All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Looks like I’ll be in Chattanooga for a few days in early April. I’ll have about 2 days I can squeeze in some riding. Currently planning to ride Raccoon Mtn and possibly Walden’s Ridge.

Any suggestions on other spots to ride instead?

 

Haven't done it yet. It's been on the list of rides to hit eventually. I have so many I still want to do. Can't fit them all in unfortunately.

 

Costco is insane right now on intense bikes.

 

I would pay very close attention to the TPI, because it can make a huge difference with how heavy the front end is gonna feel.

 

I've been running the 29x2.5 MaxxGrip Exo+ Assegai in front for a few years. It's fantastic! I do not have a spare one to give to you though as I keep them for myself!

 

I'm really only considering 29x2.5WT EXO or EXO+ in MaxxGrip or maybe MaxxTerra. Weight seems pretty similar with equivalent DHF. Not looking for DD or DH.

Have you ever compared with MaxxTerra? Thanks for the input. Hoping to find a deal on one because I have found some great pricing for MaxxGrip DHF that will be hard to pass up vs retail price Assegai, but I'd really like to try the Assegai.

 

you're not the only one. 29x2.5wt assegai in exo+ is my preferred front tire for enduro riding. either maxxgrip or terra usually. my short travel has a dhf in exo+ as well.

 

I'm coming off a DHF in EXO MaxxGrip that came with my current bike. I never seemed to have an issue with EXO. This is for my Evil Following. I don't have a bigger bike and this is my do everything trail bike. Assegai doesn't look like a huge weight penalty over DHF but it doesn't look like they do the Assegai in EXO MaxxGrip so would need to jump to EXO+ which is a 100g+ hit. Potentially rolling resistance is a bigger hit than weight from what I've read.

So what are your thoughts in Assegai vs DHF? Other thought was 2.4 DHR2 in EXO MaxxGrip. What about MaxxTerra vs MaxxGrip?

 

so, on my following, i'm running a DHF and haven't had any reason to move up to the assegai.

the assegai on my long travel has been solid and definitely way more traction-y. Haven't done an A/B test between the two. I mean, my long travel is a pig to pedal in comparison to the following with dhf, so can't say if it's the bike or the tire.

i've ahd problems ripping knobs off and slashign the sidewalls of the exo so i went to exo+ and stayed with it.

 

I wanna say I've used the Assegai in a MaxxTerra compound and didn't notice a huge difference compared to MaxxGrip. I also don't find the rolling resistance to be much different on the climbs compared to DHF. The real difference to me is in cornering and having the transfer knobs make the Assegai feel more consistent as you lean the bike.

 

I've run these tires in all casings and compounds for a good amount. Mostly on bigger bikes, but can definitely feel a difference.
Tread:
DHF - Crazy corner grip when properly leaned and engaged, can sometimes break away too fast. Solid Braking. Can at times feel vague at moderate lean angles on soft terrain. Rolls damn good. Best for hard(er) pack.
DHRII - Excellent corner grip, locked in, breaks away slowly and consistently. Crazy good braking. Consistent feel at most lean angles. Rolls fast on loose, can feel draggy on hard pack. Best on most terrain, when braking and cornering is imperative.
Assegai - Very similar feel in corners to DHRII when engaged, easiest transition to lean which is super confidence inspiring when cornering on loose. Great braking. Draggy AF, but not very noticeable on the front. Never had problems getting it up to speed on DH, and when climbing your weight is mostly on the back so very little effect. Best on steep, loose, and predictability is top concern.
Compounds: Terra is great all around. Grip is best for wetter conditions when you encounter slippery root/rocks. I did notice a difference when the tires are less weighted in terms of grip, but once engaged I prefer the terra (less squirm). Most times I'm on grip front, terra rear on the big bike where traction on the front is most important. Little bike gets terra all around.
Construction:
Exo - Personally, I can't stand it. Weak AF, sidewall tears, pinch flats, squishy when pushed hard, vague.
EXO+ - The old EXO+ was 2 ply 120 TPI, it was shit too. Same issues as exo, maybe more pinch flats. New gen is 2 ply 60 TPI, and is a lot better. Much better in-between construction that works well as a front if you're not smashing rocks, pushing corner grip to the limit, or want something that is a bit more supple. This is my front tire casing of choice for the little bike.
DD - My preference all around. Consistent. I can drop pressures when it's sloppy and not worry about it, slam it into corners, rocks, roots. Don't need an insert with it, no pinch flats, no tears. I run this on the back of the little bike, all of the big bike, and the front of the e-bike.
DH - Well, it's a DH casing. Heavy, stiff, dependable. I've run this a lot on my DH bike, and the rear of the e-bike. Not for me on pedal bikes, it's noticeably heavy and stiff.

I will add that the Conti enduro casing is currently my favorite. It's EXO+ light (ish), but I've never managed to flat it. Don't love their front tire options, but the Krypto and Xyno rears are fantastic in enduro casings.

Take this all with a grain of salt. My riding area, preferences, speeds, suspension, style is likely different (as is most of us here). I ride heavy, heels-down, on loose, rocky, and steep terrain so my preferences are tires that can do that well. On my little bike my tires are faster rolling, lighter casing, emphasis on corner grip. Big bike gets all the grip and strong casings, I just pedal harder.

 

As always, thorough and well-said!

 

Impressions of the new T/A?

 

Rumor is Conti is dropping the Enduro case with a super soft compound soon.

I love me a Minion but like you said those Contis are damn near bullet proof , and they sure as shit last a lot longer.

 

Great summary, I was hoping you would chime in. Ok so for me I'd say I likely ride "lighter" than you and my normal terrain is also likely considerably softer and maybe wetter than yours. I'm in the PNW so spring and fall often include some wet riding including roots which is why MaxxGrip was appealing. I have been fine with the current EXO on front and EXO+ in rear (with no inserts). But I'm looking for my set it and forget it all conditions tire setup for the upcoming 3 seasons 90% local but also good for travel and all on my do-everything Following.

I have always got along well with the DHF, but there are occasions where the conditions are right (wrong?) that I hit that transition zone and get an oh-shit moment before the corner knobs bite. Mostly apparent in off camber trail sections or in areas that are more flat/pedally/slow and high lean angles are hard to achieve. Those are the times that had me thinking about the Assegai or DHR2. Your notes on DHR2 make me again wonder if that might be a good choice. Easier to find deals on it than the Assegai that's for sure. Would you think it sits between Assegai and DHF for rolling resistance?

 

The DHR2 is a great front tire for the PNW. The transitional zone is a fair bit smaller than a DHF. Rolling it's a toss compared to the DHF on the front. Last point is that you can only get the DHR2 in a 2.4 at the moment. If you're rocking super wide wheels (32mm+) it will be squared up and not as ideal. Regarding the casing, if you've been ok with EXOs then stick with them. I don't think a 120mm bike really needs DDs... Well I'd run them but I like to do stupid shit on the regular.

 

NFD(NBD)
Picked it up today, only got a few parking lot laps, but it feels snappy and quick.
Super light and it's not even lightweight parts yet.

 

Yooo that thing is clean. Got dat purp.

 

Yeah I was originally going to go with the matte brown, but when I saw the purple in person it was done deal.

 

Loaning out my 2004 Santa Cruz Chameleon to one of my daughter’s friend’s road-biking dad. Thinking it might be his if he likes it. Sorry to maybe get rid of you, buddy! You’ve done so much with me since I picked you up as a single speed all those years ago! Here you are begrudgingly standing next to your current stablemate. Your grime and scratches and worn cogs are still beautiful…