The Maxxis Minion DHF tyre is a veritable stalwart in the mountain bike world, remaining virtually unchanged from its original design, and for good reason because the DHF has earned a reputation for being impressively grippy.
Its tread pattern has been designed for cornering prowess and rolling speed, and is especially suited to front-end applications.
Although Maxxis states it’s best used as a downhill tyre, we see lighter casing DHFs with different compounds fitted to lightweight trail bikes thanks to its dependable performance.
- Maxxis mountain bike tyre guide
- Mountain bike wheel sizes: 26in, 650b and 29in explained
- Best mountain bike wheels | Mountain bike wheelsets rated and reviewed
- Weight: 1,239g
- Width: 2.34in (measured on 30mm rim)
- Best for: Front, dry conditions
Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR 3C MaxxTerra 29 x 2.5in WT performance
Although the Minions measured narrower than Maxxis’ claims, they still had a fantastically rounded profile on my test rims.
The side knobs angled slightly outwards, which increased cornering capabilities and predictability, making it possible to lean the bike over a long way before they broke traction.
The Minions are beautifully easy to predict and control on the edge of grip too, which meant forcing slides was fun and intuitive.
They also provided great grip on hardpack, especially rocky dirt or dry ground.
Rolling speed was also excellent, thanks to the raised central knobs and round profile limiting the amount of tyre in contact with the ground.
This adversely affected braking traction, though, making it limited at best. The EXO carcass provided plenty of stability for a front tyre and didn’t puncture during the testing period, but I have ripped them when used on the rear.
The MaxxTerra compound had ample grip on dry terrain and at slower speeds on roots, but once the trails got wet or I was riding faster, the extra security of the MaxxGrip compound would have been welcome – although not all casing and widths are available in all of Maxxis’ compounds.
The tyres inflated on my 30mm wide test rims without issue using a track pump, and only needed 25psi for the bead to form a seal around the rim’s hook.
The DHF is an ideal speed-focused, dry-weather tyre.
How we tested
We pitted 10 all-mountain/enduro tyres against each other on a host of conditions, testing back-to-back on the same trails, to find out which one we think is worth your time and money.
The five pairs of tyres were all fitted on the same 30mm (internal width) rims and inflated to similar pressures, with slight variances to reflect tyre volume.
Also tested
- Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxGrip DD 29 x 2.4in WT
- Schwalbe Big Betty EVO Super Gravity Addix Soft 29 x 2.4in
- Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Trail Addix Soft TL Easy 29 x 2.4in
- Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 29 x 2.3in
- Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 29 x 2.3in
- Vee Tire Co Attack HPL Top40 compound Tubeless Ready Enduro Core 29 x 2.5in
- Vee Tire Co Snap Trail Top 40 Compound Tubeless Ready Enduro Core 29 x 2.35in
- WTB Judge TCS Tough Fast Rolling 29 x 2.4in
- WTB Verdict TCS Light High Grip + Slash guard 29 x 2.5in
Product
| Brand | maxxis |
| Price | 75.00 GBP,79.00 USD |
| Weight | 1239.0000, GRAM (29x2.5) - |
Features
| br_TPI | 60 |
| Features | Compound: 3C MaxxTerra |
