Skip to main content

Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Max Terra Exo TR 2.3in tyre


Our favourite Maxxis tread was one of the last to make the transfer to 650b but it's been worth the wait.

Despite the DH F(ront) name the semi directional, ramped tread and triple compound 3C MaxxTerra rubber mix means it's the only really grippy tyre here to be fast enough to use both ends without killing rolling speed.

There's no shortage of inline grip and the split tread also locks down side-slip traction for turning and braking in loose or sloppy surfaces. There's a slight leap of faith getting it onto its edges but that engages a nearly continuous rank of solidly supported knobs for ripping round corners or carving across edges.

It's an average width for its stated size so it doesn't float as well as some fatter tyres but it doesn't need an extra wide rim for stability. The Exo carcass keeps rocks off the rim at low pressures and tubeless set up is very easy.

It's full gas tough without feeling wooden and numb and masking traction. The triple compound also extends wear life to make the high price more palatable and make it a proper all-year-rounder.

Expensive but a superb balance of reasonable speed and unreasonable all-round control.

Weight 910g
Width 55mm
Height 50mm

Price 81$

Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

Santa Cruz’s new enduro focused dream bike While the Santa Cruz Bronson has been causing a commotion on the enduro scene as one of the lighter and more capable bikes, the Californian company have been working on something better suited to the more gravity orientated courses.

Fulcrum Red Power XL wheels

THESE WHEELS CERTAINLY don't look like some of the cheapest on test, and the adjustable-preload bearings are some of the smoothest and longest lived at any price.