Maxxis Assegai Tire [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Last year, Maxxis came out with what we consider to be their grippiest tire...the Maxxis Assegai. For fans of serious traction, this tire is tough to beat. Our customer Thomas was so stoked on his new Assegai that he had to share his review. Check it out!

Overview

On my ride today, I was thinking, “What can I write to help a company and a tire that brings so much joy to my life during a global pandemic, and while our great state of California is a burning inferno?” Full disclosure, I was also thinking about how I plan to redeem my $50 gift card from Worldwide Cyclery for writing an honest review. That being said, I decided to dig in and share my thoughts on the Maxxis Assegai Tire, 29'' x 2.50, Folding, Tubeless Ready, 3C Maxx Grip, Double Down, Wide Trail, 120TPI, Black. (Full disclosure I wish it was named the Min-gnar).

On Trail

The Maxxis Assegai Tire, 29'' x 2.50 double down is my favorite tire for my local trails in Pacifica, Ca. We have a saying, “If you can ride Pacifica, you can ride anywhere.” The Maxxis Assegai is a warrior ready to engage with our local tracks that are steep, fast, exposed, off-camber, chunky, brown pow in the fall and early winter, and loose in the summer (albeit I have not ridden them in thick mud). We also have a rad plot of jumps. Simply put, we have it all, and our trails humble the best of riders.

My go-to set up to tackle my local gnar on my XL Santa Cruz Megatower is the Maxxis Assegai 29'' x 2.50 Double Down Wide Trail upfront and outback. When the back tire wears out, I slap a new Assegai Double Down upfront and rotate the front Assegai Double Down to the rear.

The Double Down casing is a must for damping our chunk and evoke a mindset to smash and plow. Some may argue the Assegai is slow-rolling tire and some may ask, “are they heavy?” If you are reading this and asking, then you should probably drink one less beer or mix in a salad.

My bike weighs in at 36+ pounds and at the end of the day, the Assegai is Double Down combo is not for the weight weenie nor the rider who doesn’t like to earn the descent. Maxxis claimed weight is 1,305 grams. While we don’t ride flat cross country trails, we enjoy the steep climbs equally as much as the white knuckle descents. We measure rides in feet, not miles and an average week is anywhere from 6K-10K. We climb everything and riding with the Assegai makes the legs and lungs stronger.

Shredding the Maxxis Assegai Tire, 29'' x 2.50 Double Down combo downhill allows me to hold my high-speed lines with composure and stability while screaming, “no brakes!” In the corners, the Assegai tall shoulder corner knob profile tracks with incredible predictability and allows the rider to lean into unchartered territory.

Final Thoughts

The Maxxis Assegai 29'' x 2.50 Double Down Wide Trail is my favorite tire for my favorite trails which I argue are the best in Northern California. If you come out, bring your A-game, your big bike, and your Assegai tires.