I did have Hans Damp Trail Star Snake Skin both ends on my winter/DH wheels. Amazing grip on everything. Picked up a lot of mud on the rear and unfortunately cracked most of the knobs on the back tyre <450 miles. It was great on snow and ice too. Basically good on every surface except wet gloopy fire road climbs… draggy.
I read up on everything available and the Maxxis DHRII came out as one of the very best rear tyres every made so I got one for my lighter summer wheels in TR EXO Dual Compound 62/60A so that it shouldn’t wear out quite as quickly as a Hans rear did.
I rode the DHRII in full on rain on wet rocks at full speed and it was great, no issues at all. It was also very good in the dust too. Yes… UK weather in May 🙂
I rode it last weekend at The Marin trail for Enduro race practice and having ridden the Hans rear there a few weeks ago and the DHRII there now I was left a bit miffed at the DHRII’s lack-of grip. The conditions were slightly damp and drying up so slightly greasy I’d say. On a couple of the steeper sections it was all over the place. It felt like it would not brake at all. It was full on… I’ve got no rear grip… I’d better just hit the right line and hope it works. There was no option to slow down or control speed.
I like to know that I can slow down a touch on a steep section even if I don’t need to. It’s a confidence thing.
I’m almost considering getting a new HD back on the rear even if I trash it in under 2 months of riding. The extra grip and confidence might be worth it.
Going to continue with the DHRII’s out back for a few more rides before I decide what to do. Hope it was just a one off or one of those sketchy moments that wouldn’t matter what tyre you were on.
I PR’d everything… not being able to brake much is definitely quicker!