Round Up: 20 Different World Cup DH Tire Combinations

Jun 27, 2020

by Ed Spratt

Everyone has their preferred tire of choice and with so many different tire choices and combinations, we decided to look through back through the archives to find some of the tire choices of the world's top riders.

Maxxis Assegai // Minion DHR II

Greg Minnaar released his Assegai tire at the start of the 2018 season and it has quickly become one of the most popular on the World Cup circuit. As a combination of the tread patterns found on other Maxxis tires, there's no doubting its all-round ability, but at 1,300 grams with a super tacky compound its rolling speed is never going to be something to write home about. Some riders opt to match it with a DHR II so they aren't having to haul 2 Assegai's around at once.

Connor has opted for the Assegai up front.

Connor is on the new Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.5 wide out back.

Connor Fearon, 2019

Jure Zabjek, 2019

Dakotah Norton, 2019

Maxxis Minion DHR II

The DHR II front and rear combo was spotted on quite a few bikes last year with riders such as Danny Hart running the setup throughout 2019. Although not offering quite the same cornering properties of the Assegai or DHF, the DHR II still provides plenty of traction and its blocks designed to enhance braking make it a great choice on the steeper tracks where you want optimum braking performance.

Matt Walker, 2019

Mark Wallace, 2019

Hugo Frixtalon and Thomas Estaque, 2019

Danny Hart, 2019

Greg Williamson, 2019

Maxxis Assegai

Released in 2018 the Assegai has become a very popular tire for DH rider because of its design featuring similarities to some of Maxxis' other popular options making it a good all-round choice for racers as it has great levels of grip, control and cornering ability.

Marine Cabirou, 2019

Eddie Masters, 2019

Alex Marin, 2019

Sam Blenkinsop, 2020

Maxxis Shorty

The Shorty fills the spot of dedicated mud spike in Maxxis' tire range but with slightly shorter and broader tread blocks it can still work well on harder surfaces unlike the classic mud tires like the Wetscream. Featuring big blocks in its tread the Shorty works best when digging into soft, muddy trails and its outwardly angled tread pattern clear mud making it a great choice for racers in wet conditions.

Bernard Kerr, 2018

Adam Braytons World Champs Scott Gambler with custom Hope bling aka the Great Whyte

Adam Brayton, 2017

Greg Minnaar, 2017

Maxxis Shorty // Assegai

The Maxxis Shorty, Assegai combo is definitely a more unique setup, something that should work well on wet race tracks where you want the extra grip up front offered by the Shorty but the rounder profile offered by the Assegai out back.

Bryn Dickerson, 2018

Maxxis Minion DHF // DHR II

The classic combo of a DHF up front and a DHR II out back is still popular on the circuit, with Vali Höll finding great success throughout the year on this setup. Interestingly, last year Connor Fearon swapped out from his Assegai // DHR II combination in Maribor to this setup for the World Champs in Mont-Sainte-Anne. The DHF is a great tire to feature at the front of the bike as its dedicated channel between the outside cornering blocks lets the tire bite down into turns, and once again the DHR II on the rear helps to add great braking traction where you need it most.

Connor Fearon, 2019

Vali Höll, 2019

Eliot Jackson, 2018

Maxxis High Roller II

The High Roller is a classic tire from Maxxis with it firmly sitting as a great all-round tire with good levels of grip, control, braking, and rolling resistance on most surfaces. It's a less popular choice in recent times, though.

Mitch Ropelato, 2016

Maxxis High Roller II // Minion DHR II

Another rare tire combo we spotted was Keegan Wright's pairing of the High Roller II and DHR II for the 2018 New Zealand National Champs. The High Roller II up front should provide plenty of grip especially went leaned over into corners, but the DHR II out back provides plenty of braking traction when it's needed.

Keegan Wright, 2018

Schwalbe Magic Mary

The double Magic Mary setup is another popular tire combination seen on the DH racing circuit as the tire offers great all-round performance across a variety of conditions.

Tahnee Seagrave, 2019

Matt Simmonds, 2019

Nina Hoffmann, 2019

Myriam Nicole, 2019

Schwalbe Magic Mary // Eddy Current

This is definitely a unique setup used by Amaury Pierron during his winning run at Fort William last year. With the predictable Magic Mary up front, Pierron paired this with Schwalbe's eMTB offering the Eddy Current on the rear. Schwalbe claims the Eddy Current features blocks that are 20% larger than other similar tire profiles helping to offer an aggressive tread pattern improving power transmission and steering predictability.

Amaury Pierron, 2019

Schwalbe Magic Mary // Rock Razor

Phil Atwill was very vocal during the 2017 World Cup at Leogang and his tire setup matches his view of the track. For the bike park course, Phil fitted a standard Schwable Magic Mary up front, but for the rear he opted for the almost racing slick tread of the Rock Razor, providing some extra speed on the hardpack course while the Magic Mary will give a bit of bite for the off-camber parts of the track.

