Maxxis Minion DHF MaxxGrip 29x2.5
The Maxxis Minion DHF with MaxxGrip compound is the benchmark front downhill tire for aggressive lines thanks to its predictable braking bite and durable block layout; it holds a market-leader position by balancing tenacious cornering traction with manageable rolling resistance for 29x2.5 setups. Compared with the Assegai and other tires on this list, the DHF delivers a broader performance envelope and steadier wear, offering a strong technical-to-cost ratio for riders who want versatile downhill performance without paying premium Racing Line prices.
MaxxGrip traction
Predictable cornering
MaxxGrip traction
Predictable cornering
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise its predictable, confidence-inspiring grip in corners and under braking on loamy and muddy terrain, while noting the MaxxGrip compound is heavier and can wear faster than harder compounds."
Velcro-like cling
MaxxGrip compound tuned for maximum wet and loose-surface traction
Velcro-like cling
MaxxGrip compound tuned for maximum wet and loose-surface traction
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Maxxis Minion DHF with MaxxGrip compound is the benchmark front downhill tire for aggressive lines thanks to its predictable braking bite and durable block layout; it holds a market-leader position by balancing tenacious cornering traction with manageable rolling resistance for 29x2.5 setups. Compared with the Assegai and other tires on this list, the DHF delivers a broader performance envelope and steadier wear, offering a strong technical-to-cost ratio for riders who want versatile downhill performance without paying premium Racing Line prices.
MaxxGrip traction
Predictable cornering
Velcro-like cling
MaxxGrip compound tuned for maximum wet and loose-surface traction
Aggressive ramped center knobs and tall shoulder lugs for predictable braking and cornering
MaxxGrip traction
Predictable cornering
Velcro-like cling
MaxxGrip compound tuned for maximum wet and loose-surface traction
Aggressive ramped center knobs and tall shoulder lugs for predictable braking and cornering
$90-150 USD
Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity 27.5x2.6
Schwalbe's Magic Mary Super Gravity is a heavy-duty 27.5-specific downhill tire built for chunder and rock gardens, offering exceptional sidewall protection and lateral grip from its aggressive profile and reinforced casing. While pricier and heavier than some 29-inch options here, its puncture resistance and confidence-inspiring tread make it a cost-effective choice for riders prioritizing durability and damage resistance over outright rolling speed.
Mud-munching knobs
Super Gravity toughness
Mud-munching knobs
Super Gravity toughness
Review Summary
"Riders love its aggressive tread and Super Gravity casing for exceptional cornering and sidewall support in steep, loose conditions; common complaints are weight and slightly higher rolling resistance."
Corner-hook hero
Super Gravity carcass engineered for extreme sidewall protection on big-hit descents
Corner-hook hero
Super Gravity carcass engineered for extreme sidewall protection on big-hit descents
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Schwalbe's Magic Mary Super Gravity is a heavy-duty 27.5-specific downhill tire built for chunder and rock gardens, offering exceptional sidewall protection and lateral grip from its aggressive profile and reinforced casing. While pricier and heavier than some 29-inch options here, its puncture resistance and confidence-inspiring tread make it a cost-effective choice for riders prioritizing durability and damage resistance over outright rolling speed.
Mud-munching knobs
Super Gravity toughness
Corner-hook hero
Super Gravity carcass engineered for extreme sidewall protection on big-hit descents
Open, widely spaced shoulder knobs and aggressive center blocks that shed mud and bite into loose terrain
Mud-munching knobs
Super Gravity toughness
Corner-hook hero
Super Gravity carcass engineered for extreme sidewall protection on big-hit descents
Open, widely spaced shoulder knobs and aggressive center blocks that shed mud and bite into loose terrain
$120-200 USD
Continental Kryptotal Fr Enduro 29x2.4
The Continental Kryptotal Fr Enduro is tuned for fast-rolling 29-inch fronts with a firm center tread and grippier shoulder knobs, delivering lower rolling resistance and a lighter feel than many full-fat downhill options. It sacrifices a touch of ultimate wet-weather bite for improved speed and weight savings, providing notable value compared with premium Racing Line or MaxxGrip compounds when fast descents and longevity are key priorities.
