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. 

Amongst the many mountain bike components there are only a hand full of upgrades that can have a big impact on how your bike will feel. Picking the right tire for your local trails can make for an epic ride. Our friend Andrew shares his experience with the Maxxis Minion DHF tire. Check it out!

Overview

When riding mountain bikes your contact point between the earth and your bike is likely what stands between broken bodies and broken PR’s. Maxxis tires do their best to bring the latter to you. I purchased the Maxxis Minion DHF Tire 27.5 x 2.6, Tubeless, Folding, Black, 3C Maxx Terra, EXO+ from Worldwide Cyclery about a month and a half ago and these are my thoughts so far! When I purchased the Maxxis Minion DHF for the front of my Hardtail I must admit I had bias due to the great reputation of Maxxis within the mountain bike world. This tire is a true classic and features a fast-rolling center tread with ample braking surfaces. The side knobs are burly and mold themselves nicely into rocks, roots, dirt, and even mud. Some people speak of a sometimes-noticeable gap when leaning the bike from the center tread to the side knobs. I have found that for me this does not detract from confidence or grip and allows me a better indication of when I am confidently locked into the side knobs.

I have been running the tire for more than a month and have not experienced any issues with the seat of the bead, sidewalls, or tread.

The tires that I had previously were incredibly difficult to fit over my rims but the Maxxis Minion DHF was much easier to seat with less frustration and no sore forearms. My tire is a 2.6 with the EXO+ casing, I usually run about 18psi in the tire and have had a great experience with the tire’s compliance and support. The EXO+ casing provides a bit more strength than the EXO and less weight than the double down. The best of both worlds! I have noticed even when my pressures get lower than intended the casing holds up to rim pinching and hard casing on jumps without compromising structural integrity.

The 3C Maxx Terra tire compound has provided another goldilocks situation similar to the EXO+ casing. I generally prioritize a tire that will last me a little longer in exchange for a bit of grip and the 3C Maxx Terra provides this. The dual-compound rubber compound will give you the longest-lasting tire treads while the 3C Maxx Grip is as soft as Maxxis makes them. But the 3C Maxx Terra compound provides a supple side knob ready to rip a berm, and enough durability to hold up for a season of occasional riding. Slightly less pliable knobs also mean less rolling resistance compared to the Maxx Grip compound as well.

Final Thoughts 

Overall, I have had a positive experience with the Maxxis DHF tire  and would recommend it. It has inspired confidence in my riding and prevented the mental block of going faster. Maxxis makes good products and Worldwide Cyclery allows us to get these into our hands, and onto our bikes.