Pros running DHR2 over DHF?

LyNx · Jul 11, 2017

Been watching the WC DH quite a bit over the last year or so and noticed that most of the teams running Maxxis tyres choose to run the DHR2 as their dry tyre and then either the HR2 or Shorty depending on conditions, no DHF, curious what gives?

Personally while I found the DHR2 to be quite a good front tyre, to me it is definitely not as good as the DHF, so kind of just was wondering about this, especially since the DHF AFAIK was designed first and foremost for DH racing. Have noticed it being run in EWS by those running Maxxis.

inonjoey · Jul 11, 2017

I've noticed this as well, but my understanding is that a lot of the riders using the DHR2 up front are using cut versions, with the center tread width decreased to make a more consistent and wider channel between the center and side knobs.

I've thought about trying this myself, but then I got the e*thirteen tires and they seem to run with this concept. I really like the e*thirteens, but about to try a DHF WT back to back to see what I prefer (in my mind, I still have the DHF firmly ensconced as best front tire ever for 90% of trail conditions).

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LyNx · Jul 11, 2017

Yeah, I've heard that too and seen "the cut", but I've looked closely at the bikes when it's possible in photos and videos at the start hut etc, and I can't say I've seen this, that's what gets me.

inonjoey said:
I've noticed this as well, but my understanding is that a lot of the riders using the DHR2 up front are using cut versions, with the center tread width decreased to make a more consistent and wider channel between the center and side knobs.

rockhammer · Jul 12, 2017

I wonder if it has to do with traction in loose and braking? DHRII is a little more open than DHF, and those horizontal paddle knobs really drop anchor during braking. I was a little skeptical about running minions (DHF/DHRII both in new WT casing) because they look slow, heavy and everyone runs them here and I'm a snowflake. But, everyone can't be wrong and I see that this is a great combo.

Cerberus75 · Jul 12, 2017

I'm running a DHR2 with the wider center knob trimmed to the same width as the the narrower (about 2mm each side)
The only time I miss the DHF is angled wet roots. The trimming takes away the vague feeling when leaning over and I haven't washed the front out like before.

Leethal · Jul 12, 2017

Probably for the braking traction DHR is better at braking, but the best ripping corner master Connor Fearon runs DHF/DHF.

Deartist7 · Jul 12, 2017

Greg Minnaar usually runs DHRIIs front and rear, but as far as I've seen, he doesn't run them cut.
At least not at Lenzerheide.

Front
p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/116364/s1600_LenzerheideBB_N3X9909.jpg?1499700834

Rear is the same. Taken from vitalmtb's winning bike check.

Maybe he doesn't corner as hard as Fearon or he simply prefers the braking characteristics with the tread uncut.

hitechredneck · Jul 13, 2017

I have wondered this too. Might have to slap one back on and try it.

dirtrider76 · Jul 13, 2017

I ran one uncut for about 6 months in front and really liked it. IMHO it rolls a bit faster and has better braking than a DHF. It does have a small vague spot if your not into tossing it on edge but its no worst than a HR2 in front. I really though it excelled over the DHF in loose stuff TBH.

Miker J · Jul 14, 2017

Talking DH riding, DH tires...

Never ran the DHR2 up front, only rear. Ran the DHF both ends. I can tell a definite lack of straight line braking with the DHF compared to the DHR2. I think that is where the R2 wins.

Otherwise the F is a bit bigger and weightier, which I like. Speaking of which, tried a Mary 2.5 front and back - dwarfed the Minions. Took me a bit to dial the psi and at first didn't care for them, but once dialed those things just stuck to the ground and soaked up the chatter. Pretty sure I like them more than the Minions for my local DH - which contains zero buff. They lived a very short life though. When they come out in the Addixx version will likely try them again.

Sure wish Maxxis would make a DH casing DHF/R in a 2.6. Thought I hear they were?

Deerhill · Jul 14, 2017

Front dhr2 grips solid, can really preload and pop out of a lean with loads of energy. Actually took a bit to get used to ime (4 runs in), where the Magic mary definitely soaks up more and is a little less lively. Not sure I'd snip the dhr2 yet, rolls ok as is

LyNx · Jul 14, 2017

That is sort of what I was wondering, as the guys riding in the EWS seem to use the DHF, mostly in either the EXO or more likely DD casing. Might pop one back on the front again since I've been on a DHF for over a year now and see if I consciously make the effort to really lean it over, if I don't get the wash out feeling I used to get cornering really fast.

Miker J said:
Talking DH riding, DH tires...

LMN · Jul 15, 2017

DHRs offer much better braking traction then the DHFs. And if you corner really hard they corner just as well or better. Most of us mortals just don't corner hard enough to make DHRs work.

scottzg · Jul 15, 2017

LMN said:
DHRs offer much better braking traction then the DHFs. And if you corner really hard they corner just as well or better. Most of us mortals just don't corner hard enough to make DHRs work.

Yup that was my impression on the couple brief sessions with the front DHR. If i totally knew the trail and the braking points and where to roll hard the front DHR worked pretty good- i'd slam on the brakes or not touch them at all and it was incredible... and not that fun tbh. The tire was tricky to half-ass or trailbrake. I've never run it as a front tire myself so it was borrowing bikes and i just admired it and hated it simultaneously.

Pros running DHR2 over DHF?

LyNx

inonjoey

LyNx

rockhammer

Cerberus75

Leethal

Deartist7

hitechredneck

dirtrider76

Miker J

Deerhill

LyNx

LMN

scottzg

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