Fast-rolling speed
Enduro-grade armor
Fast-rolling speed
Enduro-grade armor
Review Summary
"Most users find it durable and fast-rolling with reliable carcass protection for aggressive riding, but many say its wet-traction lags behind the top competitors in loose mud."
Predictable drift
Designed for enduro with a balance of low rolling resistance and dependable traction on mixed terrain
Predictable drift
Designed for enduro with a balance of low rolling resistance and dependable traction on mixed terrain
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Continental Kryptotal Fr Enduro is tuned for fast-rolling 29-inch fronts with a firm center tread and grippier shoulder knobs, delivering lower rolling resistance and a lighter feel than many full-fat downhill options. It sacrifices a touch of ultimate wet-weather bite for improved speed and weight savings, providing notable value compared with premium Racing Line or MaxxGrip compounds when fast descents and longevity are key priorities.
Fast-rolling speed
Enduro-grade armor
Predictable drift
Designed for enduro with a balance of low rolling resistance and dependable traction on mixed terrain
Tread compound tuned to maintain consistent grip across rocks, roots and hardpack
Fast-rolling speed
Enduro-grade armor
Predictable drift
Designed for enduro with a balance of low rolling resistance and dependable traction on mixed terrain
Tread compound tuned to maintain consistent grip across rocks, roots and hardpack
$120-180 USD
Michelin Wild Enduro Front Racing Line 29x2.5
Michelin's Wild Enduro Front Racing Line is a top-tier, race-focused downhill tire that combines a supple carcass with razor-sharp knob geometry for maximum steering precision at speed; its Racing Line construction and premium compound justify a higher price with measurable gains in speed and feedback. Compared to heavier Super Gravity or aggressive MaxxGrip options, the Michelin favors responsiveness and lower rolling resistance, making it ideal for racers who accept higher cost for sharper handling and improved lap times.
Racing-ready precision
Light yet burly
Racing-ready precision
Light yet burly
Review Summary
"Often praised for excellent grip, a supple Racing Line casing and confident front-end feel at speed, with the main drawbacks being premium price and occasional faster wear on abrasive rock."
Fast steering feel
Racing Line construction prioritizes a lightweight build with high-performance carcass
Fast steering feel
Racing Line construction prioritizes a lightweight build with high-performance carcass
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Michelin's Wild Enduro Front Racing Line is a top-tier, race-focused downhill tire that combines a supple carcass with razor-sharp knob geometry for maximum steering precision at speed; its Racing Line construction and premium compound justify a higher price with measurable gains in speed and feedback. Compared to heavier Super Gravity or aggressive MaxxGrip options, the Michelin favors responsiveness and lower rolling resistance, making it ideal for racers who accept higher cost for sharper handling and improved lap times.
Racing-ready precision
Light yet burly
Fast steering feel
Racing Line construction prioritizes a lightweight build with high-performance carcass
Tread pattern optimized for precise steering and confident braking on technical descents
Racing-ready precision
Light yet burly
Fast steering feel
Racing Line construction prioritizes a lightweight build with high-performance carcass
Tread pattern optimized for precise steering and confident braking on technical descents
$150-250 USD
Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip 27.5x2.5
The Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip is the go-to aggressive downhill tire for steep, loose and technical terrain, offering enormous traction from tall, sharply defined knobs and the tacky MaxxGrip rubber. It is heavier and can wear faster than more balanced designs like the Minion DHF, but its unmatched bite on steep faces and braking zones provides a clear technical advantage for riders who demand maximum grip in loose conditions.
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Review Summary
"Widely regarded as one of the stickiest downhill/front tires, reviewers highlight exceptional traction and cornering stability in steep, technical terrain, balanced against weight and faster compound wear."
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip is the go-to aggressive downhill tire for steep, loose and technical terrain, offering enormous traction from tall, sharply defined knobs and the tacky MaxxGrip rubber. It is heavier and can wear faster than more balanced designs like the Minion DHF, but its unmatched bite on steep faces and braking zones provides a clear technical advantage for riders who demand maximum grip in loose conditions.
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
MaxxGrip compound provides exceptional bite in loose and muddy conditions
Toothlike bite
MaxxGrip stickiness
Root-crushing confidence
Tightly spaced center knobs paired with tall, hooked shoulder lugs for traction and secure cornering
MaxxGrip compound provides exceptional bite in loose and muddy conditions
$100-170 USD