0
 I actually measured them (across the knobs with a digital caliper) on my 729's at just under 2.2 inches. At the sidewall they were closer to 2.1.
  • 1 0
 In fairness, the 729's are narrow. I have a set of the DHF EXO's on my trail-bike, they are def not 2.5. What I meant was they look like most 2.35 size tires volume wise.
  • 1 0
 I wouldnt call a 29mm tire narrow? The 2.5 EXO's are noticeably smaller than the 2.35 Nevegals I have on 819s.
  • 1 1
 I was thinking 721, my apologies. I still dont think the Minion 2.5 EXO is smaller volume than a 2.35 Nevegal. I have run both. I would put a fair amount of money on it but im not going to argue the point. Cheers!
  • 1 0
 Agreed...not worth arguing over. Lets just say they aren't what I come to expect from a 2.5 tire!
  • 1 0
 Without question. And much smaller than the DH casing version.
  • 2 0
 lol... I was gunna say, I have ex729 as my mainstay rims with the ex721 as a backup pair.... the 729s are 36mm and the 721s are 28. I run Panaracer Fire FR 2.4 and they are bigger than the minion 2.5 as my buddy swears by them.... no argument here, just saying.
  • 3 0
 Really funny how we react on new wheels. From 24" to 26" and now from 26" to 29". Don't know why we went to 26" when 24" were perfect and why "we are going now" to 29"? Why? Smile

What do you think BMX guy's are thinking of us using 26" and 29" instead of 20" Smile

Nice to see 29" DH are coming. Gonna be interesting,...
  • 1 0
 Can't tell if serious...
  • 5 0
 So who rides 29er FR/DH and how do you like it? Upsides and downsides. Make a believer out of me cuz I just can't see it being as fun.
  • 7 3
 I ride a niner WFO with a CCDB and Dorado. Rides similar to a demo 8 but climbs and pedals way better and isn't quite as maneuverable around berms. It is ideal for rocky places like keystone and is by no means sluggish around turns. Comparing a demo 8 vs WFO for downhill/AM I would stick with my wfo. If riding the smooth table lines that have become popular in recent years I would ride a killswitch, a dh bike is kind of overkill for those. I'll probably stick to WTB dissents 2.5 tubeless. They roll a lot better than minions for trail riding. I ran 2.4 ardents for a bit but the sidewalks ripped pretty quickly.
  • 3 0
 I tried one while out on the trails the other day. Here in the rocky Arizona desert, it really rolled over the rough stuff and square edge hits a lot easier. But for me, it really just felt like I was riding a clown bike. I am just used to the maneuverability of my 26" wheels. For some that are more XC oriented here in the desert, I could see it working for them. For FR/DH, no way!
  • 6 0
 In my opinion the geometry of a frame matters way more than a 3" change in wheel size. I have ridden 29ers that felt terrible but the same could be said for some 26ers.
  • 4 0
 wow pinkbike. kitejumping's honest opinion is neg propped just because he says a 29er rides well. i cant say i'm suprised
  • 2 0
 Well I'm curious enough to try a FR oriented 29er next time I'm demoing.
  • 2 0
 Yeah, I don't know of any that come stock with a good FR setup. I took a gamble going for it and got the frame over last years clearence sales and have been happy with it so far, but it's not for everyone. If your under 5' 9" you'd probably be better off staying on a 26.
  • 5 0
 The problem with most 29ers is that the geometry sucks. There are very few that have a slack enough head angle and short enough stays to impress someone with strong riding skills. I'm currently riding a Stumpy 29r FSR with a 140 fork, custom valved rear shock, and an eccentric shock bushing to get the geometry where it needs to be. The new EVO looks like it will have the same geometry as my 2011 setup. I love my bike. No problems going faster than anyone else who works at my shop whether they are riding Enduros, or Mojo HD's, or Nomads. And the bike jumps and corners really well. Give the industry a couple more years to get the geometry, tires, and suspension ironed out and I think a lot of people will switch over. But if you don't, that's cool. There is nothing wrong with 26" wheels. They roll too.
  • 2 1
 One more thing. If you are going to try a 29er make sure the tires are setup tubeless. If not you are lugging around an extra 200g per wheel in tubes that make the whole bike feel sluggish while hindering traction at the same time.
  • 2 0
 Thanks for speaking intelligence to a debate characterized by snobbery and ignorance. The banshee fr 29er prototype on pb a few months back looked promising.
  • 1 0
 As does the intense tracer 29. There is a picture of one setup with a dorado and ccdb on mtbr. It can be setup with 5.5" rear travel and has a fairly slack ht angle.
