Best Mountain Bike Tires: XC, Trail or Enduro?

[@vlbz]

For casual riding, ridiculous combos work great for me. Currently running DHF + Ikon. Climbs well, front grips, back gets loose (lots of fun).

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

lol similar ,DHF+Forekaster on a 120mm hardtail. Before I was running a 2.3 Conti Mountain King ( XC ish tire in the rear) it was very fast but definitely lacked grip for cornering and braking. The lowest rolling resistance tire combo I tried was a hans dampf 2.6 speed grip with that Conti + tire insert.

[@SED9556]

Nice video! Great work!! I think dirt type and dirt conditions were understated here. Yes, dry, hardpack and loose, a close, small block XC tire will shine (like UT, CA, AZ/SW USA). But in wet, damp, loamy soil conditions (like Pacific NW sees much of the year), the trail/enduro tires work so much better ***in those dirt conditions***. I do agree with the spirit of the findings that many riders are likely running more aggressive tires than necessary. Here in the PNW, if I had the luxury, it'd probably make sense to have two sets of wheels/tires - a more aggressive tire to run in the spring/late fall when things are wet, and run a more XC/trail set in the summer when things are dry. Again, great video!!

[@bikersedge]

Totally agreed. We don’t get to ride in the wet in Utah. I wouldn’t even know what riding in wet conditions looks like. I can see wet conditions making things very different.

[@joshiboy31]

I basically run based on conditions, mostly dry, have a rip on xc tyres, super muddy (like in the uk it is often) and techy, bring out the chunky tyres. Nothing worse than over tyring

[@tinshield]

My favorite tires for my trail bike by far is the Bontrager XR4 Team Issue for the exact reasons you cite. Decent volume and light weight with decent durability. I run the DHF/Dissector combo on my AM bike. That combo is well over a pound heavier than the Bontragers.

[@motoboy6666]

Rekon 2,4WT front and rear on 30mm rims is the best ”combo” ive tried for trail. Snappy and quick with mostly great grip actually

[@JoelZieve]

So many tire choices and it can be so confusing. Thanks for helping to make it simpler. Great video!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@kayakutah]

I'm up in the Wasatch Back, 68 y.o. on a 29 with 115r/140f. I've come to the conclusion that, if you are torn between two sets of tires that are very close in performance up and down, go with the one that has more aggressive tread. After timing lots of tires in lots of conditions (because I try to make rides with my 30 year old son not boring for him), I've found that if the tires are close, it comes down to how you feel that day and HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION (in Utah!). I tried the Rekon on the back on one of my many forays to Moab. On the off angle square edge step ups, the side knobs are just not big enough to hook onto the edges, though they're fine on the Wasatch Back. Anything with more substantial edge knobs (Maxxis Aggressor, Conti Mountain King or Trail King, Nobby Nic ) all work in this regard with varying levels of protection. I run 29x2.4 Trail King front, 29x2.3 Mountain King rear and that's fine for Park City to Moab. Sometimes I'll put on a 29x2.6 DHF in the front (comfort) and a 29x2.5 Aggressor rear for Moab and it's very close in climb times....in fact, my PR for BST from the Zoo to Bobsled is on that combo.

[@MountainBikeAdventures]

Great video! 🍻 Currently running the same XC combo on my Orbea Oiz. I’m still trying to get use to the swap from the 2.3 Rekon Race Front and Rear. I do feel I have lost the nimble front end when I swapped to the Forekaster. We had a muddy/sandyish race here in N Texas and I would definitely recommend the Forekaster front and rear in those conditions.

[@cornishcactus]

Love playing with tyres and coming to the same conclusion having run my Whyte T130 on DHF/DHR or Aggressor for a while now and finding it too enduro and slowed out of it's sweetspot. Dissector up front in the dry is great, just need a Rekon out back to replace the Aggressor for a fast summer trail setup.

[@choanlpoto]

im gonna try this on my 170mm bike. Im afraid the rekon is too weak in the rock.

