Maxxis Minion DHR II 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.

With all the tire choices out on the market one brand seems to have a pretty good grasp of what the average rider to the DH racer wants. Very few tires these days are as popular as well as work well either as a front or rear tire. Our friend Kevin shares his thoughts on the Maxxis Minion DHR II tire. Check it out!

Overview

I think I am done experimenting with different tires. Every time I try something different, I can't wait till the tire dies so I can replace it with a Maxxis Minion DHR II. This review is specifically for DHR II in the double down casing and Max Terra rubber compound. I have run the same tire in the EXO + which is noticeably lighter but just doesn't hold up to rowdy bashing. As a compromise, I run a double down casing in the back and an EXO + upfront.

Installation

The DHR II even in the DD casing goes on without much effort and I was able to inflate it with a standard floor pump after removing the valve core from the tubeless valve stem. Mounted on a rim with an internal diameter of 30mm, the 2.4 wide trail tire really measures 2 5/16" or 2.3".

Rise Characteristics

I have ridden many tires that provided great grip when new but after a few rides, they tend to start becoming unpredictable quickly even though they look like they have plenty of life left on them. The DHR II tire is a different story. As the center lugs wear, you will start to lose some climbing and breaking traction but the tire still rails around corners and is extremely predictable. In fact, This summer, I ran a really worn DHR II in dry conditions and it was super grippy and had very little rolling resistance which was great until the first rain, and then it was time for a new tire.

For me, predictability is the most important aspect of a tire. Nothing kills confidence like having a tire that forces you to ride timidly. I have spent too much time on tires that have a sketchy transition from the center lugs to side lugs or worse those tires with squarish profiles that let loose if leaned over too far. The DHR II has the right lug pattern and rounded profile and remains predictable throughout its life.

Although I have only run the DHR II as a rear tire, It would undoubtedly work really well as a front tire as well.

Another reason The DHR II is my favorite tire is that it performs in wet and dry conditions. Living in California, even during the winter we are prone to prolonged dry periods in between storms and it is nice to have one tire that performs really well no matter what the conditions are like. Maxxis also offers several different rubber compounds so you can fine-tune the tire to your specific conditions. I live and ride in Santa Cruz during the winter but spend my summers up in the PNW / BC. For me, the 3C Maxx Terra rubber compound provides great grip as well as longevity for a back tire. Upfront, I prefer to use the Maxx grip rubber compound because I tend to put less weight on the front tire and the softer rubber gives more hold without putting compressing and weighting the front through a turn.
I have been using Minion DHFs and Assegais upfront because they are fantastic tires and have less rolling resistance than the DHR II.

Final Thoughts

The DHR II is great because it corners well and the center lugs just dig in under braking when the back wheel is unweighted as the rider's weight is forced on the front tire. If I consistently rode in damp conditions I would not hesitate to run the DHR II upfront as well.