maxxis forekaster vs ardent maxxis forekaster vs ardent

The Forekaster is available in 27.5 and 29 wheel diameters with widths of 2.20, 2.35, and now 2.6. It measures 2.35 at the nobs and 2.3 at the casing on a 26mm internal width rim. On that note, at $93 / 80 Maxxis is now sitting at the premium side of current tire pricing. I thought I started sucking at cornering all of the sudden a few years ago. really it was the 2.4 ardent in the front making me eat dirt. 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 . Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. EUR Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships). With amazing braking traction and generous siping, the grip and control from a Maxxis DHRII are off the charts compared to any other Maxxis XC tire. The DHR2 is a hell of a tyre on the back though. Use as a front paired with an Aspen or Ikon rear for an "aggressive" XC setup. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them. product overview When I first saw the Rekon, I thought it looked like an XC version of a Maxxis High Roller II and Maxxis Minion combined. The tread on the Ardent is a moderately aggressive design neither as aggressive as the best all-terrain mountain tires nor as short as a typical hybrid tire set. - Forekaster - In my opinion Maxxis best all around Trail tire. Contis Black Chili compound seems to improve with use. And a digital membership where you can read all the digital magazines is normally 25, and now 12.50 with the code. 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. A lot of people are running Dissectors up front on downcountry / short travel bikes, myself included. If the girl said no then the answer obviously is no, but she's not gonna say no. The Ardent 2.4 is marketed as a do it all tire with high volume and comes in at 864g. BRL 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? The Forekasters don't have as aggressive side knobs as the ardents plus the forecaster will roll faster. Maxxis calls it a trail tire on there official website. Like the Ardent, the Forekaster offers very little in the way of rolling resistance and is a quiet ride when the tires are centered. Sign up to receive Bikerumor content direct to your inbox. Its a blocky tread that reminds us vaguely of the pattern found on Schwalbes Hans Dampf that cant be a bad thing and was developed with input from freeride guru Richie Schley. And, to be frank, all I have is photographs to go off. You can choose how much grip you want, how fast the tire rolls, and what wheel you want to put it on with Maxxis. Ardent definitely has more cornering grip specially in loose terrain. We only had one small gripe with the tyre in that we had to use a bit more sealant than we were used to prevent them losing air during the ride. I will start with the faster rolling, smaller tread tires and continue into the heavier, knobbier tires that tend to have more traction. GBP Needless to say, I was more than interested in putting the Rekon of the same 2.6 width to the test. That should work well for the conditions you describe, 2022 Trek Top Fuel 9.8XT. It also happens to be pretty light for the amount of traction it provides, which I don't think anyone will complain about. However, the new tread pattern is more densely packed for better rolling efficiency and taller side knobs are there to really dig into the corners. Coil fan. If we rode great dirt conditions all the time, we wouldn't hesitate to mount this tire up on the front, rear, or both ends of our efficient mid-travel mountain bikes. Maxxis all the way. The XR4s actually surprised us with their durability and resilience considering the irreverent treatment we gave them. What more could you want? The 2 by 2 tread is also relatively squared off, which works to increase traction between your tire and the terrain. I'd do Ardent in front and Forekaster rear. Its a fast rolling pattern, thanks to the sloped centre tread, and the side knobs offer good support whilst still retaining enough sensitivity for grip on wet roots thanks to extensive siping. Center and intermediate treat designs offer moderately good breaking traction, with performance thats neither the best nor the worst in Maxxis line. My son loves Ardents & I ride Forecasters. Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is. https://www.dirtmerchantbikes.com/snorthwest-summer-2015-xc-tire-comparison-test. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. EUR CAD 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. The Ardent is also decently fast-rolling considering the tread height and does decently well with clearing mud as well. Frankly, I'm too scared (read: lack the skill) to ride those. Ardent tires are also relatively puncture-resistant, and unlikely to give way even on cheese grater rocks and other difficult terrain. