The next generation of Maxxis gravity tires has arrived. The all-new Maxxis Minion DHX and Maxxis tires featuring the New DH casing are now available, bringing an updated tread design and a completely revised downhill casing aimed at modern DH racing, bike parks, aggressive trail riding, and e-MTB use. Here’s a quick look at what’s new.
Meet the New Maxxis Minion DHX
The Minion DHX is Maxxis’s newest gravity-focused tire. It was developed with feedback from Maxxis athletes to provide more support and control on faster, rougher modern downhill tracks. The tread features reinforced shoulder knobs designed to resist folding under heavy cornering loads, while shallow siping helps the tire conform to the trail for mechanical grip. Maxxis says the DHX delivers rolling speed and braking performance comparable to the proven Minion DHR II, while offering increased cornering support and precision. It can also be used as either a front or rear tire.
Minion DHX Highlights
- Designed for downhill, bike park and aggressive gravity riding
- Front or rear compatibility
- Reinforced shoulder knobs for cornering support
- Designed for predictable transitions from centre to side knobs
- Available with MaxxGrip compound and New DH casing
- Tubeless Ready
- Available in 27.5 x 2.5" and 29 x 2.5" configurations
What Is the New DH Casing?
Maxxis has also redesigned its downhill casing after more than two years of development and testing. The biggest change is what Maxxis calls progressive casing stiffness. The casing is designed to remain more compliant over smaller impacts while providing increasing support as cornering and impact forces become larger. The new construction uses a dual-ply 120 TPI casing, compared with the previous generation's heavier-feeling construction approach.
Lower Pressures and More Support
One of the biggest benefits of the new casing is the ability to run lower tire pressures without sacrificing as much sidewall support. Maxxis says riders can potentially run around 2 to 3 PSI less than with the previous DH casing. Lower pressure can help provide:
- Increased traction
- Better conformity over rocks and roots
- Slower tire rebound
- A more planted ride feel
At the same time, the progressive casing is designed to provide additional support when the tire is heavily loaded through corners or impacts.
Improved Puncture Protection
The New DH casing also brings improved puncture protection while maintaining a weight Maxxis describes as comparable to the previous DH casing. That makes it particularly relevant for riders dealing with rough bike park terrain, sharp rocks, high-speed impacts, and demanding downhill tracks.
How to Spot the New DH Casing
At first glance, the old and new Maxxis DH tires can look very similar, especially if they're the same tire model and compound. The easiest way to tell them apart is by checking the casing logo on the tire's sidewall. The previous version uses the older, simpler “DH Casing” sidewall marking. The new DH casing has a redesigned coloured casing logo, bringing its appearance in line with Maxxis's EXO, EXO+, and DoubleDown casing labels.
If you're looking at specifications online, you can also check the casing construction:
- Old DH Casing: Dual-ply 60 TPI
- New DH Casing: Dual-ply 120 TPI with progressive casing stiffness
This is especially worth checking when shopping during the transition period, as retailers may still have inventory using the previous-generation DH casing. Quickest way to check: look for the new coloured DH casing logo on the sidewall rather than relying only on the tire model name.
Who Are These Tires For?
The DHX and New DH casing are aimed squarely at aggressive gravity riding.
They're best suited to:
- Downhill racing
- Bike park laps
- Freeride
- Aggressive enduro riding
- Long-travel e-MTBs
- Riders prioritizing grip, casing support and puncture protection
For lighter trail riding, something like EXO+, DoubleDown or another lighter casing may still make more sense.
The Bottom Line
The Minion DHX and New DH casing represent Maxxis's latest step forward in gravity tire technology. The DHX brings a new tread focused on high-load cornering and predictable grip, while the updated casing adds progressive support, better puncture protection and the ability to run lower pressures.
For riders spending their time racing downhill, riding bike parks or pushing long-travel bikes through rough terrain, these are two of the biggest Maxxis tire updates in years. The new Maxxis DHX and New DH casing tires are now available through TBS Bike Parts.
SHOP MINION DHX AND NEW DH CASING TIRES
You can shop our full selection of mountain bike tires here. Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. Orders are all processed and shipped within 24 business hours as well.
Spend less and ride the best with TBS Bike Parts.
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