Review: Maxxis' New Dissector Isn't Just a Dry Conditions Tire

Nov 26, 2019
by Mike Kazimer  
Maxxis Dissector tire review


The Dissector is the newest addition to Maxxis' mountain bike tire lineup, the result of a collaboration with Troy Brosnan that began in early 2018. The speedy Aussie was looking for a tire that worked well in dry, loose conditions, and the result is a tire that borrows design elements from Maxxis' Rekon and Highroller II tires.

The Dissector is currently available for 29” and 27.5” wheels in a 2.4” width with either a MaxxTerra EXO casing or a MaxxGrip DH casing, but more options are on the way. 2020 will see the release of EXO+ and DoubleDown versions, along with the addition of a 2.6” width.
Maxxis Dissector Tire Details
• MaxxGrip rubber compound
• Tubeless ready
• Dual ply DH casing w/ butyl insert
• Sizes: 29 x 2.4" (tested), 27.5 x 2.4"
• Weight: 1220 grams (actual)
• MSRP: $90 USD
• www.maxxis.com

I've been testing the 29 x 2.4” MaxxGrip DH casing version, which weighs in at 1220 grams.


Maxxis Dissector tire review

Design Details

The Dissector's tread pattern consists of alternating rows of two and then three ramped center knobs, which are squared off on the backsides to help with braking traction. C-shaped side knobs alternate with rectangular knobs that have had an angular scoop taken out of them, with those knobs sitting a little further out on the casing than the C-shaped knobs.

The dual-ply DH casing tire uses Maxxis' 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound, which uses a harder base rubber with a softer compound for the side knobs, and a medium (but still soft) compound for those middle knobs. As the name implies, this compound prioritizes grips over everything else, including rolling speed and long-term durability, due to the fact that a soft, sticky rubber compound will wear faster than a harder one.

Tire measurements don't always match what's printed on the sidewall, but in this case the Dissector's claimed width matches reality. It's 2.4” from side knob to side knob, with a casing width of 2.3 inches on a rim with a 30mm internal width. Yes, that last sentence contains both metric and imperial units, but that's just how it goes in the mountain bike world sometimes.

Maxxis Dissector tire review
The Dissector's tread pattern borrows elements from several tires in Maxxis' lineup.
Maxxis Dissector tire review
This 2.4" tires measures... 2.4 inches.


Performance

I've had the Dissector mounted up to several wheels at this point, and in all instances it seated and sealed with a floor pump, no air compressor or magic spells required. That's no longer as much of a notable feature as it once was, which is a good thing – it's becoming increasingly rare to need to really struggle with getting a tubeless tire to pop into place.

My first days on the Dissector were spent with it on the back of a downhill bike in the Whistler Bike Park, where conditions were about as good as it gets – hardpacked and fast, with minimal dust thanks to just the right amount of rain. The difference in rolling speed between the Dissector and the Assegai that I'd been running previously was immediately apparent. Where the Assegai delivers tons of traction, it can feel a bit draggy in harder packed, less steep terrain; having the Dissector on the back helped speed things up with only a slight reduction in traction. We're talking about DH casing tires here, so weight isn't on the top of the priority list, but it's worth mentioning that the Dissector weighs over 100 grams less than an Assegai with the same casing and compound.

The side knobs are well supported, which helps keep them from folding over during hard cornering, and I was able to push as hard as I wanted into the big bermed turns on A-Line and Dirt Merchant without any scary moments. It is easier to get the Dissector to break free compared to an Assegai or DHR II, but it's not a sudden, unexpected loss of traction – its grip limit is relatively easy to predict.

Maxxis Dissector tire review


Maxxis' MaxxGrip compound lives up to its name, offering gobs of traction in all conditions, but the downside is that it wears relatively quickly. For racers who are constantly swapping tires that's not as much of an issue, but for riders without a fresh set of tires at their disposal it can be disheartening to see how fast those edges round off and the center knobs lose their shape. The overall durability of the tire has been good – I haven't had any flats or torn any knobs off, but it'd be nice to see a dual compound DH casing version added into the mix, especially for riders who live in drier, rockier areas.

The Dissector worked well in the prime-time bike park conditions, but I was curious to see how it would fare when things were less perfect, so I've been pedaling around with it on the back of a trail bike for the last couple of months. It turns out it's much more versatile than I'd initially anticipated, with handling that's very similar to a Bontrager SE4. There's enough traction to keep it from spinning out too often on tricky climbs, and it doesn't get bogged down on mellow bits of trail. It feels more connected to the trail compared to the Maxxis Aggressor, with more bite and less vagueness in loose conditions.

Even when the trails are wet it holds its own, at least until things get super deep and sloppy. The relatively open tread pattern helps prevent the tire from getting too clogged with mud, and the fact that the knobs aren't overly tall keeps them from folding over or hanging up on wet rocks and roots. For extra-steep, loose trails something more aggressive with a taller tread pattern and slightly better braking grip will be the ticket, but overall, the Dissector is an excellent option for most trails, most of the time.


