Maxxis Minion DHF 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.

When it comes to mountain bike tires, there's no right or wrong answer. There are enough options and compounds to make everyone happy, and quite possibly confused. In this rider review our friend Ron gives us his thoughts on the king of MTB tires, the Maxxis Minion DHF. Check it out!

Introduction

I have been riding my stock Specialized Turbo Levo for over 1 year since I purchased it. I’ve accumulated over 2,000 miles mostly around the San Jose California area where I live. The stock tires are OK, but I planned a mountain biking trip to the amazing bike park at Mammoth Mountain along the eastern slope of the Sierras next to Yosemite. I have been there several times before and know the terrain, especially lots of patches of loose pumice gravel. So even though I had enough tread for another 1,000 miles I wanted a different traction experience.

Performance 

I have been riding the Maxxis Minion DHR-II as my rear tire for about 8 years on my Ibis Ripley and love that tire (I ride an Ardent on the front). I was set on getting a 2.6-inch DHR-II for my rear tire. I wanted a good control tire for the front and debated other options and ultimately decided to try the 2.5 inch Maxxis Minion DHF. I chose the Max Terra compound because I wanted a bit more “roll” versus “stick” since I tend to ride more hard and loose dirt than rock faces. I also chose the EXO+ sidewall because I don’t like getting flat tires (who does?); this is especially important since on my ebike I now tend to go further into the forests than on my non-ebike. While I carry a spare inner tube, etc., I want tires that will stand up to a beating and the occasional puncture hazard (especially the ever-present goat head thorns).

Before going to Mammoth I took a long test ride through Stevens Canyon and Saratoga gap totaling over 22 miles and 4,500 feet of elevation gain in varied terrain; everything from hard and soft dirt, gravel, small rocks, and roots. Traction front and back were firm as I expected and hoped. So off to Mammoth with those tires …

After 3 full days of riding the trails at Mammoth, I was reminded why I love the DHR-II with the paddles in the middle. Climbing traction was very solid as was braking. In the turns, especially when hitting pumice patches I found the DHF to track well. I could lean the bike on the side for solid slow-speed cornering without washing out (high-speed cornering on the heavy ebike was not an option for me). This is something I missed with the stock tires; they were not great for leaning into turns. So I’m glad that I decided on this pair of tires to get me to and through 3 grueling days at the Mammoth Mountain bike park.

The tires installed easily with minimal tire-iron effort. The bead sealed quickly and they took in air and seated with no problem using just a hand pump.

Final Thought

All that said, I had a great time at Mammoth Mountain last weekend and I’m good for another couple thousand miles at least. Lastly, a shout out to Worldwide Cyclery for good prices, selection, and shipping responsiveness.

With so many tires to choose from just Maxxis alone it can be a little paralyzing. We've done the hard work of researching a wide variety and laid it all out for you in our Maxxis tire guide.