Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxGrip DD 29 x 2.4 WT tyre review

Maxxis claims the DHR II provides plenty of braking and cornering traction thanks to its blended tread pattern that comprises of parallel and perpendicular centre tread blocks, which are also said to offer low levels of rolling resistance.

It’s available in an abundance of different compounds and sidewall casings, but the DoubleDown sidewalls I’ve tested should offer the best support when run as a rear tyre.

I’d have preferred the MaxxTerra compound for rear wheel use (MaxxGrip is great for the front), but that option isn’t available in DoubleDown casing in some regions.

• Maxxis mountain bike tyre guide
• Mountain bike wheel sizes: 26in, 650b and 29in explained
• Best mountain bike wheels | Mountain bike wheelsets rated and reviewed

Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxGrip DD 29 x 2.4 WT performance

The DHR II’s side knobs are shared with the Maxxis Minion DHF, which meant it had similar cornering prowess with plenty of grip and easily attainable lean angles that were predictable to hold on pretty much all types of turns, including flat and hardpack corners where they didn’t squirm or feel vague.

The MaxxGrip compound was incredibly sticky in wet slop, over greasy roots and rocks as well as on dry, dusty hardpack. In claggy conditions, the DHR II did clog up with mud, though.

The predictability of its soft compound was aided by the horizontal and vertical central blocks, both with siping that helped cling onto the terrain.

Although it had a rounded profile on my test rims, and the centre blocks sat proud of the side knobs, rolling resistance was fairly high.

The weighty carcass had an impressively damped and robust feel, making the bike predictable to control with none of the pingy feelings associated with thinner casing tyres.

Braking control on hardpack and soft ground was impressive thanks to the horizontal centre blocks and soft compound.

They only needed a standard track pump to fully inflate, requiring only 25psi to seal the bead to the 30mm rims. They held air for the entire duration of the test period, not needing any top ups to remain at the set pressure.

The DHR II is a great grip-focused tyre, and in DoubleDown casing will endure a serious amount of abuse. For very steep trails with lots of braking, it’s well-suited as a front tyre, too.