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Performs as you would expect. Fast rolling on hard pack, rail knobs provide good grip when cornering. Had fun on this tire for the rear in Moab this past weekend. Doesn't grip too well in softer or wetter conditions (as expected) but hey, its also fun to slide around that back tire right?
I loved the idea of this tire but it just didn’t seem to work for me. I kept tearing the sidewalls and getting a flat every ride. Fun to try out though in the rear.
I live in Central California, and ride a mix of hard pack clays, loose over hard, sandy, pulverized granite, rock gardens. On rare occasion, those clays get the right amount of moisture of tack up into Hero class. This tire takes all of those conditions and equalizes them into a consistent performance time and time again. I bought this tire as a combo package with a DHF up front. TBH, I didn't think the Minion SS was going to do much for me, but I was completely proved wrong. It grips for days, in corners - loose or hard and especially on climbs. The low profile center knobs of the Minion SS give it near slick rolling resistance and even though the tire is near XC weight weenie levels I have rigorously abused it and it keeps begging for more. I ride 30 to 50 miles a week, climbing to earn my descents and am only showing minimal signs of wear after 4 months.
I got this new tire after slashing a gauge in another tire which I really did not love. So I figured I had been hearing so many great reviews I would give this a go. I was skeptical to try this tire as I've never run a semi-slick for MTB. This tire was appealing because for years I've trusted Minion DHF and DHR's but wanted something fast rolling for hardpack conditions. This tire has the characteristic aggressive Minion side knobs, with low ramped center knobs for ultra-low rolling resistance. In the future I will go back to my DHR- I just like the way it rolls, and rolls without making funny sounds. The funny sounds is a whirling/ whizzing due to the knob difference in sizing.... it drives me personally nuts. BUT overall this is a great tire- it's just not my personal favorite or 1st choice.
What type of trails did you use the SS on (loose over hard/ hardpacked/ rocky etc? I suppose the whirling/whizzing sound is only on pavement? Or was it audible enough through the trails? I rid my Maxxis Ikons 2.35 out here in Park City in all sorts of conditions, thinking about trying this SS though.
Nice for summer conditions, not great for winter or wet conditions. Low rolling resistance.
I was skeptical to try this tire as I've never run a semi-slick for MTB. This tire was appealing because for years I've trusted Minion DHF and DHR's but wanted something fast rolling for hardpack conditions. This tire has the characteristic aggressive Minion side knobs, with low ramped center knobs for ultra-low rolling resistance.
These tires work super well for hardpack, loose-over-hardpack, and slickrock. It's a perfect tire for Southern Utah/Moab. The side knobs bite really well so this tire corners confidently like other Minions. I was concerned about breaking power with those small center knobs but on the proper terrain this tire brakes well. And of course, as designed, this tire rolls really fast! It seems to wear pretty well too, after several months of consistent riding there is still plenty of tread life left.
I would not recommend this tire if you ride a lot of muddy, silty, or sandy trails. As mentioned, it's best used for hardpack, rocky terrain, and loose-over-hardpack to minimize rolling resistance.
If you are looking for a tire that is tall and has a round profile, this is not that tire. From what I know this tire is only available in a 2.3 width, but I think it is a good size for a rear tire.
Solid EXO protection sidewalls will get you wherever you want to go. This is on my 2016 Felt Compulsion 30. More than 100 miles on the tire now and I'm a huge fan.
After more than 100 miles of hard-pack and sandstone, the tread still looks like it did on the first day. No lugs have ripped off and it still has great traction.
I had been looking at this tire for a couple weeks but didn't have a need for it. As I was getting my 2016 Felt Compulsion 30 ready for a trip to Moab, I sliced open my Schwalbe Rock Razor and was forced to get a new tire. I loved the Semi-slick pattern of the Rock Razor, but wanted to try something different. That is where the Minion SS stepped in to save the day.
I have been a Maxxis fan for a few years now. I ran 2.4 Ardents on my old bike, and my wife is currently running a 2.4 Maxxis Ardent front and rear. I have never had any problems getting them to set up tubeless so I figured this would be a good tire.
When I first got the tire I was surprised with the size of the side lugs. Those things are huge! Now when they tire was actually on the wheel, they didn't seem so out-of-place so that was comforting. Just like any other Maxxis tire I have used, I put it on the wheel, put in some sealant, and boom, it beaded right up. No issues at all.
Now normally I would not recommend getting a brand new tire before a 3-day bike trip, you should ride what you know, but I don't regret getting this tire one bit. Our trip was to Moab so this tire was perfect for all the hard-pack and slickrock riding we did. It grips like crazy going up steep climbs, does't skid when coming down, and really grips in the corners. I love it! It also makes a difference when trying to get speed on a 6" trail bike. The tire rolls smooth, quick, and grabs when you need it.
For the riding I was doing that weekend, and living in St. George with a lot of sandstone and hard-pack, this tire has been awesome. I don't know about other terrain types, but for me it has been perfect. The 2.3 size is a good size for a rear tire, and knowing that I have EXO protection gives me peace of mind.
If you are looking for a Semi-Slick tire that doesn't break the bank, the Maxxis Minion SS has your back all day.
This is what happens when a burly downhill tire and a lightweight, fast rolling tire have a baby. You get a tire that has a low rolling resistance through straight sections and it really holds its edge when you lean the bike sideways.
If you have any questions on this product, I will be happy to help you out. I am usually in the office Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 11:30am-9:30pm you can request me on by phone (1.888.276.7130 ext. 4646) during those hours. You can also send me an email @ dmyers@backcountry.com at any time.
This tire is what I have been waiting for for a while now. I was running a Ikon last year, and loved the slide that tire provided. This has similar characteristics, but as soon as you lean it into the side knobs, this thing grips! I've had great luck with it so far the past month riding in Utah, the only issue is steep, loose over hard climbs where I tend to lose traction. I am excited to get this thing out on the Park City Trails this summer!
Fast roller, but squirrely through the esses. Imagine a Crossmark with fat side knobs. We'll see how long I run this during the winter. Might have to shelve it until things get dry on the trails again.