Maxxis Dissector tire review


Pros

+ Quick and predictable in a wide range of conditions
+ Noticeably faster rolling than a DHR II or Assegai
Cons

- Sticky rubber wears quickly
- Not all versions are available yet



Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesThe Dissector excels in the dry conditions it was designed for, but it turns out it also shines even when the sun doesn't. It's worth keeping in mind if you're searching for a faster rolling rear tire that can handle a wide variety of terrain and trail conditions. — Mike Kazimer





Posted In:
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210 Comments
  • 136 1
 If nothing else it's consistent
  • 9 1
 i see what you did there
  • 1 0
 So is the price!!!!
  • 121 29
 I'm sorry to say this, but this review is mediocre at best. The most important question is never adressed: "Why should i chose this tire over a DHR2?" And not in terms of marketing claims, but actual ride experience and test-bench data.

Then there is the other important question that is never addressed: "How does it perform as a front tire?"

On a related note, the obvious fact that a Maxxgrip DH tire is more grippy than a dual-compound Agressor is really not worth writing down.
  • 22 6
 Also, let's see how it does as a front tire...
  • 60 30
 You should chose it because you want a faster rolling tire which is mainly intended to be used as a rear...concentrate when reading and stop whining Titmer!
  • 21 2
 And compared to an Aggressor....?
  • 3 0
 Exactly.
  • 15 1
 I'd rather see it compared to an aggressor. That's more apples to apples really.
  • 3 2
 @Ironmonsoon602: I mean, it's not a shootout b/w the tires but the review does mention the Aggressor a couple times and it's possible to make inferences from other points in the text.

Aggressor is currently available in more compounds/casings. Seems the Dissector is only available as a DH or EXO, no DD or EXO+.
  • 80 2
 @Ttimer, we usually leave the lab coats and test bench data to the German magazines, but I did put in loads of actual ride time, and I mentioned the DHR II, Assegai, and Aggressor at various points in the review,

Should you trade out your DHR II for this? That depends. If you’re looking for a tire that feels slightly faster rolling, but isn’t as conditions specific as a semi-slick would be, then this could be a good option. I prefer it over the Aggressor, which has never been my favorite tire here in the Pacific Northwest.

The flip side is that the DHR II is hard to beat in almost all conditions - that’s the way to go if you want to install a tire and not think about it until it’s completely bald.
  • 5 0
 @bigwheels87: If you read the article, dd and exo+ will release next year.
  • 1 12
flag thenotoriousmic (Nov 26, 2019 at 8:31) (Below Threshold)
 @mikekazimer: do you not think Dhr2 are absolutely shocking on damp soft trails though? At least with these tyres you’ve got decent side nobs that are going to work in those conditions.
  • 23 16
 @mikekazimer: Thank you for the additional info, i would have loved to read something like that in the actual review.

For a lot of people, the DHR2 is the benchmark rear tire for pretty much any application from downcountry to DH-racing. When Maxxis releases a new rear specific tire, the comparison with the DHR2 is inevitable and necessary.
  • 79 6
 @Ttimer: it reads literally 'noticeably faster than DHR2 and Assegai' and 'easier to break free than a DHR2'.
You wan't your food chewed for you too?
  • 2 0
 @gooutsidetoday: I ran it out front with a Minion SS in the back for a local semi-XC race in Colorado and it was awesome. Very similar feel to the DHRII up front and very predictable. Definitely needs to be leaned over a bit harder though.
  • 3 12
flag hankj (Nov 26, 2019 at 9:04) (Below Threshold)
 @ismasan:

(Inner voice) If I pile on this uptight kraut with a snappy snarky clapback, then the PNW shan't-be-told bro-scendency will sense that I exist! ....
  • 3 0
 @ismasan:

yes please... but don't forget the kool-aid to wash it down!
  • 5 7
 why would you ride anything in the front but a dhf?
  • 1 0
 @JohanG: much better braking and grip in general then the aggressor , and last longer ... rolling is almost as good. MaxTerra to Maxterra of course
  • 14 4
 @ridelife6: DHRII is better as a front tire than the DHF.....
  • 9 1
 @ridelife6: the Assegai exists
  • 4 0
 What about for Downmountain riding?
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: I need new tires for my bike, why's the DHR2 better than then DHF for the front? Might impact my next tire purchase in a few weeks
  • 6 0
 @dirtjumper771: it has more braking bite and less of the vague washout point when transitioning to the corner knobs. Before the assegai came out SC syndicate and other WC team ran a DHR2 up front. I’ve been using a dh2 up front since 2013 and definitely noticed more bite and less washy feeling compared to the DHF.
  • 2 0
 @JonHans8n: yes, the dreaded transition washy feeling! The older dhf was worse, but the new ones still have that effect.
  • 4 6
 @dirtjumper771: totally depends on where you live and what you ride. Dhr2 has better braking than the Dhf but that’s about it. Dhf is a better tyre for all circumstances except tracks that require a lot of braking even still there’s much better tyres than the dhr2. Honestly don’t see the point in a dhr2. I’ve been running a Dhf / dhr2 all summer giving the dhr2 a third chance and around here it’s always ether too wet or too loose for it to really work.
  • 5 3
 @ridelife6: Try the Assegai.. you’ll thank me after the first ride ???? Funny how you don’t tend to see discussions splitting hairs over whether Assegai is better than Minion DH-something, in some particular scenario, as a front, back tire etc.. Why? Because it’s clearly superior to Minions in every respect – cornering, braking, climbing traction, handling in the wet, predictability.. Its only drawback is an honestly awful drag
  • 1 1
 @ridelife6: if you were an ass guy, you would know why
  • 1 0
 @pkaczor: so an Assegai handles like a dhf at 20 psi? great

