The Ikon is a good option for riders who are looking for a less aggressive kind of trail ride, and who dont mind a little looseness in their ride. Well talk about terrain strengths and weaknesses in a separate section, but its worth noting here that this is a good medium between speed and traction. While it doesn't get picked up as much as these other dry tires do, it holds its place in the Maxxis lineup for the XC/Trail mud tire. However, the narrow casing and lack of tubeless options were lackluster at best. All round grip is superb; from hardpack to rubble to mud, the Hans Dampf is versatile like few other treads weve ever used. USD To help with this tires versatility, Maxxis offers it in a 2.2 or 2.35 casing. Currently, the Forekaster is only available in 29in. The Aspen has some small race size ramped knobs in the center with larger more aggressive side knobs. First Ride: Maxxis Forekaster - BikeMag As Maxxis puts it, When an Aspen isnt enough tire but a Minion is too much, choose the new Maxxis Forekaster.. 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. That's changed a bit with. Once leaned over, the slightly offset two rows of side knobs grab and keep your tires planted on the dirt. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Customer Review I wouldn't run it on the front no matter what. The center portion of the tread is also noticeably wider, and there isnt as much of a height difference between in center, intermediate, and outer tread. Maxxis Ardent is one of the biggest names for mountain bike tires right now. Ready to go tubeless, installation is a breeze, and many cyclists report that the high durability of the Ardent makes is a great rear-tire design. I am having trouble on deciding between the Maxxis Forekaster 2.35 or the Ardents 2.4. Maxxis Ardent Review: Is It Worth It? (Updated 2023) - Outdoor Lab With J Maxxis' extensive line of mountain bike tires ensure the perfect tread pattern, compound, and casing option for any trail imaginable. 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. Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. The tires can be installed with no tools and a simple floor pump. If at all possible I avoid riding when it is wet and most of the trails where I ride are loose over hard with lots of roots and the occasional rock garden. I also never wore out a back tyre after 4 sets of ikons, as they always died when I slashed them. 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 Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Mountain - MAXXIS US The Ikon excels in dry conditions with its 3C compound options and the small siping on each knob across the tire. Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox. Fishing 7.75K subscribers Subscribe 13K views 3 years ago Did a quick review of why I like this setup! I have run the forecaster in front, but only as an XC tire for xc marathon races. :/. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Stable sidewalls. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 4.23) [Video], CushCore Trail Insert - The Perfect Middle Ground For Tubeless Inserts, Wolf Tooth ReMote Pro - The New & Refined Dropper Remote. Its no longer a XC tyre for damp conditions. 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. 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. With 2.6 on the front I run 16 pounds tubeless & 24 rear. The Forekaster weighs only 735g with dual compound and EXO sidewall protection. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We noticed this most on hardpack or sand, while in loose conditions it didnt seem to affect the tyre greatly. 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. Between the center knobs and the side knobs, there are small, square intermediate knobs with alternating slanted siping. RUB I have the 2.4 Ardent on the front of my Yeti SB5 and Intense Primer. The 2 by 2 tread is also relatively squared off, which works to increase traction between your tire and the terrain. Aspen in the rear and slightly more tread up front like an Ikon or Ardent Race for dry, Aspen in the rear with a Forekaster up front for loose or wet conditions, Front and rear for fast, predictable handling with matched sizes, Front 2.35 and rear 2.2 for volume to speed, Rear with Ardent or Forekaster for loose or wet conditions. The extra width and volume over the old 2.25 Ardent really made this tire shine on the trail. I got a Forecaster to last 18 months & was amazed to wear it out. The tire has "mid-height tread blocks spaced evenly and openly to . Front and rear for fastest rolling and max speed. Looking for some rubber with bite? Coil fan. 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. Honestly, I'd get rid of the Ardent. Same situation here, switched from a 2.6 Rekon to a 2.6 Forekaster up front for basically the same reason. The trade show is only a piece of the events at the Sea Otter Classic; racing is still a part of the festival. Maxxis have the Forekaster in both 27.5" and 29" models, in 2.25" width and 2.35" widths too. 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. Tire Combo Shootout: Maxxis vs. Schwalbe (Which Is Right For You?) For the terrain I ride, it has been a great combination on my SS and rolls surprisingly well for that kind of tire. Maxxis Forekaster 292.2 EXO TR Maxxis Ardent Race 292.2 EXO 3C TR Maxxis Crossmark II 292.25 EXO TR Maxxis Ardent 292.25 EXO TR Maxxis Maxxlite 310 292.0, 170tpi Those last two, or last three, are outliers from what we would normally consider racing on. AUD An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The new Forekaster has certainly got closer spaced knobs but thats about the only thing theoretically less-wet-friendly about it. 