A well established classic of not just the Maxxis range but mountain biking as a whole, the DHR II has won just about every gravity event out there from DH world cups to EDR and trans style Enduro races. Barely adjusted over all that time, it's been widely imitated but never improved upon.
There's a good reason the DHR II has endured this long as a tread pattern; it's almost the perfect rear tire (and not a bad front). Wide centre knobs with a front ramp roll well while the vertical rear edge to centre knob provides ferocious braking grip; the DHR can slow down a bike as well as pretty much anything out there. Coupled to those are solid side knobs that both grip well when the tire is leaned over and also resist tearing, helping to improve lifespan.
Now updated to a modern higher volume 2.5' volume, there is a version of the DHR II for almost any bike that will see proper trail use, with a range of both casings and rubber compounds available to tune performance. The lightest and fastest options ride easily enough for general trail riding, while at the other end of the spectrum, the Maxxgrip DH tire is both sticky and tough enough for the hardest terrain in the world.
Like all Maxxis tires, the DHR II is also as easy as it gets to set up tubeless, both beading easily and holding air well from day one.
FAQ
What does DHR stand for?
Downhill Rear, but you don’t have to listen to Maxxis; plenty of people also like the DHR II as a front tire. It rolls well, has good cornering bite and clears mud decently so if you want a grippy front tire that rolls better than an Assegai or High Roller for an all round trail bike then it’s worth a look.
How do I pick the casing and rubber? There are a few to choose from!
Have a read of our Maxxis tire guide here. It explains the differences in their sidewalls and rubber compounds. Alternatively get in contact with the shop and we’ll help you work out which combination might best suit your bike and riding.
Are there faster or even gripper options?
If you think the DHR II looks a bit too much for your riding then maybe check out the Dissector, it’s still a proper trail tire but rolls quite a bit quicker. In the other direction, an Assegai gets even more rubber to the ground than the DHR II but you’ll have to work a little harder on the climbs.