Pro DH Maxxis tire setups?

Lee,

I wanted to know what tires Maxxis sponsored pros (Namely Sam Hill and Jared Graves) normally run: model, width and tire pressures.

I think Maxxis mas the best rubber compounds in the business. I want to have the best all around setup, but don’t have the $ for a full quiver of tires. I run in mostly clay/topsoil mix-medium soil. 3c 2.5 High Rollers front and rear, 27# front & 32# or so in the rear. I wanted to try a Minion in the front. but didn’t know if a 2.7 would be going too far. (rolling resistance is important to me) You seem to be in the mix with these guys so I wanted to know if you knew some setup secrets. Thanks.

James

Hey James.

Most pros I know suggest picking a setup and running it everywhere (within reason). Maxxis riders tend to be either High Rollers or Minions. Most of the Yeti-FOX team, including Jared Graves, races DH with 2.5 High Rollers. Before he went to Kenda, Brian Lopes ran High Rollers everywhere. Steve Peat swears by High Rollers. I’ve seen Minions on Sam Hill’s bike. Curtis Keene likes Minion DHFs front and rear.

High Rollers are hard to beat in most conditions, and they have an edge in loose dirt; I think Minions have the edge on hardpack. I love a Minion in front for consistent cornering and a High Roller in back for fast rolling. Choose a pair and learn how to ride it.

Most pros run a lot of pressure — say 30-40 psi or higher. (That info is pretty closely guarded.) With less pressure, these aggressive cornerers blow tires off of rims. 2.7s are indeed a bit much for racing: they only make sense on super fast/steep/gnar courses like Vermont.

It sounds like your current setup is great for your conditions. Ride it. Learn it. Love it!

— Lee