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. 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? He has been writing about whats new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Maxxis Forekaster Features. 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. The harder-wearing PaceStar compound is recommended for the rear or youll be shelling out for new rubber very quickly. Cotic RocketMAXer. Plus, well cover some of what you can expect once youre actually out on the trail. (New annually renewing membership only. Prices start from 59.99 RRP. Wow, 945g is pretty porky for an aggressive XC tire, thats dissector territory. The Aspen recently got a bit of a revamp with a wider casing option, 29 x 2.25. For similar rolling speed with improved braking and cornering performance, check out the Rekon. The Ardent has been part of the Maxxis lineup for years. The grip afforded by the Trail Kings got better with a bit of trail time, the tyres losing their coating and the knobs becoming more pliable (but still supportive). In a 2.25 size, the Ardent has a good, tall bag to it, offering plenty of cushion and encouraging lower pressures. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. RUB It strikes a balance between speed and traction for the rear when riding aggressively. Run a 2.6 x 27.5 one on my hardtail for a lot of the year. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Sign up to receive Bikerumor content direct to your inbox. With seven core tires that we looked at and with all of the tires coming with different widths, casings and rubber options, the possibilities really are endless. An Aspen is never enough in the front, and if it is, then you should be riding a gravel bike. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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.. Strengths: Fastest rolling of this bunch. The Maxxis Forekaster features a spiky, well-spaced tread pattern that is ideal for XC racing or light duty trail riding in loose or wet conditions during the spring and fall. 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. However, the more aggressive outer tread is great for cornering, offering firm performance and a high degree of responsiveness. The internal, smaller, tread is even more durable. Are 2.6 Tires the Sweet Spot? Maxxis Rekon 2.6 Tire Review For trail riders who don't want to lug around heavy enduro tires but still want plenty of traction, the new Forekaster gets itright. Maxxis Forekaster Tire - Review - Pinkbike 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. Ive found myself in some sketchy situations when its slipped out on me in flat turns. About Us | The old Forekaster was basically Maxxis version of the Nobby Nic, but then Schwalbe updated the Nic tread with more aggressive and closely spaced cornering knobs and which improved that tyre immensely. The Forekasters don't have as aggressive side knobs as the ardents plus the forecaster will roll faster. 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. 27.5 x 2.60 Please. Made from a composite rubber, the light central tread is unlikely to show much wear and tear, even with regular use and difficult terrain. Lightweight. Like the Ardent, the Forekaster is tubless ready. Slightly faster rolling speed with the same grip could have me changing to one of these new ones. However, the tires are again similar in that they tend to have less grip and slip a little more on very loose terrain types. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Disagree, I think the forekaster corners way better then the ardent. No other tire had my face in the dirt. Sizes available: 26, 27.5 and 29 diameters in 2.25 and 2.4 widths. It measures 2.35 at the nobs and 2.3 at the casing on a 26mm internal width rim. The Forekaster sports shorter medium sized nobs in an open pattern. Strengths: Huge volume at a reasonable weight. I love the Ikons on the back but I am getting really tired of them washing out on the front. BRL We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For the rear, I opted for something a little lighter that I thought might be more likely to give it up in fast tight turns. I really dig tires with these intermediate transition knobs, and all of these small features is why the Rekon has become my favorite XC/Trail tire. The XR4s actually surprised us with their durability and resilience considering the irreverent treatment we gave them. Just an update for anyone that might have the same question in the future It never gets easier, you just get faster. ~ Greg LeMond. Calling it a Goldilocks tire, Maxxis envisions the new Forekaster as the ideal step between their current XC options and more aggressive trail and enduro tires. No longer marketed as only a wet weather option for the XC world, Maxxis all-new tire takes aim at the quickly growing world of aggressive XC & Trail. product overview If the girl said no then the answer obviously is no, but she's not gonna say no. Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad. The Forekaster is available in 27.5 and 29 wheel diameters with widths of 2.20, 2.35, and now 2.6. Nobody mentions the Specialized Ground Control? Drop questions if you have any. The 29er version with the durable DoubleDown casing we tested weighed 1,090 grams. At low pressures, the Hans Dampf has a large footprint that floats beautifully over sand and delivers mountains of climbing traction. Thanks all, for the advice and recommendations. Off to buy one before they are out of stock! 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. Looks like well have to wait to find out how good they are, due in stock in March 2024!!