Tahoe Area Tire Guide
There are plenty of YouTube videos describing the full gamut of Maxxis Tire offerings, how to combine them, and what conditions to run them in. However, there is a surprising lack of tire guides specific to the conditions of the Tahoe area. The basin is unique, with early season hero dirt rapidly devolving into dusty hardpack, to the deep dust of summertime. Techy rock gardens and loose-on-hard flow means we need ultimate grip and cut resistance out of our tires. Here we will break it down to basics- pattern, casing, and compound- plus we will share our favorite front/rear combo for the local conditions.
Tread Pattern (Front):
First up is the legendary Maxxis Minion DHF. In our opinion, this tire is the best compromise between traction and rolling resistance for our area. Combining fast-rolling center knobs with well-supported cornering knobs, it has been a solid choice for a front tire since its debut almost 20 years ago.
Next is WC Downhiller Greg Minnaar's signature pattern, the Maxxis Assegai. This pattern builds upon the success of the DHF by adding specially shaped knobs for better braking, plus a transition knob to create a more predictable transition between the center and cornering knobs. You do pay for better traction to the tune of an additional 25-40 grams, meaning it's slower rolling, but for enduro style riders this compromise is well worth the downhill performance.
Tread Pattern (Rear):
When it comes to rear tires we like something with good drive traction and braking ability. The Maxxis Minion DHR II is a shop favorite, with the cornering knobs of the DHF plus ramped, paddle-shaped center knobs that prevent slippage in the loose-over-hard and hard pack conditions common in the Tahoe area.
We also carry the Maxxis Dissector, WC Downhiller Troy Brosnan's signature tire. It features a low knob height and ramped center knobs, combined with an open pattern for reduced rolling resistance. The Dissector is faster rolling than the DHR II at the expense of ultimate grip, which is perfect if you like to drift the back end.
Compounds:
Without getting too technical, rubber compounds are always a tradeoff between grip and durability. We stock three of the four compounds offered by Maxxis, including Dual, Triple Max Grip and Triple Max Terra. Dual compound uses a foundation of harder rubber capped with slightly soft rubber for maximum durability. Triple compound has a harder base rubber, softer rubber in the center knobs, and even softer rubber in the cornering knobs. Max grip is the super sticky (fast wearing) option, compared to Max terra which is a compromise between grip and durability. The Max Speed, which we do not stock, is optimized for fast rolling and XC purposes.
Casing:
Maxxis casings ordered from lightest to heaviest are EXO, EXO+, Double Down (DD), and Downhill (DH).
EXO is their standard trail casing, best for front tire use, although lighter less agressive riders can use it front and rear. EXO+ builds upon the EXO casing by adding a cut resistant aramid layer. This improves slash resistance without adding too much weight, and is ideally suited for rear tires.
Double Down is a casing born of enduro racing applications, using two 60-tpi plies to provide additional sidewall support for more aggressive riding. Downhill casing uses dual ply carcass combined with a butyl insert at the bead for maximum support and rim protection. This is the heaviest option and best suited to the most aggressive riders.
Shop Favorite:
Simply put, our favorite combo for local riding is Assegai Front, DHR II Rear. Casing and compound vary from rider to rider, but we love maximum traction and don't mind the increased rolling resistance that comes with it.
Start Haus stocks many combinations of pattern, compound and casing in a number of sizes and widths. We're always happy to make recommendations specific for you, whether you're ripping locally, planning a trip to Sedona, or cruising on an e-bike. Drop by or call to chat with one of our local experts! Check out the staples for sale here.