Maxxis Minion DHF Wide Trail 3C/Double Down/TR Tire – 27.5in Review

Some all-mountain shredders don’t need it all to feel good. But that’s not us. If it’s not you, either, then Dr. Maxxis is prescribing 27. 5in of the Minion DHF Wide Trail 3C/Double Down/TR Tire. While its cup runneth over with all manner of Maxxis tech, this little enduro pill’s active ingredient is its Double Down armor, which involves two layers of 120 TPI casing and a butyl insert for gravity-grade protection at an all-mountain weight. Take two and meet us at the trailhead in the morning. Despite not measuring in the 2. 8in range, the Minion WT still accommodates the current trend of wider rims with an equally expanded tread pattern. The tweaked design lets the tire sit fat without the risk of the shoulder knobs migrating to areas of trail contact that they’re not meant for — a distinct possibility with narrow tires on wide rims. This preserves the rolling speed and cornering confidence that keep us coming back to the dual-compound Minion party, and it also makes the DHF model’s reliability on soggy trails that much more appealing. Sitting fat also equates to more air volume, which in turn makes for a plusher, less flat-prone, and higher traction ride — all of which properties are further boosted by running the Minion tubeless. This particular Minion also features Maxxis’ 3C Maxx Grip compound blend, which involves a harder base layer and progressively softer outer layers to maintain durability and preserve grip and trail feel. Like the Double Down puncture-resistance, 3C Maxx Grip is typically seen on Maxxis’ DH line, so it’s welcome medicine for any all-mountain nutter who regularly ends up on the far side of the ragged edge.