It is actually embarrassing that Leogang could present this track to the world as their World Cup course. It is a joke.— Phil Atwill

Phil Atwill, 2017

Michelin DH22

The Mondraker team were testing out the long-awaited Michelin DH tires last year with Laurie Greenland and Brook Macdonald running pairs of the DH22 tire at the 2019 World Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne. Michelin claims the tire is the "more versatile in the range" is built using their Magi-X compound and Downhill Shield to ensure good levels of grip on soft terrain while also being stable on harder terrain.

Laurie Greenland, 2019

Brook MacDonald, 2019

Michelin DH34

Another new tire in the Michelin DH range is the DH34, unlike the all-rounder DH22 offers superior performance on hardpack and rocky terrain making it a great choice when the race track leans more on the bike park side of things.

Laurie Greenland, 2019

Brook MacDonald, 2019

Bontrager G5

Used by the Trek Factory Racing team, the all-rounder G5 tire uses a tread profile with the aim to provide maximum grip at different lean angles with centre knobs designed to increase braking traction. The more open tread spacing lets any trapped mud clear off the tire for better grip in tougher conditions.

Charlie Harrison, 2019

Reece Wilson, 2019

Kenda Hellkat

Developed with the UR Team rider the Hellkat is Kenda's all-round DH tire with a tread pattern suitable for a wide range of conditions. The Hellkat uses a tread optimised to provide a good balance of traction, handling and rolling speed to be predictable across racing conditions.

Aaron Gwin, 2019

Tracey Hannah, 2019

Kenda Gran Mudda

For the 2019 Mont-Sainte-Anne World Champs Neko Mulally decided to kit his Intense M29 with the Kenda mud tire, the Gran Mudda. With tall and spikey knobs designed to bite into the ground and offer a level of predictability in cornering and braking in wet conditions.

Neko Mulally, 2019

Continental Der Kaiser Projekt

Featuring wedge-shaped outer blocks and a faster rolling middle tread the Continental Der Kaiser offers plenty of rolling speed while still giving a good bite. The tire from the German brand was ridden by the Atherton Bikes team last year as an adaptable all-round tire although some of the team did swap to Continental's Mud King tire during some of the bad weather at Lenzerheide.

Atherton Bikes, 2019

Specialized Hillbilly

Specialized's Hillbilly DH tire utilises a moto-inspired blocky tread pattern designed to improve traction on roots, rocks and off-camber sections across dry and moist conditions. During Crankworx Rotorua 2017 all three Specialized Gravity Team riders had Hillbilly tires on their bikes.

Specialized Gravity Team, 2017

Vee Tire Snap

Photo: Rupert Walker

The Vee Tire Snap uses a fast-rolling centre tread with more aggressive shoulder knobs allowing you to push the bike into corners with great levels of traction and control. While former Porpain Factory rider Joe Smith ran the Snap WCE the downhill version of the tire front and rear for Hardline last year, George Brannigan decided to run the Trail version at the front of his bike for Crankworx Rotorua for fast rolling speeds.

George Brannigan, 2020

Joe Smith, 2019

Hutchinson Toro

The Hutchinson Toro tires aim to offer consistent levels grip with optimised sections for lateral grip and braking. With an aggressive shoulder tread, the Toro bites into the loose ground while also offering decent levels of rolling speed for when the trails aren't as soft and loose. In 2017 we saw Myriam Nicole take the Toro as her tire of choice front and rear for the loose and rocky Lourdes World Cup track.

Yoann Barelli, 2017

Myriam Nicole, 2017

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech DH Racing World Cup DH Tires Bontrager Continental Hutchinson Kenda Maxxis Schwalbe Specialized Vee Tire

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edspratt
Member since Mar 16, 2017
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139 Comments

124 4

185cm79kg18cm (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:55)

thirty psi in my minions i don't care about your opinions

34 0

rrolly (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:26)

Your Chest-Waist-Hips measurements are really weird.

tacklingdummy (Jun 27, 2020 at 9:01)

You running tubes with those pressures? I was running pressures like that when I had tubes. Lol.

10 4

Mattysville (Jun 27, 2020 at 10:28)

@tacklingdummy: I run tubeless 30ish front and rear for downhill. All the rolling speed, none of that pesky smashed rims. Learn to drift a little in corners gain extra speed everywhere else.

10 0

mrzdabomb (Jun 27, 2020 at 12:21)

third measurement....

tacklingdummy (Jun 27, 2020 at 13:14)

@Mattysville: I agree. I don't run 30lbs in tubeless, but I run higher pressures (25-28lbs rear, 20-24lbs front depending on trails) than most because of my dry loose conditions. I like to keep the integrity of the tire together. On some trails I ride, I will destroy rear tires if not inflated enough and I'm a light rider (140lbs).