also, climbing traction? 1. why the hell would I want to go uphill?? 2. what do i need climbing traction for on the front tire??
  • 1 0
 @pkaczor: or maybe it’s because they’re different tyres for different conditions.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: So how about comparing the Dissector as a rear tire to a DHF as a rear tires?
  • 3 9
flag piaccarino (Nov 29, 2019 at 15:40) (Below Threshold)
 @hamncheez: DHF is a better front and rear tire than the DHRII is a tire at all.
  • 1 0
 Pretty sure they covered that bruh
  • 83 3
 I'm looking forwards to desTroying berms with it
  • 27 0
 Just gotta hold out for that one week of dry weather you get so you can mount up the new Dissector eh!?
  • 38 5
 @ctd07: I would Troy it in any weather
  • 20 2
 I've got one but I'm still riding like your bro's Nan.
  • 8 0
 @dingus: so my nan? bro
  • 2 0
 @sewer-rat: That depends on the test results.
  • 2 0
 @dingus: that’s what she said!
  • 16 0
 I'm still sad it's not named the Aussiegai
  • 1 0
 @mtbikeaddict: NICE!
  • 32 0
 Highroller 3
  • 7 2
 Bontrager SE4 v2.0
  • 5 0
 @ratedgg13: lol. sure, if you don't mind a slashed sidewall every 3rd ride! Bontrager and shwalbe have paper thin sidewalls, and therefor do not get to be considered for serious enduro use
  • 3 1
 @conoat: I agree on the Schwable front, but I haven't had any issues with any of the Bontrager. I've raced a good portion of the BC enduro series on Bontragers and had zero issues.
  • 4 0
 @conoat: My supergravity magic mary says otherwise.
  • 2 0
 @Archimonde: mine too
  • 2 0
 @Archimonde: running a purple and orange super gravity here. If you want tyres that work very well in every condition and you can run all year then these are the one.
  • 19 0
 This would be a great tire to make a DH casing with a harder compound rubber. The DD casing is pretty good but I have had a couple sidewall tears. A harder compound would also hold up well for rocky conditions, where a soft rear tire tends to shed knobs after hard riding.
  • 13 0
 Yeah this tire would be excellent in DH casing with Maxterra rubber for the rear of an enduro bike.
  • 9 0
 @dcamp2: I wish they would make any of their tires in DH and MaxTerra
  • 5 0
 @quinnltd: 100% agreed. I don't think they want to as the MG wears out 2x quicker so they get 2x the profit. I was able to get a HR2 in MT in DD but only lasted a couple of rides from a sidewall tear.

Maxxis, please make DH tires in MaxTerra compound! I'm on a Specialized Blck Diamond Eliminator tire in the rear and so far so good.
  • 2 0
 @jaydawg69: WTB are 2x 60 tpi with maxx terra like compound in soft and tough with the option to run a even harder compound. Have run any of the new tyres that are meant to be even better but I’ve run three vigilantes on the back and they’ve all been near dh tyre tough. I’ve torn all three but it was totally justified looking at what caused the damage.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I put on the WTB's for my last pair of tires, in the tough casing, harder compound. The knobs seem to come off in chunks, versus a more smooth wear from Maxxis. I also pinched the sidewall near the rim in multiple spots with cushcore installed. In all they lasted about 2 months. From my experience, the maxxis evening in maxxgrip compound lasts longer, and doesn't pinch as easily.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: This looks like a nice tire... a little heavy at 1400 grams but probably don't need an insert.

