Maxxis Assegai Tire [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

There is a good reason why Maxxis is so popular when it comes to mountain bike tires. There are so many choices in their arsenal of tires. Our friend Scott shares his experience with the Maxxis Assegai Tire. Check it out!

Overview

I recently purchased a Maxxis Assegai to replace my worn out DHF. It went on the front of my Trek Rail 7. The first difference I noticed was on my way to the trailhead. It seems to roll much quieter on the tarmac. Once in the woods, the traction was great. It seemed that the side lugs gripped off-camber sections much better than a DHF I can’t really comment on how efficient it rolls, being as that it is on an E-bike.

The Maxxis EXO Plus casing that I purchased seemed to be quite a bit stiffer than the standard EXO that I removed. I have an eddy current on the rear, it works great, but I am not sure that it’s worth all the trouble I had installing it. When it comes time to replace the rear tire, this may be my next choice. I can’t comment on its longevity, I only have about five rides on it so far, and it still looks brand new. I believe it looks a little burlier than a DHF, the knobs seem a bit taller. As far as wet roots and rocks go, I cannot comment for it has been dry here. Also cannot comment on mud performance.

On the trail, it seems to transition into the corners a little better in the DHF.

The tire was very easy to mount up tubeless. It’s snapped right up onto the bed with no problem. I have been running approximately 22 psi in the front, and that seems to be working very well. I would like to see Maxxis offer a few more of their tires in the larger size double down casings. With more and more E-bikes out on the trails, they would be a fantastic option. I’ve tried a couple of their tires with Exo and Exo Plus tire casings on the rear of my bike, and they seemed a little bit squishy and Squirrley even at higher pressures.

Final Thoughts

All in all, I am very happy with this tire. If it were available, I would certainly purchase it in the double down casing option in the future. Hopefully, Maxxis realizes the need for burlier casings on the new E-bikes and begins to make some more of their tires with that option.