77 1

DirkMcClerkin (Jun 27, 2020 at 1:20)

"Blacked out Maxxis" category would be large.

Nice dodge especially with the "Specialized gravity team" caption. ; )

66 0

Drew-O (Jun 27, 2020 at 5:56)

Yeah doesn’t Bruni run blacked out DHR2s on both ends?

Would love to see an article on non-sponsor gear run by pros, seems like that’s the best endorsement you can find. Imagine this will never happen as it’d be a good way to piss off a lot of brands/race teams.

millsr4 (Jun 27, 2020 at 6:53)

@Drew-O: I would love to see this! Unfortunately I think you're right about it never happening though...

clindblomenduro (Jun 27, 2020 at 7:28)

@Drew-O: he was running assegai / dhr2 at snowshoe this year. I got a look at his tires during practice

jpcars10s (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:52)

In the video of his Snowshoe run, the camera operator zooms in on his Assegai.

B650wagon (Jun 27, 2020 at 9:41)

Imagine the back room deals to run blacked out tires. I'm sure it happens, it would be clever marketing and hype.

jj12jj (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:00)

You know your a big deal when you can get away with that!

PaulinhoCascavel (Jun 28, 2020 at 16:23)

@Drew-O: I think stikman dit some of that back in the day and it didn't go well...

20 0

Pyres (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:28)

As Danny Hart, I use dhr II on both wheels, I think it is very balanced on corners and great overall grip!!
Maybe we can be bff?!

15 1

Clem-mk (Jun 27, 2020 at 1:09)

good to be on michelin as you have the choice between the muddy marry and the dhr II !

15 1

oatkinso (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:37)

It would be interesting to hear people’s favourite cross brand combos?

24 0

HarrySimpson (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:50)

@oatkinso: Magic Mary 29 x 2.6 front, Minion DHRII 29 x 2.4 back.
Works well for me..

9 12

yeti-monster (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:51)

Pro's dont do it, then you dont do it

mountainsofsussex (Jun 27, 2020 at 2:22)

It's not downhill, but I do like my Wild Enduro front / Trail Boss rear setup

24 0

JoeRSB (Jun 27, 2020 at 2:39)

Magic Mary up front, WTB Vigilante out back.

Actually put whatever you want on the back as long as you have Mary scrabbling away on the front #hailMary

dirtyburger (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:18)

wild enduro and aggressor

c-radicallis (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:34)

Magic Mary front, DHR rear But i suppose you could run Michelin front and back and get nearly the same feel

stormracing (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:51)

Magic Mary front and Maxxis Dissector rear

softsteel (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:53)

@HarrySimpson: Definitely!!! MM 2,35 front + DHR2 2,30 rear on my 2 bikes, enduro / aggro-hardtail. Just the perfect set up: ultra grippy, predictable and versatile, not heavy, and pretty sexy

sourmix (Jun 27, 2020 at 5:37)

Summer Mary/DHRII
Winter Shorty 2.5WT/DHRII

thustlewhumber (Jun 27, 2020 at 6:56)

Butcher f/r

Lee-Gee (Jun 27, 2020 at 7:44)

Wild Enduro front
Vittoria Martello trail/ WTB Breakout Tough High Grip rear

rdwigs (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:07)

WTB Verdict 2.5 F Maxxis DHF 2.3 R

toop182 (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:14)

@HarrySimpson: harry this is a great set up for uk. The minion in uk wet I feel is so vague up front, shirty isn't good enough on wet roots so I think the Mary is the boy up front. I love the braking traction on the minion DHR on the rear, although they wear very fast! I now just use a 2.3 mary on the rear with the 2.6 mary up front. Draggy but grip for miles!

tacklingdummy (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:59)

Currently running Magic Mary F and DHF R. Another bike running Specialized Hillbilly F and Vittoria Mota R. Tried the Vittoria Mota as a front tire, but didn't work well in dry loose conditions. Good rear tire though. Magic Mary and Hillbilly are my favorite front tires for my dry loose conditions. Not super picky about rear.

WalrusRider (Jun 27, 2020 at 9:03)

I run Continental Der Baron front and E*Thirteen LG1r EN Semi-Slick rear on my full suspension and hardtail bikes. Incredibly versatile, grippy, and fast rolling combo for year round riding in the PNW. Wet traction with the semi-slick is way better than you'd imagine.

freerabbit (Jun 27, 2020 at 10:32)

Magic Mary front, aggressor rear

friendlyfoe (Jun 27, 2020 at 10:55)

@mountainsofsussex: @dirtyburger: @Lee-Gee: all 3 of you liking the wild enduro in the front but not the back. Would love to know why? I'm getting a wild enduro rear to try for the first week because it's the only thing I can find that's fast rolling and in a burly case construction

prattbrewboy (Jun 27, 2020 at 11:14)

@friendlyfoe:
Because it’s totally cactus after 200ks of riding anything bar loam

crashrun (Jun 27, 2020 at 15:59)

