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. 

Maxxis has proven time and time again why their tires are a gold standard when it comes to great traction in any conditions. Our friend, Zach, shares their thoughts on the Assegai. check out what they think!

Overview

I mounted the Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.6 EXO Wide Trail tire on the front of my Yeti SB150, zipped up my rain jacket, and took it for a spin. I tested the grip on some of the steepest, wettest, and rootiest trails around Whitefish, Montana, before crossing the border to Fernie and Kimberly, BC. Traction felt especially important on this trip because our friend Steve had just crashed and ended up scoring a private jet ride to the finest trauma hospital in Seattle. With that fresh on our minds, several new mountain bike techniques emerged: the tripod (Photo #2) and the downclimb. But despite all of our trepidations, the tire emerged as confidence-inspiring and grippy as f*&$. Running low pressure (about 16-18 PSI), I was able to roll through wet rooty sections with a surprising amount of confidence. I think what impressed me the most was there were a handful of times where I felt the tire lose its edge through a slick root garden and then miraculously regain it. Under previous tire selections, I would have expected to go down hard into the mud. After riding Spencer Mountain, Bootleg Mountain, Project 9, and a number of other classic steeps, I finished the trip without a bump or scratch. I think we can chalk that up as a big win for the Assegai.

I brought the same setup back to Crested Butte to play around with on some rockier but drier trails. Again, the tire inspires confidence in the corners and through rock gardens. It holds an edge well through loose dusty or blown-out sections when you need it most. And I’ve been happy with a lack of pinch flats or tears, despite almost a month of riding lift-served and enduro trails now. Even the lighter-weight EXO tread seems to hold up well to talus and chunky riding in the Rocky Mountains.

Final Thoughts

So what are the downsides? I will say though that this tire isn’t a one-tire quiver. On some of the smoother and lower angle trails around Crested Butte, I have more fun on a lower profile, faster rolling tire. The Assegai has its place, but only if you’re into steep trails that are loose, wet, rooty, or rocky. The weight and rolling resistance make it feel sluggish on local classics like the 401 or Strand Hill. I have a pair of Maxxis Ardents (2.3) on my XC bike and that tire setup feels a lot faster and just more fun for a lot of my local trails. I think if I were to choose one tire to do it all, I’d pick something in the middle.