Adam Snyder Gets Back to His ROOTS 2

Connected is a Maxxis series showcasing tire choices for different riding styles and terrain.

• Rider: Adam Snyder 
• Age: 31
• Hometown: Durango, CO
• Riding Style: Light on his brakes and light on his tires, even in sketchy situations.  
• Bike: Pivot Cycles Firebird
• Tire Choice Front: Minion DHF 27.5x2.50WT DoubleDown, 23 psi
• Tire Choice Rear: Aggressor 27.5x2.30 DoubleDown, 25 psi

Durango, Colorado is a mountain bike mecca and the current home of Pivot-Reynolds shredder Adam Snyder, but for the second episode of CONNECTED, we asked him to return to his New England roots. Literally. The high-speed flow lines, chunky, root-strewn trails, and rock slabs make for greasy line options even on the driest days. 

Mount Wachusett in Massachusetts is the highest point east of the Connecticut River and features traditional East Coast roots and rocks paired with scenic, old-growth hardwoods. While there’s not much elevation compared to other lift-assist bike parks, the trails at Thunder Mountain Bike Park complement Adam’s full-speed-ahead style and cornering skills. These trails allow riders to build a lot of speed before throwing them into lengthy technical sections littered with large roots and rocks. This classic Beast Coast trail design rewards a rider like Adam, who learned from a young age to stay light on his tires, even in sketchy situations.

On trail conditions that can range from slick-rock, to hardpack dirt, loose-over-hard, and blown-out dusty corners, Snyder depends on the combination of the Minion DHF on the front and Aggressor on the back. Not much else needs to be said about the DHF’s heritage, but Snyder says that “the Aggressor gives me the rolling speed and braking power I need to get shreddy.” Adam’s setup includes the 3C MaxxGrip rubber option on his front DHF to maximize grip on the slimiest of algae and moss-covered roots and rocks. DoubleDown casings on both tires offer pinch-flat and bottom-out protection built into the sidewall to protect his wheels on full-speed, square-edged rock strikes. 

The Minion DHF is available for 24, 26, 27.5, and 29 wheels in widths ranging from 2.30-4.80" with EXO, DoubleDown, and DH-Casing options.