Butcher 2.6 Grid front
WTB Trailboss 2.4 tough/fast rear

friendlyfoe (Jun 27, 2020 at 17:33)

@prattbrewboy: when you say 200k are you talking bike park, or enduro (pedal up, ride down) as intended? One of the owners at the shop I use has 500kms on his wild enduro rear and while there is obviously some wear it's still in pretty great shape. Better than a maxxis would be.

mnorris122 (Jun 27, 2020 at 17:49)

27.5x2.8 (or 3.0) WTB Ranger (horrid to set up tubeless) rear and 29x2.5 DHR front for an aggro HT. I only have two rides on it but the grip overall seems very balanced, and the wider rear makes for extra comfi compared to a 2.5 Aggressor, even if there's a little less braking and climbing traction

mooreoutdoors (Jun 27, 2020 at 18:00)

Minion DHF 2.5 front with a WTB Judge 2.4 on the rear...... quite tempted to run the judge on the front TBH as it's super grippy (Just draggy on the pedally sections).

CarbonShmarbon (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:05)

Hillbilly front, whatever's on sale rear

mountainsofsussex (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:20)

@friendlyfoe: I actually have a wild enduro rear, but it's a bit draggy, so I save it for worse weather. I've found both tyres have held up ok-ish. The front is just starting to under cut the side knobs and the rear has lost one or two centre knobs after about a year. I trashed a rear DD HR2 in 5 days in morzine last year...For reference, I'm 75kg, where I ride is more roots than rocks, I try to avoid skidding excessively and I'm about mid pack in most races.

dirtpedaler (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:50)

@friendlyfoe: The rear is different than the front, must be a racing thing. I ran wild enduro front and shorty rear, then dhrII rear, dry now so it's dhf dhrII. I'll take control over rolling,

prattbrewboy (Jun 28, 2020 at 2:58)

@friendlyfoe: on big pedaly rides over all natural terrain. Sidewalls are fine and cope well with big rocky descents, but the tread is disintegrating like the old schwalbe rubber...its the fastest wearing rear tyre i have had. Am gonna put the other Wild rear on the front and find another for the back

B650wagon (Jun 28, 2020 at 11:10)

Was running Mary front and other rears but with the new HD2 Addix, no need to anymore. It’s a happy medium between DHR2 and Aggressor rear.

tacklingdummy (Jun 28, 2020 at 13:23)

@CarbonShmarbon: Yeah the Hillbilly is good. One of the best under the radar tires. However, the Hillbilly Grid is not easy to find.

GuinnessRCD (Jun 28, 2020 at 14:16)

For bikepark riding: Bontrager G5 in front and all my old Magic Merry´s in back dying like flies

davec113 (Jun 28, 2020 at 19:08)

@friendlyfoe: Michelin Wild Enduro Rear is somewhere in between MaxxTerra and MaxxGrip in rolling resistance and longevity. It's a great tire imo, like an Aggressor DD but much better casing, compound and tread... and slower rolling. I'm on my 4th one this year, will keep buying them at $50. I think Sam Hill uses it with a DH tire up front. Works for him...

vinay (Jun 29, 2020 at 1:03)

Not DH.
front: Continental TrailKing 26x2.4", 0.9bar
rear: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 26x2.35", 1.2bar
(both 5.5bar inside the ProCore tube)

That said, I'm not one to experiment a lot with what's available. I put it on and live with it. If I can't maintain grip, there is always something with my own technique I can improve upon.

15 1

FurryCrew (Jun 27, 2020 at 2:27)

Real connoisseur run Taniwhas......

/adjusts monocle

mooreoutdoors (Jun 27, 2020 at 13:52)

'Cause it's real classy to run flimsy sidewalls???

12 0

zyoungson (Jun 27, 2020 at 6:02)

I like to think its 2003 still, so twin dhf's for me.

lognar (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:08)

u runnin the rear backward too?

11 0

gspottickles918 (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:56)

Great article but whoever proofread this needs a cup of coffee

flyin-ryan (Jun 27, 2020 at 7:41)

What?
Your tires don't grip "especially went leamed over into corners"?
3 shots of espresso please.

rawmouth (Jun 27, 2020 at 20:43)

Porpain

SoddenDeath (Jun 27, 2020 at 9:17)

"Although not offering quite the same cornering properties of the Assegai or DHF, the DHR II still provides plenty of traction and its blocks designed to enhance braking make it a great choice on the steeper tracks where you want optimum braking performance."

