MAXXIS Assegai released – Greg Minnaar’s signature downhill tire
Greg Minnaar is one of the most constant riders in the World Cup a podium contender on any course, whether steep and technical or smooth and flowing. MAXXIS approached Greg 2016 with the idea of creating a signature tire. While designing the Assegai, Greg sketched out his ideal tread pattern, taking bits and pieces he liked from each of his favourite tires: the Minion DHF, DHR II, Shorty, and High Roller. The name of the Assegai comes from a traditional spear of the Zulu tribe from South Africa where Greg was born and raised.
Greg explains his thoughts on designing the Assegai:
“My idea was to design a tire around some of Maxxis’ iconic tread patterns. I started in the center by combining the Minion DHF and the Minion DHR II. The reasoning behind this was I felt the surface area of the DHF rolls well and gives you a good footprint on hardpack, greasy turns as well as confidence on wet roots and rocks. The DHR II added faster rolling speed and more aggressive braking.
Then I worked on the ‘extra’ tooth to give you more support when leaning the bike over so there’s a consistent feel all the way onto the side knobs. And that leaves me talking about my all-time favorite tire — the High Roller. Maxxis engineers and I came up with a remodeled High Roller side knob with very similar characteristics to the original. But with the support the extra tooth gives you, you have the ultimate wingman when cutting hard on a flat turn. Finally, I took the height of the knobs from the Shorty. The knobs are well-supported, so the extra height aggressively bites into loam and dry, dusty conditions.”
Specifications
- Sizes: 27.5×2.50″ und 29×2.50″
- Wide Trail casing optimized for 30-35mm wide rims
- 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound
- Dual-ply casing with butyl sidewall inserts
- Tubeless compatibility
- Folding bead
- Price: € 74.50
The Maxxis Assegai is available for order now with DH casing only. We hope that MAXXIS releases a lighter enduro version of the Assegai in the future.
For more info head to: maxxis.com
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Words: Photos: Duncan Philpott