[@lowelllomberio]

forekaster 27.5x 2.35 front and rear on my 140 mm trail bike. pretty good pair for an all around not so agressive ride

[@richardarabian1276]

I think safety is #1 priority and benefit. A friend got airlifted off a trail last week here in So CAL. I am fit at 51 would even go 2.8 plus tires for rock gardens. Aggassei all day long. I value my life thank you…

[@pauls3616]

Great video. I wouldn’t ever be able to do this type of test. Thank you.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@cjsutterer4804]

Literally came to the Minion DHF and Dissector combo today while researching tires for my Remedy! Great video!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@50mtb44]

Nailed it. Went from Assegai front and back in winter to Ardent Race front and back all summer. Wow! Faster up and similar down (more confidence in grip down on Assegai - but only 10%). And no flats all summer (was surprised). Good test.

[@bikersedge]

That’s a solid setup. It’s so much faster/less draining than the heavy stuff.

[@50mtb44]

@@bikersedge Feels like flying.

[@mtbeliever5833]

For me it’s all about having fun and crashing as little as possible. So I am going to choose the enduro set up. Less crashes, less flat tires, more fun. Who cares if I’m a little slower. I’m 42 with wife, kids, dog, job. I currently have Assagai in front & DHR in rear on my SB130 LR (this is the way it came when I bought it)

[@bikersedge]

I'm not into racing (especially uphill) so I'm all about trying to have fun too. I agree that the grippier tires are a little more comfortable, but I like how much energy I still have in the tank at the top of the climb with the lighter tires. Makes the downhill more fun.

[@4wheelfan365]

I have the same bike and tire setup....in fact I also have the same complete setup....43, wife kids and dog 😁 I have to say though, I'm shocked how slow this setup pedals compared to my old Norco sight with dhr II mounted front and back. I'm thinking I will probably ditch the Assagai for a 2.4 dhr II. To me it doesn't give up much grip but rolling resistance is much much less.

[@mtbeliever5833]

Scott McDIarmid - hahaha. Crazy. I live in SoCal so my trails are dry and washed out year around. The Assagai in front is probably best for my trails. I’m new to MTB so I’m learning as I go. How do you like your SB130? I lovin mine so far.

[@4wheelfan365]

@@mtbeliever5833 I live in the Okanagan in BC and our summer conditions are probably similar to yours. Super dry, dusty and marble slippery over hard pack. The assagai is very good in these conditions but it feels like pedalling in mud compared to my previous setup. I only have 6 rides on my 130LR. I really like it so far. Rips downhill and pedals well all around. I think it will be a little snappier with a different front tire. But I'll probably keep the assagai until it wears out.

[@mtbeliever5833]

@ Scott McDIarmid so fun. Let me know how new tire set up works when you change it out. 👊🏽🤟🏽🚲

[@lazylearner967]

Great video Connor and Zach! Very interesting results. I think that chute you are riding is on the I-Cup course at Solitude. It is super sketch and loose, the go pro footage doesn't do it justice.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks. It was at solitude!

[@jcwindsound]

Great video, interesting results. Reminds me of your ride on the Ripmo and your comments about how heavy-feeling those Assegais were.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! It was great to actually try them all back-to-back.

[@mariov5181]

Nice video. I recently wanted to try different tires (in a new set of carbon hoops) and changed the tire set up on my 2018 Hightower from the original Minion DHF/DHR2 2.3 to a Recon 2.4 front and Ardent Race 2.35 rear. The difference in the way the bike feels was surprising and welcomed. I still have good traction but rolls way faster in my local pedal all the time Texas trails. Thanks for taking the time to do this kind of real life testing.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked the video.

[@NightmareCrab]

Based. Out of all the videos I watched on this topoc, this is the best one.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Love your XC combo suggestion: 2.3 Forekaster front + 2.3 Reckon Race rear. I run those on my XC hardtail in dry, loose, and hardpacked and it's a rocket while still being confidence inspiring.

[@Dilberto88]

I really miss the Forekaster 29” x 2.6” EXO/3C/MaxTerra. Why did Maxxis discontinue their stellar performer?

