[Closed] Minions - draggier than HR's?

I've always considered Minions DH specific tyres (They do have "DH" in the name) so probably not ideal trail centre/all day riding tyres...

Why not HR - XC 2.1" rear and HR Single ply 2.35" front as a more "All rounder" semi-light/semi-gnarr tyre selection?

I've got a minion on the front of my 5 spot and they stick like shit to a blanket. IMO far better tyres than HR's and not as draggy.

My new bike (being collected on Friday) has a Minion up front.

Would partnering this with an Ardent on the back be a comedy rubber mismatch?

I can't tell a difference in the drag stakes, but the Minion seems to grip better than the HR.

went from HR to Minion on the front of my HT and didn't notice any extra drag. Better grip in general though.

(too old and creaky for more aggressive DH style stuff now!)

Shouldn't make too much difference if it's on the front anwyways.

I don't think that a Minion is overkill - they're not silly wide, although they aren't the lightest - and you can always have something a touch speedier on the back if it really matters.

Then you probably don't want a DH specific tyre imho.

Yes, know what you mean - tbh, it's another reason I asked. I do prefer a more 'bitey' but predictable type of front though (still like to get the bike leant right over on the berms 🙂 )

minion is no more/ less a DH tyre than a high roller (for a given size/ casing/ durometer) although there are of course the narrow HRs but minions start at 2.35 and get wider.

drag is similar, but i prefer the minion in corners.

Minions are awesome tyres. Get a single ply and they'll be fine. Avoid Nobby Nics completely IMO.

Just got some Minion DHF's and well impressed. Plently of grip, corner well and roll well too although I've not used HR's so can't compare. As thomthumb said, the 2.35 is no more downhilly than any other tyre. Probably the best allround tyre I've found to date

My brother runs a tacky minion as a front with a fast conti on the back as an all rounder setup

Minion on the rear and its great (although only had it a little while).

Cheers for the comments. A pal has offered me an unused 60a Minion for 15 quid, so I think I'll give it a go. Being a 'tyre wierdo' (er...according to others), I'm probably going to team it up with something a bit zippier/silly on the back - stingy option is to stick with the Bonty XDX (hmm), or maybe try something like a Crossmark 60a, Kenda SB8 or Ardent(?).

p.s. any else had experience of Bonty XDX's - just interested to hear other peoples opinions of 'em

Love my Minion 2.35 single ply 60A front, and HR 2.35 single ply 60A rear combo. The Minion on the front gives me loads of confidence.

fattatlasses - I assume you have checked it is a DHF not a DHR

Much prefer a Minion on the front compared to a Highroller as I find the grip much more predictable than the HR??

If you're lookinga t a minion I would reccomend a specialized clutch. I swapped a 2.4 fat albert for a 2.35 one and it's much grippier and not noticeably slower rolling it's got a '1.5' (slighly thicker) casing too and isn't ridiculously heavy like minions are. Very cheap too. I rode it at forest of Dean and tried to loose grip on the front end but it held true where the albert would skid.

Minions - draggier than HR's?

Barely noticeable especially on the front. Don't get bogged down by the DH tag either, both minions and HRs are great all rounders. For XC or All Mountain or whatever the latest catchphrase is then go for tacky 2.35 front and 60a rear, minion DHF front HR rear or HR front and rear. I find I only need x2 ply for downhill courses on my downhill bike and the single ply maxxis are fine elsewhere.

Conversely, my Wolf Ridge came with a Minion DH on the front & a HR 60a on the rear. Whilst they were great going downhill they are simply way too draggy for riding uphill and for accelerating on the flat.
Took them off & replaced them with some oldish MK's. MK ok on the rear but now looking for a front tyre that will roll well but not slip in the mud...

fattatlasses - I assume you have checked it is a DHF not a DHR

Took them off & replaced them with some oldish MK's. MK ok on the rear but now looking for a front tyre that will roll well but not slip in the mud...

Nope. Just standard folding Mountain Kings.

I find it rolls well & climbs well as a rear tyre, & the front is great on hard, dry trails & on my local gritstone rocks, just doesn't give me confidence in the mud.

So, what front tyre that grips but rolls well?

Nobby Nic

Super tacky single ply Minion up front is only very slightly more draggy but way better in terms of cornering + grip IMHO. Tried Ardent rear, but Crossmark (60a) works better. Ardent up front on XC bike is great in the dry.

Conversely, my Wolf Ridge came with a Minion DH on the front & a HR 60a on the rear. Whilst they were great going downhill they are simply way too draggy for riding uphill and for accelerating on the flat.

I have just accepted the extra drag for so long that I don't really notice it and have seen people ride this setup on 6 hour mountain epics with 1000s of feet of ascent in Scotland no worries. However I take your point and if you are a super smooth rider or just light or ride more smooth terrain then a lighter faster rolling setup may be better for you. I couldn't get away with the high roller xcs or the advantage tyres as they rear flatted on almost every rocky descent.