Maxxis Minion SS

After Jim tested Schwalbe’s Rock Razor in their Super Gravity form last season, he’s now putting the Maxxis version (The Minion SS) through it’s paces in a lot of conditions, many of which this tyre really isn’t designed for! Said to be the gap bridger for Maxxis between a fast-rolling XC tyre and a DH tyre, this thing has small, quick-rolling knobbles in the centre and a row of large aggressive knobs on the outer edge of their grip for off-camber and cornering performance. Made with their new Silkworm breaker belt, offering an extra layer of protection, these fast-spinning tyres with EXO sidewall protection seem to offer more grip in many places than tyres boasting much more rubber. Jim has opted to run the SS on the rear of his bike throughout many a race, with either the High Roller 2 or Shorty upfront, dependent on terrain. The grip this tyre offers on off-camber sections is pretty astonishing, and so far (running on Enve’s wider HV rims) Jim hasn’t managed to puncture this tyre once! The only time the SS gets out of its depth is on very steep, slick terrain, where rear braking can become an issue, or in the uphill pedally mud. Their wear is proving to be very good, with no peel-back or unexpected loss of nobbles.

Tester: Jim
Testkilometers: 300 km
Weight: 765,21 g
Price: 54,99 €
Info: maxxistires.com