I would never run it as a front tire and the brief period that I have, it was filled with constant washouts. Learn how your comment data is processed. Terms | Privacy, Maxxis Ardent or Forekasters as a front tire, Singletracks Mountain Bike News, Product Reviews, MTB Trails and Community. The Forekaster 29 x 2.35-inch EXO model we review here is priced at $68.90 USD, and came in plus or minus 4 grams of the claimed 735-gram weight. After pouring through their catalog comparing tread designs and weights, I settled on a Forekaster and Ardent. Whats the Maxxis equivalent of Schwalbe Magic Mary and Nobby Nic The Minion is a significantly heavier tire than the Ardent, but with that said, there are some definite advantages to the Minion if youre an especially aggressive rider, or if you tend to ride very rocky trails or trails with loosely packed dirt. Do they make the Ground Control with a Gravity casing? I'd do Ardent in front and Forekaster rear. I have the now older version and quite happy with it. Thick branches can be a similar problem if your tire hits them pointy-end first. In some pics the knobs look shallow, in other pics they look a bit taller. They didnt really need that many racy XC rubbers. CAD I couldn't fault it at. Its a good combination tire, but most users do note that there are other newer tires in the Maxxis line and others that outperform the Ardent as both a specialist tire and an all-purpose design. Looks like well have to wait to find out how good they are, due in stock in March 2024!! Users are generally very pleased by this tire, especially used in combination with a more aggressive design that offers better grip for added traction and better all-condition performance. Was it an Ardent 2.4 width that let go on you? To help with this tires versatility, Maxxis offers it in a 2.2 or 2.35 casing. Continue with Recommended Cookies. However since you already have them: XC, Road, XXC, Endurance, Mtn, All-Mtn, Cross, Gravel, just go have fun on 2 wheels! A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Just installed an Ardent Race 2.35 on the front. The center tread looks like a slimmed-down version of the High Roller II and the side knobs mimic the Minion, creating a lot of control you wouldn't expect from an XC tire. 111 [Podcast], Best of the Month! Given their robust almost paddle-style centre tread blocks, the Trail Kings arent sluggish at all, something we can only attribute to the Black Chili compound. I thought the old Forekaster was ok for what it was. Seem to be the best combo of grip, price, durability, and weight. The 2 by 2 tread is also relatively squared off, which works to increase traction between your tire and the terrain. The Ardent supports a moderately aggressive lean, but it takes a little experience to figure out where the limits of the tire really are. This new Forekaster looks almost identical to the newer Nic, just with the trademark Maxxis ramped centre tread. The trade show is only a piece of the events at the Sea Otter Classic; racing is still a part of the festival. For fast hardpack punctuated by loose, dry sections, the Dissector has few equals. AUD We noticed this most on hardpack or sand, while in loose conditions it didnt seem to affect the tyre greatly. Thanks. In light loose soil, its nicely responsive and stable. Its not as wide as some trail tires, but also offers significantly less roll resistance than wider, grippier, tread designs. The Forekaster weighs only 735g with dual compound and EXO sidewall protection. Would you have this front with a dissector rear? BRL The blocky tread is somewhat of a wonderment, being very grippy on the loose stuff as well as equally adherent on bare rock something we werent expecting. Its got a lot of float and drift potential, and very little rolling resistance for added speed. I would say the Ikon lends itself to be the most predictable XC tire in this lineup if your goal is going fast. When should you choose the new Forekaster? The low profile tread also has ramped center knobs allowing the Rekon to roll similarly to other dry XC tires. The side nobs are not as aggressive as those on the Ardent. 