[@NDURcycling]

For my nomad i ride a assegai up front and a dissector in the rear. The assegai makes everything better than the dhf and is my new go to front tire for enduro. On my 5010 i run dissector up front and forekaster in the rear. The light forekaster makes the wheel spin so fast an still got al lot of breaking traktion. Love those two combos

[@bikersedge]

I have a really tough time with the Dissector up front. I love it on the rear wheel, though. I've been riding DHRIIs front and back lately. Also a great setup.

[@kevinclark9176]

This is a bit more of a DH vs Enduro vs XC rather than Enduro vs Trail vs XC. A Dissector front & Rekon rear would be a good combo trail setup to see.

[@stevez3041]

I would say you nailed it. Knowbody seems to be talking about this. I recently bought a bike with recon 2.8 tires and the rolling resistance is awful compared to every other tire iv owned as an xc guy I cant wait to buy another wtb ranger! Great honest review!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked the video. I was pretty surprised by the results.

[@mtskibum16]

Nice work here. Interesting results. Something to keep in mind as most tire shootouts are really based on feel vs time.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it. Yeah, the clock only tells part of the story. Feel is pretty important too. Although, time/speed is usually a good indicator of comfort and confidence levels on the bike.

[@dank3823]

Your one of the few that had a realistic opinion on heavy/chugalug tires. I run Bonty XR4, 2.6 / XR3 2.4 tires. Fast, light, and enough grip. Not traditional but pretty good balance. This is on the SB150 mind you.

[@bikersedge]

Before doing this test I probably would have defended the heavy, grippy tires. I’m very driven by data though and my mind was changed after riding all of these back to back. I think there’s still a place for very aggressive tires (just watch how fast the folks in the EWS hit flat corners) but for most of us, a lighter/faster setup is probably better.

[@tinshield]

Dan, you’re a smart man! Very fast tires.

[@EricBerghen]

Hi there Just a quick one to let you know that I switched the Schwalbe combo Magic Mary/Hans Dampf for a Maxxis combo Dissector 2.4 / Rekon 2.4, both in MaxTerra compound and the result is WOW !! What a difference those tires make !! The transformed my aggressive hardtail Canyon Stoic 4 into a very speedy aggressive hardtail !! And my friends are no waiting for me anymore ...

[@NathanRaymondBarker]

Really enjoy the dissector 2.4 front & rear on my bronson. Great middle ground of consistent traction and low rolling resistance.

[@bikersedge]

I ran that combo on a Norco Torrent. It's solid, but I think I prefer a Minion up front.

[@aldeux7086]

Assegai user here front and rear. Never gonna take another one for a while. I'm loving that grip.

[@bikersedge]

They do hook up really well.

[@lucaszak3597]

I had tried many different tires overt he past 20 years of cross country and trail riding but one I keep on going back to is the Maxxis Crossmark 2. It is not a good mud tire but it is rather good in most other conditions. It is fast and rather grippy on anything from tree roots to rocks. The first generation of Crossmark tires had super weak sidewalls however that problem resolved after Kevlar sidewalls were introduced. I do realize that it an old tire, but it is surprisingly versatile and good on longer rides.

[@alvinnieves590]

Very interesting results. I have two bikes, one XC (Orbea Oiz 120mm) and an enduro (Orbea Rallon 160mm). On the Oiz I run Ardent Race 2.2 R (soon to be 2.35)/Forekaster 2.35 F, while on the Rallon I run a DHR II 2.4 R (used to be 2.3)/DHF 2.5. Its definitely a challenge to get the Rallon to climb as the tires plus the bike weight a bit compared to the Oiz, but when it comes to descending, oh boy... Also, both setups have Cushcore in them.

[@bikersedge]

I’m a big fan of Cushcore. I’ve been running the XC version on my personal bike for a while now.

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

Started to run 2.6 rekon front,2.35 ardent race rear on my 120mm santacruz highball cc, funnest ht on the planet now!

[@bikersedge]

Sounds like a cool combo.

[@torgsgotboards]

This was awesome and for me at least, it was wildly informative. I ride in very similar conditions to your test and I was definitely leaning towards switching to a much burlier tire set on my trail bike and now I'm gonna re think that. Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Glad we could help out! I was pretty surprised by the results.