Um, I've always found the cornering properties to be pretty much identical for both tires, which is unsurprising given they use the same edge knob format. I find the DHRII *transitions* better from center to edge knobs, however, making it more predictable when you're not cornering particularly aggressively (i.e. not fully engaging the edge knobs).

thenotoriousmic (Jun 27, 2020 at 15:41)

Depends on where your using it but I personally don’t see the point in the dhr2 other than it lasts longer on the back than a high roller which I personally think is a better tyre in every way except how easy it is to burn through the centre nobs. Personally find the Dhf to corner way better than a dhr and the increase in braking performance isn’t enough to justify ever using it.

jaydawg69 (Jun 27, 2020 at 21:47)

@thenotoriousmic: how does it corner better when it has the same side knobs? The DHR2 as mentioned above transitions better than the DHF

thenotoriousmic (Jun 28, 2020 at 5:54)

@jaydawg69: when you corner you’re not just on the side nobs your on the whole tyre. The centre nobs on a Dhf are more like another set of side nobs. Where they’re just really braking blocks on the dhr2 they don’t corner anywhere near as well as a Dhf but are obviously better at braking as per design.

jaydawg69 (Jun 28, 2020 at 8:09)

@thenotoriousmic: makes sense.... I do prefer the Assengai on the front over both.

bermkiller (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:22)

Surprised anything other than the ‘big M’ even got a mention at the bottom of this article

16 13

klerric (Jun 27, 2020 at 1:01)

Maxxis on most wheels....I wonder if some pro's get a choice what they prefer riding....personally I recon maxxis are not great and there are better options s out there....we are sometimes influences on what others use....Michelins for me

rrolly (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:32)

I rode Specialized for years, Kenda's before that. When I tried the DHR2's f/r the difference was significant. The improved grip was noticeable, even compared to the new Specialized compound. Rolling resistance between the DRH2's and the Butcher/Purgatory combo was a little more draggier, but not by much.

HogtownWheelsmith (Jun 28, 2020 at 1:01)

Strongly agreed on the Michelins. Maxxis admittedly makes terrific tires - but only when its carcasses come true (too many headaches with this issue last year to name, alas). As a professional wheelbuilder, I will wholeheartedly throw my endorsement behind any brand that comes consistently true. For me, based on hard-learned experience, Michelin comes out tops in that area, with the new Schwalbe Addix stuff a close second. Honourable mention to the very underrated folks at WTB, too. To all manufacturers: tire QC matters - as nothing ruins a near-perfect wheelbuild faster (and frustrates your industry partners lacing up complete wheels more) than a crooked carcass! It's a definite thing, especially after all the tricks (re-seating with soap and water, non-use or careful use of levers, a high-quality charge pump, leaving the tire tubed overnight, etc.) still won't eliminate the inexplicable "wobble" on a brand-new wheelbuild that specs out right on point on the truing stand.

klerric (Jun 28, 2020 at 1:18)

@HogtownWheelsmith: very god point...did not know that. I just think there are some really good other models out there, WTBs are really good. It's good to experiment and find what works best for you....

HogtownWheelsmith (Jun 28, 2020 at 1:24)

@klerric: Well said, absolutely.

SoddenDeath (Jun 28, 2020 at 2:28)

@HogtownWheelsmith: I agree also, I've been running Michelins for the past year, 4 tires on two bikes, and they've all been spot on carcass wise. Love the balance between grip and rolling speed with the Wild AM / Force AM Competition combo in particular. The Wild Enduros are just insanely good tires even if they wear faster than Maxxis.

gonecoastal (Jun 28, 2020 at 22:48)

@SoddenDeath: Michelin on the road bike and Mtn bikes now. Maxxis and Schwalbe are tied for second

seekanddestroy (Jul 16, 2020 at 14:53)

@HogtownWheelsmith: Maxxis have a wobble in their casing every so often, and so does every other rubber manufacturer. Maxxis more so, maybe, but they will also send you a new tire for free if you send them a video, and let you keep your original. Most of the time it's superficial and of no concern in real world performance. And of course, most of the time, you don't get a wobble at all - you make it seem like every tire comes with a wobble.

That Maxxis does better than Schwalbe, Micheline, GoodYear, et al, is rubber compounds. Personally, I have tried all tires listed here, in numerous models. Schwalbe, you can be guaranteed to rip the corner lugs off their aggressive tires, if you actually ride aggressively. Micheline rubber is too stuff, I used their Wild Enduro F/R tires in GumX-3D and they don't do well in harder dirty/rock/ground - instead of conforming, they squirm. Goodyear....well, in the past they just shred up and die - I couldn't care to test their latest tires.

Maxxis 3C Maxx Terra, and Max Grip, are superior compounds to anything being made by the above brands. Try a season in the Whistler bike park on them all and you'll find out pretty quick what works and what doesn't.