27.5 x 2.60 Please. The tread isnt aggressive enough for thick loose soil or sandy conditions, and quickly loses traction in those conditions. I've ridden through some nasty rock gardens and roots with these and have had zero issues. The launch represents the, Canyon updated the Spectral:ON eMTB in 2022, redesigning the entire bike around their in-house developed batteries. The wear on the Maxxis has been very even and consistent for me. When its really dry and dusty I swap it for a slaughter. Something to sit between the Aspen/Ikon/Ardent and the Assegai/Minion/Dissector. Unlike some of their more aggressive trail tires, the Aggressor has a more moderate center tread profile, which is a nice middle ground between the super aggressive and the semi-slick options. I could try it out and see. Forekaster Center and intermediate treat designs offer moderately good breaking traction, with performance thats neither the best nor the worst in Maxxis line. It can also be used as a more aggressive front tire for XC racing when the terrain is technical or loose. First Ride: Maxxis Forekaster - BikeMag For example, when I started riding in Colorado I was happy with a Ground Control front and a Fast Trak rear but I was also slooow. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Maxxis all the way. The difference is this tire doesn't blow out sidewalls like the NN. Tires are the last place I'd cheap out on, considering they're the only contact you have with the ground. Manage Settings It might not be as classic as some of the other Maxxis XC tires, but it will surely create some great traction without the weight of some other tires. When that tire loses cornering traction, it loses it right away and does not hook back up easily. The DHRII has large ramped knobs in the center that take up most of the tread, and then transition to classic Minion side knobs. It measures 2.35 at the nobs and 2.3 at the casing on a 26mm internal width rim. The rest of tyre tread, from its general knob height and Nobby Nic-esque tread pattern, seems to my eyes to be much more of the sort of thing Id worry less about having on my bike as I headed into some wet muck. Visit the high-res gallery for more images. Little more bite on slickish conditions or loose climbs. I personally really like to ride this tire out back, be it a 2.2 or 2.35. The Crossmark has long been a popular tyre with XC racers that want fast rolling rubber for dry and loose conditions, and it certainly delivers . It always felt sketchy when really leaned into the corner. Off to buy one before they are out of stock! Weaknesses: Not available in 27.5 or 29 in Australia yet. Whichever you like, Ikons are way slower. Maxxis However, the 2.6 version has been designed specifically for rims 30-35mm wide internally. The harder-wearing PaceStar compound is recommended for the rear or youll be shelling out for new rubber very quickly. DHRII front with Ikon, Ardent, Ardent Race, Rekon or Ikon in the rear in a smaller size, Padded / Protective Short Liners / Chamois, The Best XC / Trail Tires by Maxxis - Light & Fast (Proven to Make You Faster) [Video], Drilling Holes To Avoid Headset Cable Routing, Brake Pad Compounds & Tons Of New MTB Products Ep. Intended to be a "Goldilocks" tire, the new Forekaster (released July 2022) rolls faster than a Minion or even the Dissector but provides more predictable cornering, climbing, and braking traction than the Aspen or Rekon. Bike Check: Cal Poly Students' Handmade All-Mountain Tandem - Sea Otter 2023, www.transylvaniatimes.com/lifestyles/popular-pnf-trail-receiving-needed-reroute/article_aff86265-21bb-5c1b-85f6-833d5944b1fa.html, www.amazon.com/Natrapel-Mosquito-Insect-Repellent-Individually-Wrapped/dp/B001ARBSTO. I had a funny feeling that mentioning Ardents would draw some very good responses. I'd say try both and see which one you like for where and how you ride. They share similar terrain weaknesses but are also both highly durable options. The tires can be installed with no tools and a simple floor pump. It can find its spot on many bikes front or rear for whatever traction your bike needs. We received a 292.4 WT in 3C Maxx Terra, which is recommended for all mountain trails from hard pack to loose over hard. The Forekaster is also slightly more prone to drifting, especially mounted as the rear tire, or with a cyclist who tends to use the rear brake heavily. Maxxis Maxxis have the Forekaster in both 27.5" and 29" models, in 2.25" width and 2.35" widths too. I have run the forecaster in front, but