Maxxis Minion SS 3C MaxxTerra EXO TR £49.99
Our first outing on Maxxis’ Minion SS was in torrential, soaking-wet conditions – and we were left pretty damn impressed with the overall performance of this semi-slick tyre. It’s grippy enough when pedalling up soggy, muddy climbs, provided you weight the rear wheel. On descents, the straight-line speed isn’t noticeably faster than that of other semi-slick tyres that we tested and the low central tread can be a bit scary when trying to scrub speed on steep, loose tracks. We were pleasantly surprised by how well the tyre held on in the turns, though, once we’d figured out how to ride it. Attempting to stay upright around berms is futile, but if you keep the tyre on its edge, then the classic Minion side knobs hold on. The ‘3C MaxxTerra’ compound sticks to roots and rocks nicely, too. www.extrauk.co.uk