Maxxis Minion FBF 26x4.8
The Maxxis Minion FBF 26x4.8 earns a best-in-class spot for sand and dune riding thanks to its wide footprint and purpose-tuned paddle-like center knobs that combine flotation with predictable steering on soft faces. Compared with the simpler, budget-minded Surly Bud and the ultra-wide Vee Snowshoe, the Minion strikes a balance of rolling efficiency and bite, offering technical performance close to premium options like the 45NRTH Dillinger but usually at a more accessible price point.
Predictable float
Quick steering
Predictable float
Quick steering
Review Summary
"Generally praised as a fast, low‑resistance sand tire that tracks well on dunes and rolls quickly; some users note it has limited bite in very loose sand and is less ideal on mixed rocky trails."
Side-bite lugs - hugs dunes
Specialized paddle-style center knobs for efficient forward propulsion in soft sand.
Side-bite lugs - hugs dunes
Specialized paddle-style center knobs for efficient forward propulsion in soft sand.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Maxxis Minion FBF 26x4.8 earns a best-in-class spot for sand and dune riding thanks to its wide footprint and purpose-tuned paddle-like center knobs that combine flotation with predictable steering on soft faces. Compared with the simpler, budget-minded Surly Bud and the ultra-wide Vee Snowshoe, the Minion strikes a balance of rolling efficiency and bite, offering technical performance close to premium options like the 45NRTH Dillinger but usually at a more accessible price point.
Predictable float
Quick steering
Side-bite lugs - hugs dunes
Specialized paddle-style center knobs for efficient forward propulsion in soft sand.
4.8-inch width provides high floatation and stability on dunes.
Predictable float
Quick steering
Side-bite lugs - hugs dunes
Specialized paddle-style center knobs for efficient forward propulsion in soft sand.
4.8-inch width provides high floatation and stability on dunes.
$200-300 CAD
Surly Bud 26x4.8
The Surly Bud 26x4.8 is a market-leading, no-nonsense choice for riders who want durable flotation and low cost of ownership on dunes; its broad, low-profile tread keeps the bike surfing on soft sand while being easier to mount and service than more exotic casings. Compared to high-performance, more expensive tires such as the Maxxis Minion FBF and 45NRTH Dillinger, the Bud emphasizes simplicity and reliability, making it a strong value option for heavy use and rental fleets on beaches and dunes.
Massive float
Durable casing
Massive float
Durable casing
Review Summary
"Viewed as a durable, predictable workhorse with excellent flotation and reliability; criticized for being heavy and slower rolling on soft sand compared with modern paddle-style tires."
Cruiser comfort - mellow glide
Big-volume 4.8-inch casing preserves momentum and float on loose sand.
Cruiser comfort - mellow glide
Big-volume 4.8-inch casing preserves momentum and float on loose sand.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Surly Bud 26x4.8 is a market-leading, no-nonsense choice for riders who want durable flotation and low cost of ownership on dunes; its broad, low-profile tread keeps the bike surfing on soft sand while being easier to mount and service than more exotic casings. Compared to high-performance, more expensive tires such as the Maxxis Minion FBF and 45NRTH Dillinger, the Bud emphasizes simplicity and reliability, making it a strong value option for heavy use and rental fleets on beaches and dunes.
Massive float
Durable casing
Cruiser comfort - mellow glide
Big-volume 4.8-inch casing preserves momentum and float on loose sand.
Simple, fast-rolling tread pattern suited to mixed soft and packed dune conditions.
Massive float
Durable casing
Cruiser comfort - mellow glide
Big-volume 4.8-inch casing preserves momentum and float on loose sand.
Simple, fast-rolling tread pattern suited to mixed soft and packed dune conditions.
$170-250 CAD
Terrene Cake Eater 26x4.6
The Terrene Cake Eater 26x4.6 is singled out for its lightweight, supple casing and aggressive paddle-inspired tread that delivers low rolling resistance and excellent flotation in soft sand. In contrast to the Vee Snowshoe's giant footprint or the heavier 45NRTH Dillinger, the Cake Eater gives riders a lively, efficient feel for long dune laps and is often a financially attractive performance tire for those wanting near-race responsiveness without sacrificing sand traction.
Sand-optimized shape
Light rolling
Sand-optimized shape
Light rolling
Review Summary
"Widely liked as a standout sand/dune tire — light, fast and offering strong flotation and directional grip; a minority report quicker tread wear on abrasive surfaces."
Paddle-ish knobs - sweet scoops
Aggressive paddle-like knobs optimized to bite and propel on soft sand.