HogtownWheelsmith (Jul 17, 2020 at 1:13)

@DVP999: You make some fair points, but I'm only speaking from experience - and a lot at that, since I build wheels full-time for a living. Unfortunately I saw too many real cases last year and into this season of Maxxis tires coming wonky. There's a strong element of opinion in what you wrote - and fair enough. I admire the passion. But respectfully, I already know what works and what doesn't in my personal and business context and need to provide honest, experience-based advice to my clientele (it's up to them what they do with that input). I think Maxxis makes exceptional tires, I really do. That's why, in spite of what I wrote, I continue to spec Maxxis. But they need to ensure a more consistent level of quality control, especially at the cost involved (one of my wonky tires last year was a $100 Maxx Grip DH model). As someone who has been through the Maxxis warranty process only to receive another faulty tire, while I appreciate their professional customer service manner, ultimately the issue wasn't solved. Maxxis might think about going the way of True Temper, for instance, in the golf industry, who offer in their "Tour Issue" Dynamic Gold shafts scrupulous, hands-on factory sorting. Maxxis (or other tire makers) could do the same for things like trueness and compound durometer. The pros get sorted tires - in my opinion so should recreational riders or amateur racers willing to pay for that ability!

seekanddestroy (Jul 17, 2020 at 7:44)

@HogtownWheelsmith: With all due respect, my post was written on experience, not opinion. Schwalbe knobs ripping off, experience. Micheline lugs squirming, experience. GoodYear tires dying a quick death, experience. Maxxis tires going the distance and having great compounds, A LOT of experience. These experiences of course, inform my opinion. Exactly the same as yours do - don't pretend otherwise.

How many Maxxis tires did you handle in the last year? The last 2-3 years? And the other brands? How many wheels have you built in your career as a 'professional wheel builder'? How many are you building on a daily basis? You clearly have a portfolio available upon googling your shop name 'HogTown'. Instagram, YouTube, right down to your CV on LinkedIn - which says you did a short stint at MEC and SportChek? Is that it? You don't look all that busy. And what sort of certification/qualifications behind the title 'Master Wheelbuilder' that I see you have?

I've worked in the bike industry for almost two decades. I spend my fair share of time behind the truing stand, and I've build hundreds of wheels, literally, for some of the fasted guys ripping around BC. I've handled hundreds if not thousands of tires, and I can tell you I have warrantied more Schwalbe tires than I care to count. Many many many more than Maxxis. No quality issues with Micheline, other than they need to get to a little more work on their compounds.

One thing I will agree with, is that customers do deserve the best. Maxxis gives that service as well, in my experience. So does Schwalbe, I will add - great service, probably better than Maxxis, but lower quality tires so you need that service much more frequently.

HogtownWheelsmith (Jul 17, 2020 at 9:37)

@DVP999: This is where I check out. You've taken the post in a tasteless and needlessly personal direction (and a direction that risks running afoul of Pinkbike's respectfulness guidelines, recently revised). I'm busy enough that I don't need to be trolling other users on this site! This is not what industry professionalism - or MTB generally - is, or has ever been, about. So good day to you, Sir.

seekanddestroy (Jul 17, 2020 at 9:55)

@HogtownWheelsmith: You are making claims here HogTown. I'm looking for you to back them up. To say Maxxis tires have this huge issue and implying that you are a pro who doles out a large number of them and see this issue in repeat, when it's easy to tell that's not true, is defamatory.

So I ask, who is in risk of running a foul?

gonecoastal (Jul 17, 2020 at 11:02)

@DVP999: GumX isn’t Michelin’s softest tyre compound; MagiX and the DH22 versión will be the softest.

Maxxis went all over the map a few years ago with their SKUs. Do we really need all these tyre options? I doubt it but here we are.

Schwalbe Magic Mary I’ve had casing delams. One I was sent a free tyre for. The latest model has bee trouble free. For the cost it’s hard to beat the 26x2.35 MM SG TLE Softest compounds for my DH bike

seekanddestroy (Jul 17, 2020 at 12:03)

@gonecoastal: Right, and for general riding you don't want those soft compounds. Or at least I don't, on a big day with a lot of elevation before descents. Maxxis has grippier compounds too, which I don't often use.

GumX3D is supposed to have both better grip and rolling efficiency than MagicX. X2 and XDH are softer again. bike.michelin.com/en/technologies/technologies-for-mtb-tires

The compound named should be more or less in line with something like 3C Maxx Terra, or, 3C Maxx Grip, but even the less gripy 3C Maxx Terra seems to conform better to roots ,wet slab, and hard pack.

The issue with Micheline that I have experiences is likely due to the harder base rubbers they use. You can use rubber with all the grip in the world in that top layer, but if the base later doesn't have some give and can't conform a little, you aren't getting max traction.

klerric (Jul 19, 2020 at 7:26)

@DVP999: there is lots of good feedback from the pro's with the Michelins....the grip is supposed to be next level. Maxxis, for me, just are not as good....personal preference. You dont buy based on what everyone else has...buy what works best for you...