www.wtb.com/products/judge?variant=12155789901900
  • 1 0
 @quinnltd: I’ve not ridden the hard compound but the soft compound didn’t do that and wore evenly.
  • 8 0
 I've had this tire on the front of my trail bike for a few months now.. Its the best I've found with the least amount of rolling resistance. I have the MaxTerra Dissector on the front and the Minion SS on the rear.. Since I have to pedal a good bit this combo is amazing. The front grips but rolls so well. Corners great as well.. I have nothing bad to say about it at all.. The Maxxterra is around 860grams.. NOT bad at all for what you get.. Love it!
  • 3 1
 Do you ever notice a loss of traction when transitioning from the top knobs to the shoulder knobs coming into corners with it on the front? I had a HR2 on the front for a while and always struggled with this. I'm running a Specialized Eliminator now, which seems much more consistent at different angles.
  • 1 1
 Any comparison to the aggressor in terms of rolling resistance?
  • 2 0
 @gibspaulding: I had the same issue with the HR2.. None so far with the Dissector.
  • 1 0
 @ElStig: It seems to roll better to me. On the back of the package it has a 4 out of 4 on rolling resistance.. Which is odd because I also have a 2.4 Rekon and it only has a 3/4 on RR. Its fast for sure!
  • 5 4
 @gibspaulding: Highrollers are like that. They are an instant full lean tyre, which works well in catch berms or whenever you have enough bite to rail, but not so much in intermediate corners like a winding singletrack. Also name is misleading, they don’t roll all that fast at all. On par with DHR2 and Assegai but DHF rolls faster. If you want a tire with nice intermediate lean, Assegai is the king.
  • 1 0
 @ryano4u: thank you! I’ll have to give it a try. The only reasoning I can think of is that the dissector rolls really well for the DH category (4/4) and the rekon rolls decent for the trail tire category (3/4). But your guess is as good as mine.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: personal favourite tyre because I like to go sideways into loose corners and high rollers have the best side nobs in existence but yeah if you’re not that kind of rider and you like to keep everything dialed there is going to be a point in your lean that you’l have little grip. They’re also amazing on the back but wear so fast and suck at climbing due to the ramped nobs. I’d do a lot of naughty things for a maxx grip wt dd high roller.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: With regards to lean angle, I found the minions (DHR2 dd) did to have a sketchy transition. Confirmed by my pal who washed out when we swapped bikes. Perhaps suited to more advanced/aggressive riders??? Anyhow the UK winter has had me swap to Magic Mary SG. This was going great till I hit wet roots n rocks when they are appalling. On my trail bike I've swapped back to the Conti Der Baron Project 2.4 (which I discarded the minute I bought the bike). Turns out they're awesome. On wet roots literally on another level (although the rubber seems harder than the ADDIX supersoft).
  • 11 0
 Maxxis, double down casing, max terra compound. Please..
  • 1 0
 only HR2 right now that I could find. Couldn't find anything in 2 ply.
  • 2 0
 Griffin DD 3CMT is a a killer rear that nobody talks about. Paired with an Assegai up front, making my favorite pair of tires ever.
  • 2 0
 @jpcars10s, the Griffin is excellent, but last I heard it was dropped from Maxxis' lineup, which is a shame. Time to stock up if you can.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: Thanks for the heads up, just ordered two more! And a DoubleDown Ikon too just in case...
  • 6 0
 @mikekazimer Did you test it only as a rear tire or in the front as well? If you did, how was it? Looking for more options on my xc (dare I say the **downxxx*** word)... Thanks!!
  • 1 0
 Ooh nice thinking. I'm interested in the same thing after I moved the wheel set from my Trek slash onto my rocky element and realized what could be gained with some serious tires. The SE4 has been fun but there's no way I'd keep them on all the time
  • 3 0
 Sorry, I didn’t, but I think the lighter casing version would work well at both ends of the bike. You could pair it with an Ikon in the rear for an even quicker combo.
  • 1 2
 @mikekazimer: my thoughts exactly - excellent front DC/ trail tire to pair with Ikon.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: thanks a lot, and great review btw!
  • 12 7
 So they have it in DH and EXO variants. EXO+ and DD are for undecided riders so not worthy of production
  • 63 15
 Exo+ is like wanting a steak but being against animal cruelty and deforestation of Amazon for soy, so you can’t even have a Soy steak so you eat a rhubarb sandwich hoping the gluten won’t kill you. And if you think that it makes no sense it is because it doesn’t.
  • 4 2
 @WAKIdesigns: I´m glad you said it doesn´t make any sense, because I have no clue about this stuff, I just eat what´s on the plate
  • 8 4
 @Germanmike: Oh my fine sir!You are living life on the very edge!Do you know how bad that is for you?!
WHO GIVES A SHIT!Stupid people nowadays and their strict diets.How about people just tell them the truth?!YOURE FAT!
  • 5 1
 @Germanmike: what doesn’t make sense about EXO+?

It’s a 120tpi tire with EXO and Silkshield.