  • 1 0
 You guys really need to take a look at some of the other bikes that are being built, like the Lenz Sport Lunchbox and PBJ. Devin know's what he's doing, and I'd say that my 29" XC bike (Lenz Leviathan 4.0) rides better than any of the 26" XC FS bikes I demoed in the past. I'll be throwing a leg over the PBJ and Lunchbox at some point next year, but also comparing with Niner's WFO and some of the 26" options out there, of which there are many.
  • 2 0
 Even with the correct geometry, what advantages would a 29" wheel give you for FR/DH? I definitely noticed a difference in the maneuverability and turning speed while on the 29er. It really just seemed less flickable with the larger wheels. I'm not knocking the 29er movement, they really did roll over the square edges better. I just could not feel myself riding a longer travel, slacker 29er and enjoying it. I would be rolling over the rocks rather than jumping and flicking and popping wheelies.
  • 2 0
 It's definitely not for everyone and never will be. I can bunny hop mine a foot and a half pretty easily, hop to manual on it, and ride onto picnic tables trials style. If you try one and find you can't do everything you would normally do, you should stick with a 26 as you'll have more fun on one. Mine weighs in at about 40lbs right now and when comparing it to the 26" demo bikes I rode at several bike parks this season I feel a bit more stable over loose pack at high speeds on the 29x2.5 tires. It's all relative to your size really. I personally wouldn't go larger than 29 though as it would inhibit my ability to get my weight behind the rear wheel on the 3-6ft hucks to flat that are commonly found on dh courses off roots and rocks. It's hard to really say there are specific advantages as it is dependent on the rider. I enjoy riding a 29er more for that type of riding just as I prefer a 26 dj bike over a BMX for dj. In summary: more options are good.
  • 1 0
 Kitejumping, how tall are you?
  • 1 0
 6ft
  • 2 0
 I agree that this is good news. The industry needs more FR/DH 29er tires to match the next generation of longer travel forks and frames that are being released for 2012. I currently ride a Banshee Paradox 29er in Whistler. It's by far the best frame I have ever ridden. I race it in the local races and ride all the trails in the valley including stuff like Khyber's and Ride don't Slide (which could probably be classified as technical and twisty). The bike kills everything. I'm currently waiting for a Banshee Prime to arrive, which no doubt will be equally awesome for Whistler riding. I also ride a Wilson for DH. I understand people who have tried 29ers and hate them, but I wonder how many of the 29er haters on Pink Bike have actually ridden 29ers and ridden them for an extended period of time? Have you ridden one or tried a bunch of different brands? There are certainly many 29ers with geometry that is poorly suited to steep, tight and technical terrain. Many have chainstays that are way too long and head angles that are way too steep. But before you hate every 29er, maybe you should actually try one, or a few, as many brands have tweaked their geometries to make them better suited for all mountain/FR riding. Hate them if you want, but don't write about how much they suck if you haven't even tried one...
  • 1 0
 i run a 29er single speed for fittness and as a winter bike so i don`t trash my all mountain weapon, its become at least a two bike world, each have there place now. i used to poo poo 29ers till i rode one, great fun but will never replace me 26er :-) don`t knock it till you try it!!
  • 1 0
 I would say 29ers are best suited for Cross Country, Down hill idk but when i'm on the cross country trails especially on the climbs. My self and all the other 29ers kill the 26's. How ever i don't believe 26s suck. Thats all we had before. and they worked. so stay opened minded for growth in the industry. And i think once some dh races get won on a 29er consistently they will get more popular.
But when im doing a 24hour race id rather be on a 29er just more for each pedal stroke, once again cross country Smile Do they belong in Dh..... I dont think they do yet Razz
  • 2 1
 @ myfianceemademedoit: 26ers 'old school one day' ??? aaahhhhhahahahahahahaha !!! that's like saying one day our dicks will be old school and 'mindf*cks' will be whats what...get real, why not just get up on a 52 " 18th century bowler bike and be done with it ! and @ vanderbike : no problem if you want to ride a 29er racing and it works for you but don't say it is ALL up to the rider skill only - i have reasonably good skill and if i put my ass on a 29er @ 5' 2" i KNOW skill will not be everything; it is also rider height, weight, and other variables that have to do with body type - yes 29ers may handle as well as any bike out there, DEPENDING on the terrain AND rider type - this isn't about 'haters' even though i think 29ers look like rolling bowler bikes, they are suited for some riders better but still DO NOT maneuver certain technical trail stuff as well as a smaller wheel, just as smaller wheels have problems maneuvering where 29ers don't - bottom line : There are no absolutes in the bike world, everything has it's place and even if i do think 29ers look dorky, pull your undies out of the crack in your butt - and oh yeh...we are JUST RIDING BICYCLES, NOT CURING CANCER so lets ALL lighten up and who gives a poop who rides whatever !
  • 1 0
 I recently switched from DHF & DHR combo to a pair of DHFs and think it is a great set up. If the DHR is improved I may switch back, or try the Highroller 2?! Who knows...?