[@JamieMMac]

You gotta check out Vittoria's new Syerra tire. Traction on the outside, fast rolling on the inside, relatively light weight like a Rekon. Its like a stickier high traction Rekon. Somewhere between XC and Trail.

[@yorn4286]

Sounds amazing, definitely will check this tyre out :)

[@lvirag8401]

this is the sort of wicked cool content a certain giant light reddish website should be creating, but biker's edge is actually doing it. the 3k trail bike comparison and the short-travel bike comparison were awesome, and now this tire thing. nice work, folks.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Glad you’re liking the content. It’s been fun to make.

[@MK4vDubbin]

The DHR II seems to be a nice rear to pair with the assegai front. Running dual Assegais makes the bike feel like a slug for sure. I think that DHF/Aggressor combo is a great all mountain combo though. Great traction and cornering, still solid rolling speed and can take some abuse.

[@bikersedge]

Dual Assegais can make any bike feel like a pig. I was surprised at how poorly the minion/aggressor rolled compared to other tires. I never thought the difference would be that big.

[@joshiboy31]

Proved what I've always thought, a good xc tyre all the way for me unless it's super muddy. Get way more fun out of an XC tyres, riding fast on the raggidy edge way more fun👍

[@bikersedge]

I was pretty surprised. I always assumed the aggressive ires were better for me. Guess I was wrong.

[@joshiboy31]

@@bikersedge it gives more confidence, but once you calibrate how far you can push an XC tyre in the dry (pretty damn far with the right compound) and I'm much quicker personally and much easier to maintain speed n momentum. Run them tubeless and 🤞reduce your puncture factor to. Plus saving a hell of a lot of weight and often cash, do find many xc tyres come in cheaper (if I'm honest that might have driven me to realise a lot of this lol)

[@stephenkrause6059]

Interesting test. I have done something similar recently and it appears that it really does not matter what is on the rear of the tire for uphill climbing (enduro or XC). It is only the front tire that affects the time.

[@bikersedge]

That's very interesting. I'd imagine the rear has a bigger impact as its the tire driving the bike.

[@stephenkrause6059]

​@@bikersedge I am going to do some more tests. The tires I am using on the rear are an Ardent and an Assegai MaxGrip, so big difference. Same two tires on the front also Ardent and Assegai MaxGrip.

[@mellissanash7517]

do you think you can review trail-country tires please?

[@bikersedge]

I can try to make it happen. Any tires in particular?

[@mellissanash7517]

@@bikersedge Not really but including Vittoria & Teravail offerings would be neat.

[@REB4444]

The most secure & still fast short-travel trail combo so far for me is the Maxxis 29x2.4 Dissector in front and the original Forekaster 2.25 (or is it 2.3) before they upgraded it this year. The Dissector is just as grippy as the Aggressor, but rolls a lot better and almost as corner gripping as the DHF. The only issue I have for the Dissector when it's transitioning between the inner knobs and the outer knobs you get that unsure feeling of, :is it going to catch or is it going to slip out'", but it always catches. I would replace the Dissector with the new Forekaster that's 2.4 and a little heavier than the past one, but decided to try the fast rolling Schwalbe Wicked Will Evo front & back because my buddies have them on their short-travel bikes and love them. But if the front starts slipping, I'm going back to the Dissector or the new Forekaster up front. The only issue I've had with the Forekaster is breaking on steep, loose ground.

[@ryanmb21]

Super informative, thank you for compiling this info! It’s what every rider wants to know, but cannot rest on their own! I’m surprised! Looks like it will be xc tires for me, mixed in with a bit of trail tires. What is your take in 2.4 vs 2.6? Thx!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it. It was cool to ride them all back to back. Personally I’m not the biggest fan of 2.6” tires. That said I’ve only ever had heavy/grippy 2.6. Maybe in a lighter tread and casing they’d be better.

[@bartz966]

Dude. You’re the only other person I’ve seen with this hat.. it’s my favorite and wear it non stop.

[@bikersedge]

I’ve got one of every color

[@fra93ilgrande]

my local trails are flat xc style so i use xc tires :)

[@brent_s]

Great work with the comparison! I had dual assegais on my ripmo AF, agree with your ripmo review, super slow. Put on dual vittoria agarros and found it way quicker, but on the front I wanted a bit more bit. Settled on assegai on the front (until it wears out) and agarro on the back. The agarro is like a beefed up rekon. I think you might like it.