Regular EXO tires are 60tpi with only the EXO insert.
  • 9 0
 EXO - single ply 60tpi w/ EXO insert
EXO+ - single ply 120tpi w/ EXO & SS
DD - 2 ply 120tpi
DH - 2 ply 60tpi
  • 2 0
 @lccomz: thanks for the answer, but I was refering to WAKIs elaborations about food - Maxxis stuff is perfectly fine
  • 4 11
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 26, 2019 at 7:29) (Below Threshold)
 @lccomz: silk shield? Rings a bell somwhere... wait... Snake skin! Yes Schwalbe was promising increase in durability of their Evo casings when using snake skin or Double Defense. Except they were all shit! Smile Same with Continental Protection, Specialized Grid - utter bs. As if regular exo was making any bigger difference over a regular Maxxis 1ply.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: well, it does make a difference over a standard single ply. Because, it has the EXO insert. Not sure why you are talking about Schwalbe and Continental, but hopefully I clarified Maxxis’ lineup for you.
  • 3 11
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 26, 2019 at 7:41) (Below Threshold)
 @lccomz: bummer... why no DD+ with 90TPI... it's hilarious to see tyres with Maxxgrip in Exo sidewall... anyone who can ride well laughs at it. All the knobs to handle side forces and zero sidewall stability. I am saying it because I talked to people who are actually fast including some of the PB journos. Some of them avtually said it on camera...
  • 4 1
 @WAKIdesigns: show me a standard EXO tire in Maxxis’ lineup that uses the MaxxGrip compound.
  • 3 9
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 26, 2019 at 7:55) (Below Threshold)
 @lccomz: it's on my attic. They have been making 2.5WT EXOs in maxxgrip for some time now. Both in 27.5 and 29". If they stopped it is inly 2020. If Exo+ is even flimsier it is even dumber. I used these in the past but my local trails have little speeds. Nowhere close to even medium sized mountains. It's not the only stupid tyre Maxxis does. They also make 2.6" Minions which are 1mm wider than 2.5 and 2.8 Minions which are 3mm wider and 2mm taller than 2.5... if Maxxis was to rate Magic Mary 2.6, it would be 3.2". What Maxxis makes well is Assegai, DHF and DHR2. for wet take Magic Mary and for Downcountry take Bontragers.
  • 3 2
 @WAKIdesigns: Show me in some Maxxis literature, please. I have never seen an EXO tire with the MaxxGrip compound. I think you may be confused (or maybe it’s me?).

PS- why do you have such garbage kicking around the attic?
  • 5 3
 @lccomz: r2-bike.com/MAXXIS-Tire-Minion-DHF-275-650B-x-250-WT-3C-MaxxGrip-TR-EXO

I don't invest in mega optimized dampers, plastic bars, stems, cranks, pedals but I do like my tyres fancy... and I don't mind throwing money on tyres just to test whether they work.
  • 1 0
 @lccomz: I happen to have a 26" DHRII that's EXO & maxxgrip, but have never seen a tire with such combination for sale.
  • 3 0
 @lccomz: www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-468-140-minion-dhf
you'll find DHF 2.5WT EXO MaxxGrip in 27.5" and 29"
I'm using one on my trail bike, it's great for someone slow like me, but I can confirm that when trying to get the absolute best traction out of the tire the wobbly casing is the weak point
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I stand corrected. Never even seen em in distributor catalogs...
  • 3 4
 if anybody wants to buy a barely used 27.5x2.5 DHF 3C Maxxgrip in DD and Exo... you know where to find me! Will change for Assegai DH or Minion SS in Dh casing Smile
  • 2 0
 DD (and SuperGravity and ProTection and BLCK DMND) is the shit! EXO and even EXO+ and similar aren't stiff enough for me: I want a nice supple-tread and supportive-sidewall 2.4 rear tire, to conform to all the rocks for traction, but not hit rim all day. EXO just flops around, but 1200 grams of DH casing is too stiff and too much. DD, like Conti's ProTection, with the dual hi-TPI plies has the perfect mix of traction and "stand-up-ness". Actually, Conti has the edge with Apex, it's like an a foam insert built-in to the sidewall since it gives so much support while leaving the tread soft and conformal. Trail King (Rubber Queen!) FTW!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: 100% EXO (and similar casings: Spesh's Control is flimsy AF) just can't deal with how fast even an average rider can go on a 140mm trail bike, let alone a 160+mm enduro bike where you definitely want MaxxGrip.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Only cannibalism makes sense at this point.
  • 2 0
 @lccomz:
TB00143900 29X2.40WT 61-622 60 FOLDABLE 1,000 3C MAXX GRIP 50 3C/EXO/TR Black
  • 4 0
 But how does it compare to a Maxxis Griffin is the real question here!? Both Maxxis dry weather dh inspired tyres and the Griffin is amazing
  • 19 4
 Frankly, the Maxxis tyre range is pretty excessive now, with too many overlapping tread patterns, casings and compounds. It's like they're too indecisive and scared of replacing a tyre. They really don't need DHR2, HR2, Griffin and Dissector, which all have a similar job. It's the same throughout their range. In the end the customer suffers because it makes the tyres more expensive and shops can't possibly stock all the options. And the customer doesn't really know what's best for them.
  • 4 0
 @mountainsofsussex: Hr2 is an intermediate/wet tyre and dhr2 is a rear specific design dh tyre for maximum grip.

