Maxxis Minion DHF Tire - 29 x 2.5 [Rider Review]

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The Maxxis Minion DHF is arguably one of the most popular tires we see on bikes around the shop. If you want a front tire that is designed for traction and predictability, the DHF should be on your radar. Check out what this customer had to say about his new Maxxis Minion DHF!

Overview

I am currently riding an Evil Offering and live in the SouthEast (NC) / I was running a 2.3 DHF up front for the past few months and decided to try out a 2.5 as a friend of mine recommended it and I was going through to replace my current tires. I have been running it around 23psi in the front.

Installation

The Maxxis DHF was easy to install and seat on the rims, currently running the e13 LG1 rims so that was nice, I have had some issues with Maxxis tires in the past installing and removing on the E13 rims.

After coming off the 2.3 my initial impressions are that the tire grips quite well and feels more planted and stable especially in DH sections of trail.

I do feel that it requires a bit more effort to pedal around and is a little sluggish on climbs compared to 2.3.

On Trail

On the DH sections of trail, Initially I thought I was just riding slower but after timing a few sections I realized that it was the tire provided a little more grip and was very predictable which allowed for better/easier control, it felt like I was given more time to really focus on the trail and make better line choices. In Corners it is confidence inspiring as the bike can be leaned over quite a bit more than I am used to, sometimes when I thought I was on the breaking point of slipping out , the tire would hook up and save me, however, it does seem to take a bit more effort to transfer from side to side and doe not feel quite as quick. Once it hooks up feels really good cornering, which took a little getting used to compared to the 2.3. Regarding Braking, I am running Code RSCs and don't know that I see any huge difference between the 2.3 and 2.5, they both have good control and feedback while braking given the current setup.

Since I have had the tire, my local trials have been mostly dry but have had a few days of rain so I cant offer much on how it handles in mud/wet conditions. I have mainly been riding it around my local trails but am looking forward to getting it up in the mountains towards more technical and steeper terrain where I think it will provide more value for the type of riding it is intended for.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think its a pretty solid tire and excels in DH applications, It seems to be a bit much for most of the riding I am doing so I am planning on buying another 2.3 to put back on my main wheelset and plan on keeping it on my spare wheels for when I travel up to the bike parks and Pisgah in NC.