Aggressive side knobs, ramped fast rolling center knobs, and nice wide channels make for a great all-conditions tire.

    As with every Maxxis Tire I've ever set up, tubeless setup was easy and headache free. I'm running a cushcore in the rear and it gave me zero fuss in setting up. It's worth noting that I'm running the DoubleDown MaxxGrip iteration of the tire as there isn't a MaxxTerra or Dual Compound option available yet. The softer compound was immediately noticeable on the trail and what could be a fast rolling tire felt identical on the climbs to the rolling speed of the MaxxTerra DHR II that it replaced. No problem though, I'm willing to put up with slower climbs for a nice loose feeling on the decent.

    As soon as things started going downhill, I immediately new I was in love. The Dissector had a feel somewhere between the DHR II and Aggressor, with a bias towards the looser end of the spectrum, holding lines confidently while still being able to break free when desired. The tire has a drifty feel similar to the Aggressor in loose conditions with a super predictable feel that's easy to get the hang of. The first trail I really rode this tire on was on a trail scattered with bigger rock rolls and super technical rock sections connected by loose, blown out dirt. The Dissector felt at home. Just like the Aggressor, it stayed composed through predictability rather than all out traction and stuck to the rock like velcro.

    Where the Dissector differs from the Aggressor is in breaking performance. It has a significantly more grabby feel that allows you to dump speed very fast without loosing traction. The straight line performance of this tire is definitely something to behold. It really holds a strong line, but it still maintains a nice playful feel when you want to flick the back end around.

    I was installed this tire towards the end of summer and have patiently been waiting for some wet conditions to test it out in. Over the past few weeks, we've received quite a bit of rain that have left the trails super sloppy- you bet I was out riding them!

    Last weekend I put the tire to the test in some of the wettest conditions I've ever ridden during a shuttle day in a torrential downpour that left the trails getting greasier and greasier, and the dirt getting muddier and muddier. Too my surprise, the tire performed just as it did in the dry- holding it's line but allowing you to break out at a moments notice. I didn't experience any clogging issues and the tire really stood out as a solid performer among all of my buddies tires. I found myself hitting two bigger features that I had never hit, even in the dry and I think that was in part due to the confidence the tire supplied. When paired with a DHF or Shorty, the Dissector is truly an all-weather, go anywhere performer that puts up zero fuss on even the wettest, rootiest trails.

    I ride about 4-5 days a week and generally speaking, can ride an Aggressor comfortably for an entire season, and a DHR II for maybe half a season before feeling the need to switch it out assuming they don't get life-ending punctures. To cut to the chase, the Dissector is not a long-lasting tire. After two months on the Dissector it is now worn past the point that my Aggressors would be after nearly a season's worth of riding. I'm sure the ultra-tacky MaxxGrip compound played a roll in this, but regardless of excuses- the tire doesn't age well like a DHR II does and gets super chunked out and squirmy feeling after just a month or two.

    If you like the Aggressor in dry conditions, there's a good chance you'll be pretty dang stoked on the Dissector as a year-round, all conditions rear tire. It's definitely no mud spike, but it's just about as good as a non condition specific tire can get in the wet. For dry conditions I still prefer the Aggressor for its faster rolling speed. The durability is far from the best, and the compound choices are limited- but I'm okay with overlooking those because this tire will have your back no-matter the conditions. The Maxxis Dissector will 100% be staying on the rear end of my bike this winter with something like a Shorty on the front.

Current Bikes: Transition Patrol, Surly Straggler

Bike Size: Large

Favorite Trails: Galbraith/Glorieta Trails in Santa Fe

About Me: Transplanted from New Mexico and Michigan before that, Henry is a fan of spicy food, chunky trails, and endless bike park laps! Henry bounces back and forth between creating media content, taking photos, and helping customers get gear that will get them out on the trails. Looking for shock recommendations or where to get the best green chili? Henry might just be your guy.