only as an XC tire for xc marathon races. Needless to say, I was more than interested in putting the Rekon of the same 2.6 width to the test. I would not consider this the typical XC tire unless your typical XC race is the Downieville Classic where 3k feet of climbing is followed by 30mph+ descents. As a rear tire, the Ardent has a lot of floats and can be a little drifty, while its more of a speed demon as a front tire. With 2.6 on the front I run 16 pounds tubeless & 24 rear. Maxxis might have some of the most iconic XC/Trail tires like the Ikon and Ardent. Enter the Forekaster 29x2.35 Maxxis's unapologetic copy of the Schwalbe Nobby Nic. They use a 120tpi casing and are Tubeless Ready - with the option for EXO sidewall reinforcing. Use code HELLO54 when you join us as a print or digital member and your membership will be half price for the first year. Best Bike Trails | The Maxxis Ikon tire might be the most classic XC tire in most recent years and is still winning WC XC races. The Maxxis tire combo is a tough one to beat these days. Overall the Maxxis Ardent is still a solid choice of tire, reasonably affordable for its performance, and offering very low roll resistance and good longevity. 4.23) [Video], CushCore Trail Insert - The Perfect Middle Ground For Tubeless Inserts, Wolf Tooth ReMote Pro - The New & Refined Dropper Remote. The Dissector is available in 3C Maxx Terra and 3C Maxx Grip and comes in both EXO and Double Down casing. The tire has "mid-height tread blocks spaced evenly and openly to . However, the thinner design of the Ikon combines with a less aggressive tread style to create a much looser grip. Is this the best tire combo? The Ardent is decent as a rear tire, but to echo what many others have already posted, I would definitely not run them as a front tire. Ride the fastest tires you feel confident on. The ample sipes on the nobs make for some sure-footed climbing on both medium dirt and rocks. I don't know if the tread is worn too much or if I've improved to the point that I'm needing more for what I do on my trails than it can offer. Use as a front paired with an Aspen or Ikon rear for an "aggressive" XC setup. I wonder if I would give up climbing grip though it seems the Ikon has more tread knobs that would grab better. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Both are also tubeless-ready, or TR, so you have the additional option depending on how youd prefer to ride. Hang on though, the new Forekaster appears to be very much more of a wet weather XC tyre compared to the previous shallower tread version? But despite this, their weight is reasonable and their rolling speed remarkable too. The Rekon Tire might be the most under the radar as its a new tire packed with some really awesome features. That should work well for the conditions you describe, 2022 Trek Top Fuel 9.8XT. The Ardent marks yet another classic XC/Trail tire for Maxxis, bridging the gap between super fast rolling but sometimes not enough tread, and something more like a Minion DHR II that moves into large tread territory. Maxxis vs bontrager tires : r/MTB - Reddit Theres a huuuuuge gap between an Aspen and a Minion; you can probably fit 3 tyres in that gap.and Id say Maxxis already has! While Ardent tires are very durable and rolling resistance and reactivity dont generally change much with wear, they do tend to become more prone to slips and drifting as they age. The Ardent filled out to a nice profile on my 26mm rims. As Maxxis puts it, When an Aspen isnt enough tire but a Minion is too much, choose the new Maxxis Forekaster.. When it comes to Maxxis' treads, people tend to gravitate to the established gravity-meats (i.e., the Minion or High Roller series) or the pinner XC treads, such as the Ikon. Run a 2.6 x 27.5 one on my hardtail for a lot of the year. Interbike 2017: Maxxis Rekon, Forekaster, Ardent Race - YouTube Cotic RocketMAXer. Plus, well cover some of what you can expect once youre actually out on the trail. The forekaster has surprisingly good grip for it's weight, and it performs well in a wide range of conditions (dry loose over hard all the way to slightly greasy clay) but it is no doubt, a reduced rolling resistance xc/trail tire. Thanks Matt. RUB The tread has been beefed up a little, and Maxxis now says it's designed for modern short travel trail bikes. I don't know exactly how many miles it has on it probably 600 at a minimum. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Overall a well mannered tyre and a better choice for those whose trail choice is more rocky road than caramel slice. The transition nobs do their job translating to a predictable feel. https://www.dirtmerchantbikes.com/snorthwest-summer-2015-xc-tire-comparison-test. Forekaster - MAXXIS US It needs a bit more volume (2.35) but it was fine round a very muddy ashton court at new year. Employee Review The Ardent does well in most conditions and is a particularly fast tire of firm terrain. This allows the center of the tire to. The tread is worn from what it would have been new, (and I don't think even new it had as much tread height as my 27.5 2.4 WT Rekon) but it appears to have plenty left. That said, the tread is only moderately aggressive, and it looks like less of an all-terrain all-condition tire than many of its competitors. Best MTB Gear | Having mid-height almost square knobs across the tire that is spaced out quite a bit, it's as close to an XC spike you can get. Thanks all, for the advice and recommendations. NZD, The Aspen has some small race size ramped knobs in the center with larger more aggressive side knobs. I know the 2.25 on my 29er and the 2.4 WT on my 27.5 measured out the same, and the 27.5 was on a rim that was 7mm wider internally. What more could you want? Theyre very tough too, particularly in the Snake Skin sidewall option. The Forekaster rolls ok / brakes ok and actually it does a pretty good job when its wet. The Best XC / Trail Tires by Maxxis - Worldwide Cyclery The new Forekaster does appear to make more sense in the Maxxis range. Staff Rides: Mike Kazimer's Coil Shock Trek Fuel EX, First Ride: The New GT Sensor Loses Weight, Gains Travel, Review: TruTune Suspension Inserts Unlock More Travel, Bike Check: Nino Schurter's Custom 10-Time World Champion Scott Spark RC. And a digital membership where you can read all the digital magazines is normally 25, and now 12.50 with the code. However, the tires are again similar in that they tend to have less grip and slip a little more on very loose terrain types. Tire However, the tread is significantly thicker on the Minion, which is what gives it better loose soil traction. On my XC hardtail I've used Ardent Race (The race is a totally different tire)and Icon and Forkaster 2.6 front 2.35 rear. Because of this, I'll take the Maxxis pair any day of the week over Schwalbe tires. Aggressor rolls much quicker in the dry/firm, but it is dual vrs 3C too which will have a bearing. FEATURES OF THE NEW MAXXIS FOREKASTER INCLUDE: A densely packed tread pattern to increase rolling efficiency Taller side knobs to improve cornering grip Raised ridges on the casing to promote. While it may no longer be marketed as a wet conditions specific tire, the new Forekaster is still designed to shed mud well, with raised edges on the casing. Video , Currency: The Ikon excels in dry conditions with its 3C compound options and the small siping on each knob across the tire. I ride 2.6 front & 2.35 rear while he rides 2.2s. Anthony Smith Maxxis classifies the Forekaster as an 'aggressive XC' tire, which seems about right: it rolls fast, and accelerates incredibly well at 735 grams for the 120tpi, EXO-casing version. As I said, this tire is a classic and finds itself in its fair share of combinations, so we'll list some of the more common tire combinations and sizes/casing options. - Forekaster - In my opinion Maxxis best all around Trail tire. Bontrager have really hit the mark with the XR4 tyres for all round aggressive trail use. Joe will know that I run a pair of old Forekasters in 2.2 flavour on my 100mm-forked 29er XC hardtail. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Highly-regarded tire maker Maxxis continues to expand its popular Wide Trail lineup with new versions of the Rekon, Forekaster, Ardent Race, Aggressor, High . Much stiffer sidewalls then the Ardent and it performs well around 18/20 psi. That is, there is very little rolling resistance when youre riding the bike centered. I know Geoff Kabush will often run this tire up front for more alternative XC races where the soil might be loose and soft like in the Downieville Classic, or wet slippery and unpredictable like the BC Bike Race.