[@bikersedge]

I might have to look at that one. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@kleinkurti]

I think an important factor is that you have to get to the limits of the tire. There is no reason to ride an enduro tire if youre not riding open corners (f.e.) fast enough. Also enduro tires shine on really steep or wet sections, when breaking power and grip is key. The time differences would be huge

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I personally like The intermediate Tires in The Dry ... Been Riding Bikes Over 50yrs 😎

[@unlipedal1040]

My xc set up my front wheel is recon race 27.2x2.25 and back wheel is ikon 2.20 it is good for xc I used it never failed me even off road or everyday riding

[@robngoma]

Tnx for posting!Thats alot of work!I switched to a rekon 2.4 on the front,and rekon race 2.3 on the rear of my v2 ripley.it pedals noticely better,just like you say,a lighter feel,accelerates faster.Always a compromise!

[@bikersedge]

It was a pretty big video to shoot. Can't say that I want to change a tire in the near future. I always knew that tires made a big difference, but I had never ridden so many different setups back to back. Tires can make or break a bike.

[@maddoxmcpherson3731]

I’m a fan of the conclusion

[@bikersedge]

I was pretty surprised by it.

[@adonikam1]

Late comment but EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT VIDEO!! ThT said I learned I can't get any of these tires for my 26inch wheels. Uuuuuggggggg!!!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words! Might be time For a new bike…..

[@appealinbanana]

I get ribbed (UK for criticised) for running fast rolling tires on my 160 enduro bike but my climbing, acceleration, rolling, transition times are always quicker than my mates running ‘motocross tyres’. We are not riding down rock faces or steep technical down hill trails and I can place my tire, in most scenarios, within a 4 inch line and use the terrain to my advantage. No traction in mud or wet roots but then I haven’t found a tire that drips in deep mud or wet roots yet.

[@bikersedge]

I was pretty surprised by the test and how much I liked the faster tires.

[@Sergio_Math]

This was a really good comparison!

[@kenleach2516]

Well tested, thanks

[@josephdunbar2105]

I’ve had awesome experience with Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo tubeless.

[@barrymacocknher3720]

Just bought these for my full suspension and they're pretty quick, hopefully they live up to the TNT 120ply

[@josephdunbar2105]

Barry MaCocknher I have several specialized bikes. Stump jumper and Epic. I found the OEM tires to have weak sidewalls and would roll under the rim in high speed tight turns. I ride competitively here in NC for perspective. I changed to Maxxis and after a few flats decided to try the Vittoria line after a friend told me about them. Have t looked back. There good tires.

[@bikersedge]

Interestingly enough a lot of the comments on this video have been about Vittoria. Maybe we should give them a go?

[@josephdunbar2105]

I first learned about them after my Epic SWorks came loose from a bike carrier while driving to the Brazil Ride for the ultra marathon event. I needed new tires and one rim. The tires performed better than me. 19th outta 129 in my category. Surfaces were very mixed and I ran Mezcal.

[@mt2nv1]

Great video. Nailed it.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mt2nv1]

@@bikersedge for northern Utah the aggressor seems to be the preferred rear for trail riding. What do you think about aggressor rear, dissector or DHR II front for a faster rolling combo?

[@bikersedge]

@@mt2nv1 Personally I'm not a huge fan of the Aggressor. I've had some pretty rotten luck with it. I think the Dissector is a better tire.

[@GeoAnaGR]

The results are correct I believe for dry conditions. The enduro combo would be much better for wet conditions I guess... On my Orbea Laufey 2018 hardtail, F+R: 27.5x2.8, I run Recon front-rear for XC riding style as it came with them as standard, for dry trails front DHR II max terra exo and Recon at the rear, for wet trails and/or enduro style riding for the front High Roller II max terra exo and at rear the DHR II... Can't try a million combinations but only bought a second pair of tyres with more aggressive treads to keep the bike from being too sloppy on the wet (UK rider)

[@bikersedge]

I’ll agree. All these recommendations go out the window for wet conditions. In Utah, we don’t really get to ride in the wet. My brain doesn’t even think of it.

