???? The Tyre
You’re looking at the Maxxis Minion DHR II 29×2.40 WT DH TR 3C MaxxGrip from Maxxis.
???? This is a full downhill (DH) race-spec rear tyre.
???? What those specs REALLY mean
???? Size: 29 × 2.40 WT
- 29” wheel
- 2.40” width (very wide)
???? Compared to your gravel tyres (40–45C ≈ ~1.6–1.8”):
- This is massively bigger
- Requires a mountain bike frame + wide rims
???? DH Casing (60×2 DW)
- Dual-ply casing (2 layers of 60 TPI)
???? Translation:
- Extremely strong sidewalls
- Built for:
- Big hits
- Rock gardens
- Bike parks
✔️ Almost puncture-proof
❌ Heavy and stiff
???? 3C MaxxGrip Compound
- Maxxis’ softest, grippiest rubber
???? Real-world:
- Incredible traction (especially on descents)
- Feels glued to the ground
⚠️ Trade-offs:
- Wears out faster
- Rolls slower
⚖️ Weight: 1265g
???? That’s very heavy for a tyre
For comparison:
- Gravel tyre: ~450–600g
- This: over 1.2kg
✔️ Weight = durability + grip
❌ Not efficient for pedaling long distances
???? Tubeless Ready (TR)
- Designed for sealant setup
???? Important for DH:
- Lower pressure = more grip
- Fewer pinch flats
???? Wide Trail (WT)
- Optimised for 30–40mm internal rims
???? Ensures:
- Better tyre profile
- More stable cornering
???? How it rides (real-world)
???? Strengths
- Unreal braking traction
- Elite-level cornering grip
- Handles rocks, roots, drops easily
- Very predictable at high speed
???? Weaknesses
- Extremely slow rolling
- Heavy
- Overkill for anything but aggressive trails
- Not fun to pedal uphill
???? Typical Setup
- Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II
- Front: Maxxis Minion DHF
???? This combo is used by:
- Enduro riders
- Downhill racers
- Bike park riders
⚠️ Important Reality Check
For your situation:
You’ve been looking at:
- Gravel bike
- 700x40–45C tyres
???? This tyre:
❌ Won’t fit your bike
❌ Completely different discipline (DH MTB)
❌ Designed for lifts/shuttles, not pedaling distance
???? Bottom Line
This version of the Minion DHR II is:
???? Maximum grip, maximum durability, minimum efficiency
It’s:
- One of the best downhill rear tyres in the world
- But also one of the most specialized
???? Simple way to think about it:
- Gravel tyre = fast + efficient
- This tyre = grip + control at all costs.
