Maxxis Dissector - The BRAND NEW Tire From Maxxis (First Ride & Overview) [Video]

Maxxis is at it again with another brand new mountain bike tire! Introducing...the Maxxis Dissector tire. Developed with the help of pro MTB racer Troy Brosnan, the Maxxis Dissector is the perfect rear tire to complement the Assegai upfront. With heavily ramped center knobs to reduce drag and sharp, flat edges to aid under heavy braking, the Dissector could be the perfect rear tire for those fast, loose, and chunky trails we all know and love. Although our time on the tire is limited, Liam was able to give an initial overview and first impressions. Let’s check it out!

Overview

If you look around, depending on the conditions, most riders I see use the Maxxis Assegai upfront and a Minion DHRII in the rear. And while that is a great tire combo, there is always room for improvement. The Dissector features a row of tightly packed center knobs with an additional row of alternating knobs and a slight space in the center. These center knobs are ramped and provide fast-rolling speed while the spacing between them allows for the knobs to penetrate the soil. Along with the ramped front, the rear of the center tread is sharp and square to provide great control under braking. Small sipes along the tread help give extra traction while mitigating any knob squirm that might come from deep sipes. 

Weight:

• 27.5 x 2.4 (EXO) - 868g
• 27.5 x 2.4 (DH) - 1133g

Tread Design

Moving out from the center tread, there is less of a “transition” knob than the Assegai, very similar to the Minion DHRII. While there is a gap between the center and side knobs, it's much less than a Minion DHF. An area in which the DHF lacks in my opinion, especially when it comes to riding on hardpack soil. The side knobs have a new design altogether, but you can tell it takes inspiration from all Maxxis downhill tires, the Minion’s, High Roller II and most recently the Assegai. The side knobs are the perfect size to not only grip hard but give support when WorldCup racers really need it. The gap between the center tread and side knobs also help with this as it gives room for the side knobs to really dig into the dirt. 

The Dissector will be available in 27.5” and 29” variants, in 2.4WT for both EXO and DH casing options. There will also be a 2.6 version in EXO, perfect for those fun 27.5 bikes but also an option for 29” as well. The two casing options also happened to be on the lighter side of what is out there, while not 100% sure if these will be exact to production, we are happy to see a new tire that doesn't add a pound to our bikes. 

First Impressions

I was lucky enough to put some time on a pair of Dissectors last week and right away could tell these tires would be good. Most of the time I can look at a tire tread and have a decent idea for how they might handle. Well, from the first time I saw the tire leaked online, I was stoked to get a chance to ride them. So that might add to my excitement but nonetheless, I had a feeling this was going to be another amazing tire from Maxxis. 

The first ride was on a set of 27.5” tires with a DH casing outback and an EXO up front, both 2.4WT. While 29” is my preferred size, I was able to get comfy on the 27.5 Revel Rail fairly quick. Immediately, I noticed how much faster the tires rolled than the Assegai. With the tighter packed knobs and slightly lower height, I thought that would be the case, but it almost shocked me out the gate. I would also say that within the first few corners I could feel the smooth transition from center to side tread, and how you are really able to feel where the tire is. While that may sound abstract, I find that sometimes if the knobs are a bit tall or a big gap the tire kinda feels lost in this section, not the Dissector. Smooth and in control, and that is the same for the braking performance. While I didn't get to ride anything extremely steep yet, you know that when you get on the brakes and need to slow down you will be able to with this tire. 

Not to sound like a paid advertisement, but this tire really is as good as they say it is. Everything that it was designed to do, was felt perfectly out on the trail. Rolling speed was increased, braking traction is up, and the side knobs have more than enough sie to support you when you really need it. I would also say that this tire is one that is quick and easy to get along with, not a lot of time will be spent feeling it out and finding what it's bad at. You might have a harder time seeing how fast you can actually push it and what it's not good at. 

Final Thoughts

While some might think that there isn’t room for Maxxis to have yet another downhill tire, they prove time and time again that there is a perfect tire for every scenario. The Dissector is no different, making a great rear tire for many conditions, and also looking to be a great front tire for hard-packed trails and faster rolling applications in both trail, enduro and downhill styles of riding. First impressions of the tire are great, I can't wait to get some 29” rubber and do a long-term test.

The immediate control and predictability I got from the Dissector show serious promise and I am excited to spend some more time on them. I see the Dissector and the Assegai to be paired similar to the Minion DHF/DHRII. One is focused on all-out grip, while the other is focused on rolling speed, braking, and control. Coming from the mind of a WorldCup winning and consistent Troy Brosnan, there is no doubt this tire will make its way onto all types of riders in the not so distant future.