I do get your point though, you could add aggressor, rekon and ardent to the list of tyres similar to griffin and dissector. Designed for primarily hardpack trails and fast rolling speeds.

The line up is extensive, but its down to an lbs to stock only the correct tyres for the trails and conditions of the area its consumers are based, should make their life easier. Most lbs seem to get it wildly wrong with their maxxis stock though.
  • 7 6
 @ctd07: Aggressor does just fine on the rear in most conditions. It doesn't come with DH casing though which makes it a no no for "aggressive" riders on longer travel bikes... I had aggressor DD with procore in and ended the season with 3 big tyre plugs and 5 holes. Checks out...
  • 8 0
 @mountainsofsussex: And what's the problem with all the options ?
  • 6 0
 @mountainsofsussex: ridden hr2 and dhr2, and they are really very different imho. This dissector also seems to have its own place in the lineup. They are similar in terms of what surface they work on the best, but one is more dh-oriented , while another one is for mellower trails. I like having more options.
  • 3 0
 @ctd07: yeah, but I like to run a DHR2 up front with a HR2 in the rear for dry conditions....
  • 5 2
 @shaloUCH: don't get me wrong. Some choice is a good thing. But there must be more than 10 different tread, width and casing options for lots of Maxxis tyres. Then normally 2, sometimes 3 sizes. Then you have 3 or 4 overlapping models right across the range from cross mark to Assegai. The development costs must be huge, as are the inventory costs for Maxxis and their distributors. Then we complain at bike tyres that cost more than car tyres. And it feels like indecision - just give us a few good tyres!
  • 5 4
 @mountainsofsussex: this! Especially when 2.5 and 2.8 Minions DHF are 3mm apart... exo+ is a fricking joke. They could get rid of it.
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex: still maxxis is the cheapest highend tyre makes. At least online. So no drawbacks here.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: have you ridden exo+? Its leagues better than exo, they need to get rid of exo garbage
  • 3 4
 @mountainsofsussex: Most customers don't seem to know what to ride. So many people run Agressor/Minion tires in SoCal loose over hard terrain, where both suck as a regular trail tire. Riders fixate on weight, head tube angle, BB height, crank arm length and every other hot topic, spend a fortune on all the right parts to get the lightest SuperEnduro 6" bike they can afford, slap some heavy tires on it, then hit trails that can be ridden faster and better on an XC hardtail. But they use their 170mm dropper all the time to go down curbs for max shred!!!
  • 1 0
 @GZMS: Try Vittoria. They do what they are designed to as well as Maxxis, and are generally cheaper and last just as long.
  • 1 0
 @SprSonik: I reckon I know what I'm doing, or at least ought to after all this time, and I'm probably still on the wrong tyre 90% of the time!
  • 1 1
 @ctd07: no I haven’t ridden exo+, please explain the leagues better Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: basically it gives the casing much better damping characteristics, similar to dd or dh casing, I hate the way exo feels like a pogo stick over rough terrain unless you run lower pressures, which then gives tyre squirm at high speeds.

The tyres casing stability (less squirmy) and damping is the main benefit over exo.

I also ripped plenty of exo tyres so the extra cut resistance is welcome for only a 40-50g weight penalty.
  • 1 2
 @ctd07: I have a hard time believing it. Especially the “big difference” They are between exo and DD. And DD is closer to Exo than to DH casing. There is evident difference between DD and DH even though they are only 100g apart. It may be that exo+ with insert is the way to go for 120 bikes and hardtails. The only intermediate casing I tried that actually works is Schwalbe Super Gravity.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: dont knock it until you try it, it literally makes nonsense how they managed to get such a different feeling tyre at virtually the same weight
  • 2 0
 @mountainsofsussex: It is confusing. And it doesn't help that Maxxis provides very little descriptive information to help you understand the differences between their tires.
  • 6 0
 I'd love to see a rolling resistance test with the Maxxis lineup.
  • 4 0
 The thing is that pressure, knob separation and ground hardness influences in so many variables...
  • 6 0
 @PauRexs: just do a roll down test with the same pressure and casing. DHF vs DHR vs Assguy vs Dissector vs Aggressor
  • 3 1
 The German bike magazine BIKE actually tested the Assegai in the lab and rolling resistance was suprisingly low. So who to trust? The lab test or people who "feel" it rolls slower im comparison to a tire they rode in the past?
  • 3 0
 I noticed the weight more than it simply being draggy. That might be what people are feeling when they run it.
  • 4 0
 Did they tell you the psi and rim width? If you put the thing on a 20mm rim at 40psi, yeah rr is going to be low. Put it on a 30mm rim at 20psi and now the side knobs are deforming against the ground, much more rr.
  • 3 3
 Don’t trust me but they are draggy... still worth it for natural trails with little or no berms
  • 1 0
 That would be interesting to read... how did they do the test? I've heard it rolls a lot slower simply because it's nobs are so tall that it feels like it won't let go of the ground as it rolls along. Some racers with support have taken to cutting the centre knobs down a little and found a much better rolling tire with almost the exact same grip levels across most terrain.
  • 1 0
 doesn't surprise me. it's quieter with less rumble on the road to the trail than my MM was. Maxxx Terrrrra casing that is.
  • 1 0
 I have the Assegai on the front in 2.5 MaxxTerra Exo+ and it rolls fine. 30mm rim.
  • 1 0
 For me, i was taking off a worn DHR 2 so was very rollie and light, so you pull that off then pick up the Assguy and it almost feels twice as heavy, then you jump on the bike and you can feel the rolling.
  • 1 0
 I run an assegai up front and i was surprised how well it rolls. Its also pretty silent on tarmac wich is an indicator for good rolling
  • 2 0
 Expensive, fast wearing tire that does not grip a damn in wet. Decent/good in dry. Not as good (versatile) and as long if lasting as DHR in my opinion. Sub 2 months my Dissector was almost fried. Too expensive for poor tread longevity.
  • 1 0
 "Sticky rubber wears quickly"

