MAXXIS MINION DHR II DOUBLE DOWN
£74.99
SPECIFICATION Weight: 1,170g • Sizes: 27.5/29in x 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8in • Contact: extrauk.co.uk
A perennial riders’ favourite, Maxxis’s Minion DHR II can safely lay claim to being the most race-winning downhill tyre of the modern era. Trusted by more racers than any other tread, the name on the side regularly gets blacked out with marker pen by riders seeking extra performance over sponsors’ offerings.
This Double Down (and the new EXO+) casing will more likely be the choice of regular riders like us though. It has exactly the same tread and cross-section, but saves a handy 150g over a dual-ply DH tyre. At the same time it also packs enough protection for hard charging on most UK terrain outside of exceptionally brutal zones like the Lake District or Snowdonia.
The DD casing uses 2 x 120TPI plies, much like a few others here, but Maxxis manages to keep bulk manageable and the weight meaningfully lower than its DH models. Equally, it’s over a 100 grams less than some chunky enduro tyres on test here.
Most riders will be pretty familiar with the DHR II tread. It shares alternate L-shaped lugs, that are devoid of siping, and rectangular shoulder blocks with the DHF, but has ramped triangulated central blocks that are more like those on the High Roller II. The edges have superb grip at every lean angle and are very planted and predictable, plus the braking traction and stopping power is amongst the best on the market. The Minion has good climbing traction and even works pretty well in the mud, although it will clog in severe gloop easier than a pure mud tyre.
The Minion DHR II has been around what feels like forever, and we’ve featured it again and again, so why’s it here? Well, it’s still one of the very best all-round options and there are also a few misconceptions to clear up, like some folk still thinking it’s a rearspecific tyre, when it’s also actually one of the best front tyres around too (better than the faster-rolling Minion DHF in terms of pure grip and stability). With the DH race pedigree, there’s also a sense this is a pure downhill tyre, but it makes for a perfect trail or enduro tyre in the right casing and compound. Just accept that it won’t roll as fast as a low-profile tyre (that conversely can’t hack bad weather or really hard riding).
Basically, the DHR II screams buy me in 2.4in size, in the compound and casing you need, and forget about it. DD for the rear and
EXO+ for the front suits 90% of aggro UK trail riding and enduro; job done. If you want to maximise front-end grip, go for Maxxgrip, accepting you’ll have to use more energy to push it round all day. Matched with a Maxxterra rear that better balances rolling speed and wear life. Don’t pump them up too hard either – 21-24PSI will be fine unless you’re very heavy – and then enjoy utterly predictable grip at all lean angles and in all conditions. This tyre is an all-time classic for good reason.