Bob-Agg (Jun 27, 2020 at 9:28)

No one runs DHF front and rear anymore? Get off my lawn!

lebikeman (Jun 28, 2020 at 0:58)

Fun Fact: F= freeride, R= race....
Though everyone uses front and rear now...

aljoburr (Jun 27, 2020 at 3:57)

Currently using 20 x 4 rear & 27.5 x 3 front but limited tyre available in 24 x 4 rear would be best size on rear but will not fit most frames?

iantmcg (Jun 27, 2020 at 10:33)

I didn't read the article or look at the pictures. I'm just assuming they are all Minions and am headed out for a ride.

staxit (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:26)

Was just looking at replacing my magic mary/hans dampf tyres for an assegai front and aggressor rear... i use same tyres all year round in UK anyone got any valid & helpful opinion?

Peskycoots (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:54)

I’m currently running one hardtail with dhr II/Hans dampf and one with double Maxxis ardent and I reckon the Hans dampf up front seems grippiest

anthonysjb (Jun 27, 2020 at 6:29)

I run this combo in the UK, great currently but the Aggressor does clog up in thick mud. I’ll switch the rear to a DHR II for autumn then replace the Assegai for a Shorty in the winter.

iiman (Jun 27, 2020 at 6:33)

classic shorty front/hr2 rear is good here all year round

JDFF (Jun 27, 2020 at 7:02)

Assuming you are in the wet part of the UK (ha ha), I don't recommend an Aggressor as a rear. Its a decent fast(ish) rolling tire but not that great in mud. If riding really wet/sloppy, think about a MM, Shorty, or Vigilante upfront. For Rear a Judge, DHR2, MM or even a DHF (yes, as a rear).

thenotoriousmic (Jun 27, 2020 at 7:43)

I’ve just replaced my magic Mary’s with a maxx grip arseguy and a old shorty on the back while everything is super dry and loose. Will swap the shorty for a maxx grip High roller soon.

staxit (Jun 27, 2020 at 13:20)

@anthonysjb: have you used the assegai in UK winter?

HogtownWheelsmith (Jun 28, 2020 at 1:19)

Michelin Enduro Gum-X 2.6 FRONT; Michelin Enduro Gum-x 2.4 REAR. Outstanding tires.

Altron5000 (Jun 30, 2020 at 13:40)

For summer UK I run DHF Front and Minion Semi Slick rear on my enduro bike. I was on a DHF/HRII, but found the SS to be wayyy faster rolling and plenty grippy enough out back for most riding.

On my DH bike I have Assegai/DHRII, even on the big bike I would consider switching the back tire for something faster rolling.

My hardtail has Specialized Butcher/Slaughter combo. Easily the best value set I’ve had, they work great and I had both tires for about £35.

jaked (Jun 27, 2020 at 13:43)

no minion dhf f/r??

5chmaus (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:43)

Light casing, wide tire up front and narrow but heavy casing tire out back! Soft compounds in winter and harder compound in summer. That's my simple setup.

IllestT (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:33)

Eddy Current tyres have a World Cup win?
Never knew that. Cool

herzalot (Jun 27, 2020 at 7:10)

Look at all of the "L blocks" on the sides of tires other than the Minion DHF. Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

likeittacky (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:41)

How ironic i run the same combination i the Maxxis line Up, Down and Around the Hill. After scrolling through the photos, i was shocked to learn there are other Tire brands besides Maxxis!

tacklingdummy (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:46)

They need to make the Assegai in a lighter trail/enduro version. Climbing with a heavy 1100-1300 gram tire is not that fun.

jaydawg69 (Jun 27, 2020 at 21:50)

they need to make the Assguy in the DD and Maxxgrip compound in MaxTerra so it doesn't wear as quick.

NMK187 (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:30)

@jaydawg69: they need the EXO+ available in Maxgrip!

gunslingger (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:55)

greg minaars wet screams look backward to me, all maxxis tires have the rotation going so that the side with the only the maxxis logo goes with the rotor....anyhow.

ThunderChunk (Jun 27, 2020 at 16:26)

I but whatever is on sale lol. Stocked up Kenda hellkats at $40 each. Actually glad I did, they are amazing

seekanddestroy (Jul 16, 2020 at 14:54)

I haven't ridden Kenda in at least 15 years! Don't often see them around these days. I need to be reminded of what the Hellkats look like.

10 7

Trudeez (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:10)

So nobody is running an Assgai out back and an Adddix in the front??

philthyphill (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:30)

Usually they’re tied with sponsors so running both a Schwalbe and a Maxxis isn’t really an option

23 3

bottleblurrocket (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:53)

@philmtb99: He purposely misspelled the words to reference human body parts. The usage of slang and having "deez" in his user name makes me think it wasn't a sincere question. Personally, I like the ones with DD in the front.

DavidGuerra (Jun 27, 2020 at 1:27)

"Although not offering quite the same cornering properties of the Assegai or DHF." Hey Edd Spratt, what leads you to say that the DHR corners better than the DHF?? You think that people are running it at the front just to get more braking performance?? Mistaken you are!

thenotoriousmic (Jun 27, 2020 at 1:31)

Other way round dude. Dhf corners better dhr2 brakes better apparently.