[@jocomtois]

Great reviews. Thank for sharing

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@ark6959]

I literally just bought a Forecaster 2.35 for the front and an Ardent Race 2.35 on the rear of my SC Blur TR. the Rekon race wasn’t working out in the Colorado Springs kitty litter, lol! Testing tomorrow. Cheers!

[@bikersedge]

Let me know how it goes!

[@ark6959]

@@bikersedge will do!

[@ark6959]

OK, I just rode Palmer Park with that tire combo and really liked it. The lighter front tire has super quick steering vs. the heavier Minion DHF that I’m used to. No issues with traction here but I need to test it on the decomposed granite that is so prevalent here. Cheers!

[@madbassist2004]

Would love to see a video discussing the tire's impact on ride quality, specifically related to tire volume and on a hardtail!

[@bikersedge]

Great suggestion!

[@madbassist2004]

Awesome! My sister is waiting on her Giant Fathom with 27.5" wheels. Comes with 2.6" wide tires and I'm curious if that high volume tire removes trail chatter better than something skinnier and lighter.

[@crazidirtbiker]

I recently discovered Vittoria Martello tires. Now that's all I'll ever use front and rear. They come in a trail and enduro version.

[@bikersedge]

Lots of folks have been recommending them. Might have to see how they compare.

[@pepeanza6187]

I really like this Chanel great videos

[@davehoover8853]

I ride mostly XC trails with loose over hard in Teton Valley. Pivot Switchblade with heavy DT Swiss Alloy 1900 and massive DHF II tires. I want to lighten this up and head away from enduro and more towards lighter trail. Would you ever run Recon 2.4 front and rear? Or go with your recommendation for trail? I was also curious how you like the ENVE AM wheels? Anything else in that price range you might recommend? I don’t do jumps or slam rock gardens. Mostly good old Targhee single track, smooth and a but loose with small rocks or moon dust. Thanks for the great video!

[@bikersedge]

On a bike like the switchblade I'de be a little hesitant to run Rekons both front and back. You're going to outpace those tires pretty quickly. A Dissector front and Rekon rear could work. You'll have the be smooth and delicate to keep that rear tire from flatting. I like the AM30s quite a bit. I've also spent a good amount of time on the SC Reserve wheels. Those are similar in price and performance.

[@davidz6576]

My Giant Trance 2 came with DHF 2.3 upfront and aggressor 2.3 in the back and for me it feels really nice. I kinda feel like I can't even Test limits of these tires anyway since my rider level is really low right now 😁 and as a street motorcycle rider it feels weird to ride in dirt and still have grip 🤷‍♂️

[@TProfileG]

k-829 Kendas are £10 or less in various colours. They work great and look great. I can buy 2 pairs for the price of one Big name tyre. (Im talking 26") Retro Bikes suit them great and I cant fault them. Some people say the rubber knoblys tend to come off. I have had that but not with Kenda. I run 4 bikes and all have the Kenda 829 now. Financially and Cosmetically much better.

[@virus_4.0]

My rear is iKon and front is FORKASTER good for wet condition & xc

[@espiritusantomtb1971]

Nice test; thank you

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@lee.j7077]

I’ve just bought a forecaster to replace my dhr in the rear,keeping the dhf in the front hopefully it works out

[@bikersedge]

Should be a fast combo. I wonder how it feels with such a big difference in tire tread. Keep us posted.

[@lee.j7077]

Biker's Edge the grip should be ok for the rear tho right?

[@bikersedge]

Yeah. I think you’ll notice the biggest difference in braking traction. Or like others have said in, wet conditions.

[@lee.j7077]

Biker's Edge ok I seem to manage braking traction ok am just a bit worried about cornering but with the minion up front will hopefully be ok,coming into summer so shouldn’t be wet to often

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

On my trail bike I recently ditched the DHF and moved my DHR up front, while installing an Aggressor in the rear. I like this combo. The DHR feels faster rolling and I actually prefer it when cornering due to the transition knobs. The DHF has a vague zone that kinda freaks me out, and it's a slow tire.