  • 4 0
 Stick with 2 minion F's man, is the way! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I like that the new DHR has a more rounded profile. Square tires suck on turns. My current DHR tire is hanging in my garage, and it's going to stay there.
  • 5 0
 I think the new DHR will be better than DHF for the rear cause now it will have the cornering ability of the DHF with more traction for braking in a straight line.
Also whats with the blurry photo of the DHR 2? Trying to sow the mystery around it? Razz
  • 1 0
 New DHR looks better than the old one for sure.
  • 1 0
 ..
  • 1 1
 Say what you like but in 5 years time everyone will be riding 29ers regardless of whether stubborn riders want to or not, they will become industry standard. Cannondale have stopped producing any bike under the value of £1000 in a 26'' wheel. Im a downhiller myself but i have been riding a 26'' hardtail and full suspension bike for a number of years and im not drawn to either one more or less. One has its pros and cons as the other does, i say embrace it.
  • 7 3
 I only run Maxxis tires on my bikes everything else just doesn't cut it.
  • 3 1
 I heard the current world champions might differ in opinion.........
...DH Boys and Girls = 2x Schwalbe
...4x Boys and Girls = 1x Kenda, 1x Michelin
...XC Boys and Girls = 1x Specialized, 1xMaxxis
  • 10 1
 I heard the World Champions have to run their sponsor's tyres. And we all know that who they are sponsored by and what tyre they actually run on their bike can be two different things, and when they do sneak another brand on to their bike, that brand is Maxxis.
  • 1 0
 maxxis miracles on my Haro bmx, maxxis creepy crawlers on my ZHI trials bike and a mix of maxxis cross mark and Ikon's on my giant talon 29er. not a single problem. if i could, i'd probably buy these
  • 2 1
 i like the idea of a 29er dh tire but it will never fly to hard to turn on tigh dh and steep trails and you cant turn its not like dh trails are straight i think they will be great for trial bikes though
  • 1 1
 i honestly wish these 29" bloody things would piss off, what next 32ers, 37ers 4234ers! its just another fad regardless of how many people are currently using them. i cant never see dh, dirt jumpers, slopesytle 4x riders ever using these as if they give you such an advantage like people say 29"ers do then they would be on them already!!
  • 1 0
 I demand better pictures! I can't see the profile really well with that crappy focus! Sadly, it doesn't look to have the square profile that the 26 DHF and High Roller has, which is what I miss from 26".
  • 1 0
 Why stop at 29. Bring on the 32. Or better yet...this badboy.

www.eriding.net/media/photos/transport/vintage_bikes/040930_amoore_mp_his_trans_vb_024.jpg
  • 1 0
 what's the standover height on that badboy....i'm short!
  • 3 2
 Why do MTB'ers have to call them "29ers" - its 700c and has been for the last 3 decades.
To scared to accept its a ROAD bike standard? lol
  • 1 2
 I did some reading where the 700 is actually a midpoint alternative between the 26 and 29 that hasn't caught on.
  • 2 1
 You're thinking of 650B, which is a properly weird old school size. A couple of companies (Pagenti, and Haro, oddly) have tried 650B mountain bikes as a halfway between 26" (559mm) and 29" (630mm).
It didn't catch on.
  • 1 0
 Nah, 700c are definately the same - I've used 700c cyclo cross tyres on my mate's "29er"
  • 1 0
 Yeah, I meant that OINGOBOINGO was thinking of 650B, you (IllestT) are right about 29"/700c being the same.
  • 4 1
 Fvck off 29 wheels do not belong to DH. leave it to other disciplines.
  • 1 0
 Been using the folding 2.25 ardents for a while now, really like them.No real complaints as of yet...
  • 2 0
 kool! 29'r dh tires! now all i need is some 29'r deemax's.
  • 3 0
 shhhhh we don't need you giving them ideas.
  • 1 0
 twaz joking sir
  • 1 0
 I know, so was I. Smile I have no hate for 29's, I don't like them very much myself, I came from a bmx backround and Im 5'8" those bikes just seem way to big for me. I like airtime, not monster trucking- just not my cup of tea.
  • 3 3
 im gessing there being designed for the new 29" dh bikes that are curretnly makeing there names known
  • 1 0
 Bring on 29" BMX, we are ready!
  • 1 0
 SE have done a 29" Quadrangle BMX frame.
  • 1 1
 Exactly what I mean by "The fashion-wagon". Everybody is making one, so why not make one too...
  • 1 0
 when the DH, 4X, DJ pro's run 'em, i might too...
  • 1 0
 i think it should go 29 in front 26 in back
  • 1 1
 the new DHrear looks like a spz chunder dh tire
  • 2 3
 29" wheels? What's the point?
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