That's an objective _fact_. That "con" is really a duplicate of the other, that not every version is availabe. You wanted DH casing, and you got soft rubber as well, because that's all there is, currently.
  • 4 0
 I'm done with Maxxis until the figure out their wobbly casing issue. Their quality control lately has been horrible...
  • 1 5
flag downcountry (Nov 26, 2019 at 12:40) (Below Threshold)
 Likely an install issue.
  • 8 0
 @downcountry: It's a known quality issue.
  • 1 0
 I've been running the EXO 29 by 2.4 since August in AZ and really really like them. I'm running them in both rear and front. Just a good balance between grip and rolling resistance. Just received new ones so I have back ups. When the EXO+ or DD come out, then I'll run one of those in the rear as I did just put a big tear in the rear, but I do that with all of the EXO casings as I'm 200lbs + riding weight and the trails on South Mountain are chunky!
  • 1 0
 You need some cushcore in your life man! Essential for Phoenix
  • 1 0
 @kev1n: Yeah, put Cushcore in about 6 weeks ago. Life changing!
  • 5 0
 If it's a dry-condition tire, shouldn't it be called Dessicator?
  • 1 0
 OUCH!!!!!!!!!Bought the new Maxxis Rekon 29X 2.6 with EXO+ , weight is 900 grams and casing is nice but the actual width is 2.32 on 30mm . I know its not an aggressive tire but still
Have a 2.4 maxxis Ardent in the back and its the exact same width at 2.32...So Maxxis says the new casing is only 80 grams more with the silk layer but the tire is also smaller so be careful....
  • 6 2
 looks like a Bontrager XR4/SE4... and rides like a Bontrager XR4/SE4...
  • 6 5
 Bonty has shorter side knobs, less channel between center and side knobs and SE4 is like Exo casing. It’s a fantastic intermediate tire but not a DH tire
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Okey. Looks like a Panaracer Romero and Aliso...
  • 23 5
 @Hamburgi: and your mother smells of Elder berries
  • 4 1
 @WAKIdesigns: could be yes.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: G4 is the Bonty DH tire.
  • 3 4
 @Rubberelli: Yes, I have it upstairs in 26". However G4 has nothing to do with X4 or SE4... It's a Minion DHF with sideknobs backwards.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: oh man, your right. I just looked at pics. I thought all of Bonty's line had the number I'D the tread pattern.
  • 2 3
 @Rubberelli: Currently SE4/SE3 is my dream Downcountry Hardcore Hardtail combo.
  • 2 1
 I want !, but to bad It's not available to purchase for all mountain bikers, not able to order one until January 2020 in my neck of the woods, sad when you think the tire was released on August 9.
  • 5 6
 Always like this with Maxxis. They all debut on Ebay with shipping cost equaling the cost of the tire. It’s been like that with Minion SS, Forekaster, Rekon, Aggressor all sorts of tires with DD casing, the only exception being DHR2.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a good front tire option. Sometimes those 3 ramp center knobs can get slippy in slop but have to be pushing the limits.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: I've been wanting to get a 29x2.4 exo version since they announced this tire, but I haven't even been able to find one on ebay. worldwide was the first store I found to stock the assegai when it launched, but they have only had the 27.5 in stock for the dissector
  • 5 3
 @mjcutri: my LBS has had them in stock since release. Go support your shop.
  • 2 1
 Interestingly (perhaps), Scott equips the 29x2.6" EXO version of this tyre on the 2020 Genius, so presumably you can get one from a Scott dealer if you ask really really nicely.
  • 2 0
 How about Maxxis send some of these Dissectors to Australia? Sold out everywhere with no restock date in sight....and when can the public buy those new Michelin DH22?
  • 1 0
 NOPE. Want this 29er light version for my trail/XC bike and the Michelin Wild enduro 2.6 but both sold out every month I look.
  • 3 0
 How is it like on the front?
  • 1 0
 Wanted to try this tire, but got tired of waiting, trying to find one, so picked up a set of XR4's. Glad I did. Likely won't need a Maxxis again for what I ride.
  • 1 0
 Worldwide cyclery has some just got one last week. Call and make sure before you order though
  • 1 0
 Shorty. Best tyre I ever fitted. New on front, part worn on the rear. Epic in rubbish UK conditions and just about anything else as well.
  • 1 0
 Until I get to run 1 on the back of my bike I’ll reserve my thoughts on this tire for now, I’ll keep running my Griffin until then
  • 1 0
 Always get confused between the MaxxPro of old and MaxxGrip now a days. Ones hard ones soft but both Maxx. Too similar a name for how dissimilar of a compound they are.
  • 3 1
 Not for Hawaiian lava. Made of cheddar cheese.
  • 2 0
 I got one for $40. Some roadie bought it thought it was too big. Score!!
  • 2 0
 May try this on the back instead of my trusted Aggressor .
  • 2 0
 Tiny knobs + lift assist = lots of new tires
  • 1 0
 For my purposes, I want to know how the Exo 3c Dissector works as a front tire for aggressive trail riding.
  • 1 0
 Looking at weight and rolling resistance, this tire is going to dissect your trail downhill and your guts uphill...
  • 1 1
 Would be cool if the 29" exo version of this tire was actually available for purchase. mtb companies suck at inventory management.
  • 1 0
 Link to German tire rolling resistance tests please?

