OutdoorGearLab

The Specialized Eliminator T7 is a semi-aggressive rear tire that we feel is a great, affordable option for trail riders. This tire uses Specialized's T7 rubber compound that prioritizes rolling speed and longevity over all-out grip, and the medium height center tread with moderate spacing helps further reduce rolling resistance. At the same time, the sharp edges of the tread knobs bite well into firm to moderately loose, dry conditions while pedaling and braking. A closely packed row of taller shoulder lugs provides good cornering traction and a predictable feel until things get super loose. We found the T7 rubber to be long-lasting with even wear, and the Grid Trail casing stood up to our abuse during testing. It pairs nicely as a rear tire with the Specialized Butcher in the front.
While the Eliminator T7 is a well-rounded and versatile tire, it sacrifices a bit in the braking traction department in exchange for rolling speed. When conditions get really loose, it is easy to break this tire into a skid, drift through corners , spin out while climbing. We also found the Grid Trail casing to be a bit squirmy under hard cornering forces, and that we had to get the pressure exactly right to not burp it. This casing may not be supportive enough for super-aggressive riders. That said, we feel this is a great rear tire option paired with something a little more aggressive in the front, and an affordable one at that. 
Read more: Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review

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The Kryptotal Fr impressed our testers and proved that Continental is back at the top of the game with their new generation of tires. This is one of our favorites as a front tire for aggressive trail riding because of its incredible traction in corners and its durability. We rode the 2.4" Trail casing, endurance compound tire and it was truly an inspiration on the front wheel; holding like a rail through corners, and delivering superb braking performance in a range of conditions. Continental has several new models in their lineup, with the Kryptotal intended as the all-arounder for aggressive riding in mixed terrain and conditions. Despite its do-it-all intentions, it has a relatively aggressive tread design with tall, stout side knobs and similarly tall and aggressive tread in the center and intermediate zones that inspire confidence in corners and on the brakes.
We struggled to get the trail casing of the Kryptotal Fr and its counterpart &#40;the Kryptotal Re&#41; to seat, as a result, we might not recommend it to those who have more of a convenience-reigns, Laissez-faire approach to bike maintenance. It's possible your local shop might even curse getting these inflated. Other than what might be chalked up to a singular incident of difficult installation, we have little to complain about with this burly front tread. 
Read more: Continental Kryptotal Front 2.4

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The Maxxis Aggressor is a great rear tire with a versatile tread pattern that gives it broad appeal and functionality across a wide range of conditions. The center tread has a well-designed pattern of medium-height knobs with sharp, unramped front edges that provide ample bite and traction with surprisingly low rolling resistance. A substantial row of side knobs handles well when tipped on edge through corners, with a supportive and durable EXO casing. Our test tire weighed in at a lighter-than-advertised 950 grams, and if you want even more peace of mind, it's available in Maxxis's heavier casing options as well. We felt this tire was the best balance of rolling resistance, grip, and traction offered in the entire test, a true all-around performer.
However, this isn't the most aggressive tire on the market. You may prefer another option if you often find yourself riding in loose or wet conditions. While the medium-height tread is efficient and capable for most situations, there are better options for braking traction when the terrain gets super loose. Having said all that, we still feel the Aggressor is the most versatile rear tire.
Read more: Maxxis Aggressor review  

The Vittoria Mazza is an excellent, aggressive tire that rivals the performance of the most popular models on the market. Vittoria may not have the same level of brand recognition as some other manufacturers, but we feel that it is liable to change if they keep making amazing tires like this. We loved the Mazza as a front tire where it excels in the corners with a stout row of well-supported side knobs that grip well in a huge range of conditions. The transition from the center tread to the side knobs is smooth, and once on edge, it bites and holds with confidence-inspiring and predictable manners. Braking traction is another highlight, and the large knobs with open spacing grab well on most surfaces when it comes time to slow things down. Lots of lengthwise siping on all of the knobs allow them to really conform to the trail surface, and it holds well on firm surfaces, off-camber terrain, and rock slabs. The Trail casing we tested offers a good blend of support and suppleness, and Vittoria's 4C Graphene rubber was surprisingly resilient with an above-average tread life.  
Due to the Mazza's tread design, it has a bit more rolling resistance than tires with a less aggressive tread. We also found it to be a touch heavy when compared to similarly aggressive tires of the same size. Beyond those concerns, we feel the Mazza is an outstanding tire that rivals the best of the best. We'd highly recommend it as a front tire for aggressive trail riders who are looking to try something different. 
Read more: Vittoria Mazza review