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I prefer less cornering grip in the rear than the front because as those of you who have rear wheel drive cars know; oversteer is fun! It needs a bit more volume (2.35) but it was fine round a very muddy ashton court at new year. Company Pro Bike Check: Keegan Swensons Santa Cruz Blur w/ Prototype RockShox SID, Bontrager X-X-X Road Cycling Shoe combines stiffness and flex for top-tier comfort, Vittoria Air Liner Light is a 50g, self-inflating XC tire insert, Laufs US-Based Assembly Drops Seigla Price by up to $1,000, Aurum Manto Races Off-Road on Ultra-Premium, Light Carbon Gravel Bike, Rentable Appleman 2XR FIT Cranks Dial In Crank Length from 100-175mm, Peppermint Cycling Adds MTB Overalls + Womens Jerseys, Review: Canyon Spectral:ON CFR eMTB Rewards Patience, 3D Printed Roundup: Helmets, Saddles, Bikes & Banana Holders, Stashed SpaceRail Bike Storage Gets a Freestanding Prototype. Singletracks Mountain Bike News, Product Reviews, MTB Trails and Community Protected: Forums Mountain Bike Forum Maxxis Ardent or Forekasters as a front tire. The design offers the best traction on firm surfaces, with variable results in other conditions. With more intermediate knobs than the Ardent tire, the Ardent Race looks more like an aggressive Ikon tire. In fact, the Forekaster is going right back on (as a rear) for the summer. I currently use a Forekaster in the front in those wet Autumn and Winter months, and I gotta say, Ive not been impressed with it. Thats why you go 2.6 if you have the room. This allows the center of the tire to roll fast providing just enough traction when climbing and braking but not comprising any speed. If that doesnt work try the next tire in your favorite manufacturers line. I run the current Forekaster and it does get sketchy when put a few miles on it. I thought the old Forekaster was ok for what it was. Use code HELLO54 when you join us as a print or digital member and your membership will be half price for the first year. I love the Ikons on the back but I am getting really tired of them washing out on the front. 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. You mentioned that you're not looking at the 2.6 versions, but hopefully this is helpful. 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. 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. It has the grip and predictable handling of bigger, burlier options with faster rolling speed and a little less weight. While the Maxxis DHRII comes in a vast array of widths, casings and rubber options, the only ones to look at here are the 2.3 and 2.4 widths with EXO protection. I got a Forecaster to last 18 months & was amazed to wear it out. I rode Ikons front and back on my 29er XC hardtail in 2.0 width for a while, but after a bit I started noticing the front was washing out more than I'd like. The Maxxis Forekaster is a bit more of a rarity to see, being the go-to Maxxis XC tire for very loose soil or mud. You can already get an Aggressor or Dissector in that weight range. I have run the forecaster in front, but only as an XC tire for xc marathon races. 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. Widgets, Explore The Rekon comes in a few width options as well as two casing options, all with Maxxis 3C rubber to make sure you are getting the most traction from the rubber itself as possible. Maybe this new version will fare better? Nobody mentions the Specialized Ground Control? So who knows? The Ardent filled out to a nice profile on my 26mm rims. I am going to give it a try. Ragley Big Wig, Surly Cross Check (gravel bike), Sunday Soundwave (BMX), 91 Schwinn High Plain (about town bike), Nashbar CXSS (on trainer). Wheels and tires are what make the most difference when it comes to weight and on a small travel bike, the best weight to traction ratio win the spots on my bikes. Two thumbs up. The Ardent is also somewhere in the middle of wider profile tires. Especially mounted as a read tire, the Ardent is just a touch drifty, especially if you like to corner hot, but not so much that youre likely to lose control of the tire, much less the bike as a whole. 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. I wonder if I would give up climbing grip though it seems the Ikon has more tread knobs that would grab better. The two tires have a similar width, with only .05 inch different (the Forekaster is the narrower of the two). It was also a Maxx Terra while the 29er was a Maxx Speed, and I couldn't tell any difference in performance between the two. I'm not sure it's 'that' much slower than the Minion SS. When an Aspen in the rear isnt enough (wet Autumn and Winter), I mount an Agressor (god I love this tyre during those months). Good range of sizes. New to the Maxxis mountain bike tire lineup a couple of years ago, the Aggressor has quickly become a go-to rear tire choice for a lot of riders. Thats 200g less rotating mass! The side nobs are not as aggressive as those on the Ardent. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As a do it all tire, you cant expect the Ardent to be a perfect performer, but its well suited to moderately aggressive cyclists who dont mind checking trail conditions before they head out for a ride. Was going to use them as a summer set now that it looks like summers is here for a few weeks! The Ikon excels in dry conditions with its 3C compound options and the small siping on each knob across the tire. Installation of the Ardent is a breeze. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Forekaster sports shorter medium sized nobs in an open pattern. 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. Anything more and that goes into the next category of tires. They share similar terrain weaknesses but are also both highly durable options. Overall Conclusion When it comes to deciding on tires, the order of importance for me personally is grip, durability, then rolling resistance. It also makes a great rear tire when looking for speed in the back and some more tread up front like what you would get with the Ardent, Ardent Race or Forekaster. Disagree, I think the forekaster corners way better then the ardent. Singletracks Merch | In some pics the knobs look shallow, in other pics they look a bit taller. The Maxxis Ardent is an XC and trail do-it-all tyre with a directional tread pattern that can be used on the front or rear. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. We ran it as a dedicated front. Singletrack uses affiliate services calledSkimlinksandwhich means we may earn revenue if you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer on our site. Loose or wet conditions tire; Intended for "aggressive XC" use; 27.5-inch x 2.2, 2.35, and 2.6-inch WT sizes; . AUD New Maxxis Forekaster: goodbye to damp, hello to downcountry? 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. Minion DHR II Rekon 2.6 up front and Rekon 2.4 rear. Lighter than the equivalent dhr2 and on that bike it probably doesnt need as much grip as on the fs bike which has got a dhr2 on it in the slop. Aspen Want To Receive Exclusive Offers, Tips & Freebies? As my skills improved and my bikes got better, my speed also increased and I gradually progressed to a Butcher front and a Purgatory rear. The hang up there is it's only .15 of an inch difference, and Maxxis tires often times won't measure out to their stated dimensions, so I might be stuck with the same tread after a swap if I just get a bigger Rekon. Manage Settings Schwalbes have good grip and weight but tend to suck for durability and price. Drop questions if you have any. Niner Jet 9 RDO, Scalpel 29, XTC 650b, 04 Stumpjumper FSR Pro, Trek Rigid SS - No suspension, no gears.no problem, Stache 29+ - More cushin' for the pushin', This, I Hate the Ardent. Strengths: Meaty, moto-style tread digs into loose surfaces. Customer Review I have since gone to a 2.4 bontrager xr4 as a front tire over the forekaster. Anything more and that goes into the next category of tires. If youre looking to ride loose and fast, but dont mind checking on trail conditions and taking care in sandy and muddy areas, the Ardent is a solid option. Wow, 945g is pretty porky for an aggressive XC tire, thats dissector territory. In light loose soil, its nicely responsive and stable. You may recall that British Cycling recently issued its own guidance, having decided that it couldnt wait any longer Maxxis Minion DHR II review: the one tyre for EVERYTHING, Schwalbe release 5 new Super casings plus updated Nobby Nic and Big Betty, Making Up The Numbers Podcast: Aaron Gwin, Fresh Goods Friday 650: Fashionable Goods Friday, UK Government Issues Concussion Guidance For All Grassroots Sports, This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated. Lately though, it seems to have really exploded. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I don't know exactly how many miles it has on it probably 600 at a minimum. That said, if you already have the appropriate tools and a pneumatic pump on hand, theres no reason no to speed the whole process up. Swapping out a DHF/Dissector but intrigued about the potential of having a potential shoulder season combo of Dissector/forekaster!!!!!!!! Feast your eyes on these four tyres treads that roll fast but fill you with confidence in corners and when it gets rough.