Google is of no help.

Thanks.
  • 1 0
 www.bike-magazin.de/magazin/heft_archiv/heftvorschau/a41910.html

Payed content though. And they compared MaxTerra/Exo to Ultra Soft/Super Gravity.
BTW they used 1.8bar/26 PSI
  • 1 0
 I’ve been running the Assegai front, Dissector rear = Assector! Best combo. FTW
  • 1 0
 Translated conclusion: good rear tyre with harder compound and lighter casing... when available.
  • 1 0
 Not 1 mention of the Griffin it was/is a great tire not sure why it got replaced?
  • 2 0
 +1 for the comment about needing Dual Compound versions.
  • 1 0
 All options aren't available...welcome to the UK maxxis market on all variants of tyre
  • 3 1
 "A-Like"
  • 4 16
flag thesharkman (Nov 26, 2019 at 0:48) (Below Threshold)
 Nice catch. It's hard the believe those kinds of mistakes can be made when the person had one job... maybe articles not paid for by Yeti just aren't taken as seriously?
  • 1 0
 @thesharkman: the good thing about online articles is you can edit them....
  • 2 1
 @thesharkman: You have never made a mistake.
  • 1 0
 Comparison to High Roller II?
  • 1 0
 Thanks to E Thirteen for providing this tire for review.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer which one rolls faster, dissector or aggressor?
  • 3 2
 Dissector?! Hardly know her!
  • 1 0
 Looks like this is my new winter rear tire!
  • 1 0
 So should I pair it up with that new funky tioga tyre?
  • 1 0
 But does it roll faster and corner better than dhf?
  • 1 0
 Dissector autobots!........roll out!
  • 1 0
 Test on some Colorado cat litter?
  • 1 0
 Looks like a der baron with an added know in the center.
  • 1 0
 yea it's very predictable -> it slips every time... going back to DHR
  • 2 2
 Maxxis tire designations are so confusing smh Still the best though
  • 1 0
 Identical
  • 1 3
 Found it hard to belive yet it rolls better than Minion DHR 2 with more separate knobs..
  • 2 0
 Is there any rolling test/data/claim from Maxxis?
  • 9 0
 Dude, nearly *everything* rolls better than a DHR. Assegai was Maxxis' admission they could make gravity tire that bites harder than DHR/F. This tire is their admission that they can make one that rolls faster.
  • 1 0
 Been riding an Exo one for a while now, it does roll that bit better.
  • 3 0
 @PauRexs: knobs height looks smaller so...
  • 3 0
 @honourablegeorge: How does the Dissector Exo casing compare in feel (both in-hand and on-trail) vs a DHR/DHF Exo? Specs say it’s about 150g lighter than the same spec DHR so maybe they thinned the casing a little? Going to try a Exo DHR with Cushcore in the rear next spring and might give the Dissector a shot if that setup holds up.
  • 2 0
 @Lornholio: Seems like the casing is about the same - there's only 85g between DHR2 and Dissector (870 vs 955) so I suspect it's just the tread in the difference.

They're in stock here - r2-bike.com/MAXXIS-Tire-Dissector-29-x-240-WT-3C-MaxxTerra-TR-EXO
  • 1 2
 A-Like is the best trail at Whistler..
  • 13 0
 So much better than A-Dislike.



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