Thirty3 (Jun 27, 2020 at 3:41)

@thenotoriousmic: I am guessing it was a typo.

DavidGuerra (Jun 27, 2020 at 12:54)

@thenotoriousmic: Oops, yes, I meant the opposite. I do think that the DHR corners better. The DHF has too much rubber in the center. It might work sometimes, for me it doesn't work as well overall.

HairyLegs (Jun 27, 2020 at 2:13)

DHR2 front and rear on my trail bike = Rock and Roll
Assegai just mounted on the front with DHR2 on the rear = Expecting a Metal Mosh Pit experience

Seriously ... should there even be any other tyre manufacturers out there other than Maxxis

Unrealityshow (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:01)

I'm more than happy with a WTB Verdict on the front of my "enduro" bike. Ware is great, and traction is amazing. Much better than the Maxxis Minion DHF. I still have a 2.3 Minion DHF on my "trail" bike, and when going back and forth between bikes, its frightening the difference in traction.

johnnyboy11000 (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:45)

Two words: Vittoria

4thflowkage (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:05)

@Unrealityshow: The verdict is great. It's more supportive than a DHF, and blows it out of the water in terms of support and grip. I want to give it a back to back test vs a stickier DHR2, cause trail compound vs WTB high grip is not even a comparison.

nfontanella (Jun 27, 2020 at 12:01)

For all out performance I think magic marys are better than anything from maxxis BUT they die super fast. Assegais are almost as good too

klerric (Jun 28, 2020 at 1:19)

@Unrealityshow: WTBs are ace..

seekanddestroy (Jul 16, 2020 at 14:56)

@nfontanella: They die fast alright. The side lugs tear away. To me, that doesn't say much for performance. At least the heavy as balls Assegai keeps its lugs. Maxxis rubber compounds are much better.

padirt (Jun 27, 2020 at 3:45)

DHF front assegai rear for loose and dry northeast downhill anyone?

bsarfino (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:02)

It’s what I run in WV. Works great.

padirt (Jun 27, 2020 at 4:20)

@bsarfino: snowshoe wv and blue mountain pa eat tires, rims, and cranks. Should be sending us this stuff to test here. Whistler rocks are smooth and shiny

DHhack (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:01)

I’m having good luck with DHF clone by Onza front and rear so far this season.

4thflowkage (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:24)

@padirt: But our hills arent big, so people discount how hard our trails can be. It's worse in skiing, with the "OuT wEsT THat'd Be A bLUe" getting parroted everywhere. Yeah it would be a blue, cause the west has real snow rather than a pile of ice cubes with powdered sugar waved in its general direction. Maybe i'm just a salty bastard, but it's very satisfying seeing West Coast riders getting punished by east coast tracks like Mt St Anne and Snowshoe.

PabloMoll (Feb 8, 2021 at 11:19)

I have tried both in the front of my bike. I prefer the DHF over the Assegai for loose over hard terrain. I think the side knobs grip better. Pretty noticeable when cornering or riding loose off camber.

konafarker (Jun 27, 2020 at 5:25)

Where is the WTB range of treads? Judge and verdict combo is nice....

4thflowkage (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:33)

Maybe they don't sponsor anyone? Cause it's a killer combo, although a Judge/Judge combo might be better for bike park and hard pack.

tacklingdummy (Jun 27, 2020 at 8:47)

Used the Vigilante for years. Solid tire. Good grip and predictable.

millsr4 (Jun 27, 2020 at 6:55)

DH bike: High Roller II out back, DHF up front

Trail bike: Dissector out back, DHF up front

TwoNGlenn (Jun 27, 2020 at 17:42)

Maxxis DTH front and back. What was the question?

Dustball1 (Jun 30, 2020 at 0:39)

I wonder about all these EX471 paired up with Maxxis WT tires. If you believe Maxxis' marketing, they only work well with 30mm+ rims...

tacklingdummy (Jun 27, 2020 at 9:02)

I wanna hear from the guys running slicks on the downhill tracks.

CAshredder (Jun 27, 2020 at 23:00)

OK but Minnar running shortys on backwards? Lol I guess eh knows better than I do

boozed (Jun 27, 2020 at 0:10)

I don't know what to think about this.

sirbikealot (Jun 27, 2020 at 18:58)

good maxxis commercial

andydhteam (Jun 27, 2020 at 19:09)

Anyone got a review on the michelin dh34 tyres before I buy them?

klerric (Jun 28, 2020 at 1:21)

I know the DH22s have ace reviews....not sure on 34s.

kyytaM (Jun 28, 2020 at 10:38)

F: Schwalbe Fat Albert front snakeskin
R: Michelin RockR2 Enduro

flyr (Jun 29, 2020 at 8:24)

Bontrager SE4 29×2.4 rear
Bontrager SE5 29×2.6 front

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