Trail Tested: Maxxis MTB Tires – Part 2
In our previous journal entry we talked about radial tires and how they performed after a full season of riding our local terrain in Bergen, Sussex, Rockland Counties, and beyond. But radial technology isn’t the only option riders have when it comes to dialing in traction and control.
Another tire brand we spend a lot of time riding and recommending at the WORKSHOP is Maxxis. Walk into the shop and you’ll see a large section of Maxxis tires on the wall, and there’s a good reason for that. Over the years they’ve developed some of the most proven tread patterns in mountain biking.
Our local trails are a great testing ground for tires. Between the rocks, roots, sharp edges, and constantly changing trail conditions, equipment gets tested pretty quickly. Certain Maxxis models have become staples because they simply work well in technical terrain.
The Classics: Minion DHF and DHR II
Two of the most recognizable Maxxis tires are the Minion DHF and Minion DHR II. The DHF is known for balancing rolling speed with strong braking and cornering traction, which is why it’s become one of the most widely used mountain bike tires in the world.
The DHR II complements it well, with ramped center knobs for better acceleration and paddle-style knobs that help dig in under braking.
This front-and-rear combination has become a go-to setup for many trail and enduro riders because it offers predictable grip while still rolling efficiently.
Maximum Grip: The Assegai
For riders who want even more traction, the Maxxis Assegai has become extremely popular. Designed with downhill legend Greg Minnaar, the Assegai is known for providing consistent grip across the entire tread profile, no matter how far the bike is leaned into a corner.
Many aggressive trail riders run the Assegai on the front paired with a faster rolling rear tire like the DHR II. That setup delivers tremendous front-end confidence while keeping rolling resistance manageable.
Faster Rolling: Maxxis Dissector
The Maxxis Dissector is a fast-rolling trail and enduro tire was built to minimize rolling resistance while still maintaining strong cornering control and braking traction on aggressive terrain.
The tread pattern features relatively low center knobs for speed with pronounced side knobs that engage confidently when leaning the bike into corners. This makes the Dissector a popular option as a rear tire for trail and enduro bikes, especially in dry, hard-packed, or rocky conditions where riders want a balance of speed and grip.
Even Faster Rollin: Maxxis Rekon
The Maxxis Rekon is a versatile trail tire designed to roll quickly while still providing reliable traction in technical terrain. It sits in the sweet spot between an XC race tire and a more aggressive trail tire.
Its ramped center knobs help the tire roll efficiently on climbs and smoother trails, while the L-shaped side knobs provide predictable support when cornering. Because of its balanced design, the Rekon works well as either a front or rear tireon trail bikes and is commonly used for aggressive XC and light trail riding.
XC Fast: Maxxis Forekaster
The Maxxis Forekaster sits between fast XC tires and aggressive trail tires, making it what many riders consider a “Goldilocks” option for modern trail bikes. It rolls faster than heavier enduro tires but provides noticeably more traction than typical XC tires.
The tread pattern uses taller, widely spaced knobs to maintain grip in loose soil, wet conditions, and mixed terrain. Because of this, the Forekaster is often chosen for downcountry bikes or short-travel trail bikes, where riders want a combination of speed, climbing traction, and predictable cornering.
Choosing the Right Tire for Your Terrain
One of the biggest takeaways from years of testing tires is that no single tire works best everywhere. In general, more aggressive tread patterns offer better grip and braking control but tend to roll a bit slower. Faster rolling tires feel efficient on smoother terrain but can give up some traction when trails get rough.
For riders tackling rocky terrain like we see locally, tire choice often comes down to a balance between three factors:
Traction
Rolling resistance
Sidewall durability
With those factors in mind, Maxxis MTB tires have lost of options.
They come in 4 compounds:
Single - basic and inexpensive
Dual - faster rolling and harder
3C Maxxterra - 3 compounds in 1 tire
3C Maxxgrip - sticky and grippy
They also come in 4 casings:
EXO - standard trail casing (lightest)
EXO+ - stronger bead
Double Down - extra sidewall protection
DH - strongest and stiffest (heaviest)
Our Take
We realize there’s a lot of options with Maxxis tires so the decision can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to find out what’s best for your riding style. That’s where we can help step you through the options in store.
Maxxis has built a reputation for producing reliable tires with a wide range of tread patterns, casings, and rubber compounds designed for everything from XC racing to aggressive enduro riding.
After years of riding and testing them on local trails, certain models have proven themselves over and over again. The right choice ultimately comes down to how and where you ride, but having the right tire setup can dramatically change the way your bike feels on the trail.
If you’re unsure which tire works best for your bike or riding style, stop by the WORKSHOP and we’ll help you find the right combination.