Paddle-ish knobs - sweet scoops
Aggressive paddle-like knobs optimized to bite and propel on soft sand.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Terrene Cake Eater 26x4.6 is singled out for its lightweight, supple casing and aggressive paddle-inspired tread that delivers low rolling resistance and excellent flotation in soft sand. In contrast to the Vee Snowshoe's giant footprint or the heavier 45NRTH Dillinger, the Cake Eater gives riders a lively, efficient feel for long dune laps and is often a financially attractive performance tire for those wanting near-race responsiveness without sacrificing sand traction.
Sand-optimized shape
Light rolling
Paddle-ish knobs - sweet scoops
Aggressive paddle-like knobs optimized to bite and propel on soft sand.
Lightweight, supple casing designed for very low-pressure flotation.
Sand-optimized shape
Light rolling
Paddle-ish knobs - sweet scoops
Aggressive paddle-like knobs optimized to bite and propel on soft sand.
Lightweight, supple casing designed for very low-pressure flotation.
Vee Tire Snowshoe 2XL 26x5.05
The Vee Tire Snowshoe 2XL 26x5.05 stands out for supreme flotation with one of the largest footprints in this set, making it ideal where maximum float and soft-sand traction are the priority on dunes and beaches. While heavier and slower to turn than the narrower Terrene Cake Eater or the versatile Maxxis Minion FBF, the Snowshoe's flotation advantage and robustness make it the go-to for ultra-soft conditions and riders prioritizing stability over outright speed.
Giant contact
Steady tracking
Giant contact
Steady tracking
Review Summary
"Regarded as an affordable, high‑flotation option that performs well in deep snow and soft sand, though heavier and slower than newer paddle designs."
Float like a raft - big grin
Massive 5.05-inch width creates the largest footprint for maximum float on soft sand.
Float like a raft - big grin
Massive 5.05-inch width creates the largest footprint for maximum float on soft sand.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Vee Tire Snowshoe 2XL 26x5.05 stands out for supreme flotation with one of the largest footprints in this set, making it ideal where maximum float and soft-sand traction are the priority on dunes and beaches. While heavier and slower to turn than the narrower Terrene Cake Eater or the versatile Maxxis Minion FBF, the Snowshoe's flotation advantage and robustness make it the go-to for ultra-soft conditions and riders prioritizing stability over outright speed.
Giant contact
Steady tracking
Float like a raft - big grin
Massive 5.05-inch width creates the largest footprint for maximum float on soft sand.
Shallow, wide tread promotes effortless glide over dunes rather than digging in.
Giant contact
Steady tracking
Float like a raft - big grin
Massive 5.05-inch width creates the largest footprint for maximum float on soft sand.
Shallow, wide tread promotes effortless glide over dunes rather than digging in.
45NRTH Dillinger 5 26x4.6
The 45NRTH Dillinger 5 26x4.6 is praised for high-end construction and aggressive tread that delivers exceptional traction and durability in loose sand and steep dune faces, positioning it as a premium choice for technical sand riding. Compared with more budget-friendly or float-focused tires like the Surly Bud and Vee Snowshoe, the Dillinger trades a bit more weight and cost for refined control, stud-compatibility in icy mixed conditions, and a carcass tuned for responsive handling in demanding dune environments.
Aggressive traction
Fast-rolling center
Aggressive traction
Fast-rolling center
Review Summary
"Seen as a premium, high‑performance sand and snow tire with excellent traction, speed and predictable handling; praised despite higher price and occasional reports of faster wear or limited availability."
Race-ready edge - carve dunes
Paddle-oriented center knobs tuned for strong propulsion on sand.
Race-ready edge - carve dunes
Paddle-oriented center knobs tuned for strong propulsion on sand.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The 45NRTH Dillinger 5 26x4.6 is praised for high-end construction and aggressive tread that delivers exceptional traction and durability in loose sand and steep dune faces, positioning it as a premium choice for technical sand riding. Compared with more budget-friendly or float-focused tires like the Surly Bud and Vee Snowshoe, the Dillinger trades a bit more weight and cost for refined control, stud-compatibility in icy mixed conditions, and a carcass tuned for responsive handling in demanding dune environments.
Aggressive traction
Fast-rolling center
Race-ready edge - carve dunes
Paddle-oriented center knobs tuned for strong propulsion on sand.
High-quality, tubeless-friendly casing that balances suppleness and puncture resistance.
Aggressive traction
Fast-rolling center
Race-ready edge - carve dunes
Paddle-oriented center knobs tuned for strong propulsion on sand.
High-quality, tubeless-friendly casing that balances suppleness and puncture resistance.