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Specialized recently updated their ever-popular Butcher tire with an all-new T9 rubber compound. We tested the Butcher Grid Trail T9 in both 2.3" and 2.6" widths, and while the tread pattern hasn't really changed, this feels like an entirely new tire. The T9 rubber is the grippiest that Specialized uses, and while it isn't exactly super soft, it's been designed to rebound slowly to reduce deflection and enhance grip. The result is a well-damped ride quality that feels very well connected to the trail surface. The tall center tread lugs with open spacing provide excellent braking traction, while the substantial row of shoulder knobs grip very well through corners. Specialized's Grid Trail casing feels supportive enough while remaining supple and surprisingly resistant to punctures or tears. It's also one of the least expensive tires we tested, and we feel it is an excellent value. 
While we really loved most aspects of the performance of the Butcher Grid Trail T9, it isn't the fastest rolling tire. It's moderately heavy at 1,123-grams in the 29" x 2.6" we tested, and the aggressive tread, open spacing, and grippy rubber put up a bit of rolling resistance. That said, it's no worse than most similar tires, and a trade-off for its otherwise excellent traction and super smooth feel. Beyond that, this affordable tire is an excellent front tire, or both, for trail and all-mountain riders. 
Read more: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 review

The Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 is a tire that bridges the gap between cross-country and trail riding, call it down-country if you like. This lightweight model tips the scales at just 867 grams in a 29" x 2.35" size, contributing to their zippy feel. Like most cross-country tires, they are very fast rolling, but unlike a typical XC tire, they provide better cornering and braking traction than you might expect. The tread consists of lots of moderate-height lugs in the center and intermediate zone, with a fairly substantial row of shoulder knobs. We found it provides excellent cornering traction across the spectrum of lean angles in all but the loosest of conditions. The tread design also contributes to controlled and predictable braking performance that outshines other models in its category. The T7 rubber compound offers a nice blend of grip and longevity, and the Grid casing feels relatively robust and durable while remaining lightweight.
While we were truly impressed by the performance of the Ground Control Grid T7, it is important to keep in mind that these tires do have limitations. Given this tire's impressive rolling speed and moderate height/relatively tightly packed tread knobs, it can't compete with more aggressive tires in loose conditions. Likewise, while the Grid casing feels fairly tough for an XC-ish tire, it's a little under-gunned for super rough and chunky trails. That said, we feel it is an excellent option for aggressive cross-country and light trail riding for riders seeking a lightweight and fast-rolling tire for their down-country rig.
Read more: Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 review

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The Maxxis Assegai is a gravity-oriented tire from Maxxis that was designed in collaboration with World Cup DH racing legend Greg Minaar. It is available in numerous casings, including DH, EXO, and EXO+. It is one of the best cornering tires our testers have ever used. Despite its square profile, it rolls easily into corners and hooks up and grips in all conditions thanks to the tall row of burly side knobs. It also provides heaps of braking traction, providing some of the best control you could ask for. It was originally only available in the DH casing which was super heavy, but now its versatility has been expanded to the rest of the market with the lighter options. We've tested this tire on both the front and rear of the bike, and it performs outrageously well in both locations. 
This type of traction, cornering performance, and durability come at a slight weight penalty, and the tacky rubber and tall tread knobs also result in some serious rolling resistance. That said, this tire is meant to be pointed down the hill, and it rewards the rider with outrageous levels of grip.
Read more: Maxxis Assegai review

expert-review

Maxxis Assegai | Blister

The Maxxis Minion DHF is our top recommendation for a burly and aggressive front tire. This beefy model is one of the most popular tires of all time and is considered a benchmark against which all other tires are compared. It inspires high levels of confidence and is most at home when leaned into a turn aggressively with a substantial row of large side knobs that grip through corners. The feel of this tire may take a little getting used to for some, but once you experience the sensation of it locking into a turn, you'll have a hard time going back to anything else. Its sturdy EXO casing and mix of tread compounds provide ample sidewall support and exceptional grip, even at lower pressures. A relatively square profile, squared-off edges, side knobs, and sidewalls all contribute to the overall quality and performance of this tire. 
We love the DHF up front, but it's also suitable for use as a rear tire. As a rear tire, it has excellent pedal and braking traction but has a relatively high level of rolling resistance. The aggressive tread of the Minion DHF might feel a bit overkill on super buff and hardpack dirt, but that's not the arena this beast was designed to fight in. The DHF is offered in all-wheel sizes and a huge variety of widths, casings, and rubber compounds to meet a broad range of user preferences.
Read more: Maxxis Minion DHF review

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The Maxxis Minion DHR II is an aggressive rear tire with terrific cornering grip and excellent braking traction. Aggressive riders who frequent loose, chunky, and rowdy terrain are the best candidates for this beefy and durable tire. It sacrifices some rolling speed in exchange for boatloads of braking traction and cornering prowess. This tire has a large and stout row of side knobs, like those found on the Minion DHF, to dive into corners and hold a line on off-camber sections. Braking bite is superb, thanks to the wide paddle-shaped knobs of the center tread. Many bike brands spec the DHR II as a front and rear tire on complete builds.
The Minion DHR II was originally designed for use as a rear tire, and paired with a Minion DHF up front, we think it's the ultimate combo in loose conditions for aggressive trail riders. Other rear tire options will roll noticeably faster than the DHR II, but that's a trade-off you'll need to consider for a tire with the cornering grip and braking traction it provides.
Read more: Maxxis Minion DHR II review

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