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Tyre manufacturer Maxxis has unveiled a new signature downhill/aggressive enduro tyre, developed with racer Greg Minnaar.
The Maxxis Assegai was revealed to the crowds at the 28th annual Subaru Sea Otter Classic, featuring a tread pattern designed by World Cup downhill racer Minnaar. The signature tyre comes to market in two sizes, 27.5 x 2.50 and 29 x 2.50, with wide trail casing optimised for 30-35mm wide rims.
Explaining the inspiration behind the Maxxis Assegai, Minnaar said: “My idea was to design a tyre around some of Maxxis’ iconic tread patterns. I started in the centre by combining the Minion DHF and the Minion DHR II. The reasoning behind this was I felt the surface area of the DHF rolls well and gives you a good footprint on hardpack, greasy turns as well as confidence on wet roots and rocks.
“Maxxis engineers and I came up with a remodelled High Roller side knob with very similar characteristics to the original. But with the support the extra tooth gives you, you have the ultimate wingman when cutting hard on a flat turn. Finally, I took the height of the knobs from the Shorty. The knobs are well-supported, so the extra height aggressively bites into loam and dry, dusty conditions.”
A tyre two years in development, Maxxis UK’s managing director, Derek McMartin, said he was delighted to finally reveal the product to market: “Greg first approached us with this idea at the 2016 Mont Sainte Anne race, aiming to combine the cornering sensation he enjoyed from the original High Roller with the predictability of his current favourite, the Minion DHR II.
“To announce this partnership feels fantastic and is further testament to Maxxis’ commitment to delivering high quality, high performance tyres to both original equipment and aftermarket customer.”
The Maxxis Assegai takes its name from a traditional Zulu warrior spear used by a tribe from Minnaar’s homeland in South Africa. It is tubeless ready and comes with Maxxis’ 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound, with dual-ply casing and butyl sidewall inserts – offering additional stability and durability for riders.
The tyre is expected to be available in the UK later this year.