[@SWOP_B]

Would be great to include a wet test whenever conditions permit. I can imagine winter riding in PNW with a steep rooty/rocky track would make the differences more visible

[@bikersedge]

Agreed. I’d like to do that but unfortunately we don’t really get to ride in the wet in Utah. We either have moon dust or peanut butter.

[@jdadam8154]

Very informative- thank u! I’m currently running the Rekon 29 x 2.25 front and rear (both with the EXO sidewall) on my Santa Cruz Blur xc Mtb. Most of what I ride and race is chunky, blocky trails and some Mesa riding. How would that compare with your tested combo of Forecaster 2.3 in the front and Rekon race 2.3 rear?

[@bikersedge]

I haven’t ridden the Rekon on the front actually. The Forekaster has a little wider spacing and hooks up pretty well. I bet they’re pretty similar.

[@jdadam8154]

Biker's Edge I’ll check it out for my next front tire!

[@matthewkramer8613]

Forkaster/Reckon race looks like it would be similar based on tread pattern. Fast rolling in the back and some tracking resistance up front. Double Reckon, roll pretty fast still at higher pressure, and are fairly grippy and probably corner better in looser conditions. Reckon race/ Forekaster is more XC setup. On my XC I'm running Nick/Rocket combo which works well keeping speed up while still having bite in looser and rocky terrain. But Rocket Ron does wear quickly even with addix speed compound. Looking to go double Barzo next setup

[@bobbybuglione5797]

Not sure if you'll see this because it's years old but you seem to be really on it with comment replies. Time played a huge factor in your tests. What if you don't really care about times? I ride for fun only and always end up at speeds that scare me eventually (Ripmo AF), with value placed on grip, reliability, safety, etc. In this instance, are the benefits of running a lighter/more XC tire? All I can really see is having a less boggy feel and drained energy while climbing.

[@bikersedge]

Time was really the only quantitative way I could think of measuring performance. There's a lot that goes into riding bikes beside time. It's just tough to measure that because of personal preference, terrain and riding styles. The faster rolling tires are going to help the bike feel a bit quicker and more lively all around. If you value ultimate traction at the cost of efficiency, then there's no problem going with grippier tires.

[@bobbybuglione5797]

@@bikersedge Any thoughts on using pressure to compensate for the difference? On the one hand, lowering psi on an XC tire to add grip would likely result in a lot of flats or dinged rims due to the lighter casing. But how about those enduro tires? Do you think increasing psi a few on an Assegai or similar would help it be a little more "well rounded" and find that middle ground?

[@dansburns]

Another great video. So, I ride a DHF 2.5 front and Aggressor 2.5 rear combo on both my Django 29 and Ripmo v1 for pretty much everything. I switched to Aggressor from 2.4 DHR II because I couldn’t stand the drag. It felt like I was hitting the brakes whenever I stopped pedaling. I’ve ridden the Rekon Plus in 2.8 while demoing a Switchblade a couple of years back and was impressed. I’ve toyed with the idea of running it in 2.4 or 2.6 instead of the Aggressor but it gets a lot bad reviews. Other than sidewall support, I wonder if the speed pickup is worth it. I ride mostly PC so I don’t feel like I need anything super burly. Any experience in 2.6? What about compound? Is it a wash if I go 3C in the Rekon since I’ll be coming from the dual on the Aggressor? Keep up the good work. Really enjoying your videos. They are honest with good insights. Cheers!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks Dan. I haven’t ridden the Rekon 2.6. I had the Rekon 2.4 on my Spur but I flatted on it pretty quick. I replaced it with the dissector and the bike feels slower now. I should have just learned to pick smoother lines and stuck with the Rekon. It’s fast and fairly grippy. The Aggressor is maybe a good compromise though.

[@RobertJoynt]

With liners? Cush core? It would be interesting to see your results. Thanks for the video!

[@bikersedge]

No tire inserts for any of these. I think we are going to do a few separate videos about inserts and different tire casings.

[@bike_somm]

Nicely done here! 👌🏼

[@bikersedge]

Why thank you very much.

[@SleepyWolvy]

Hello! I have a Norco Fluid HT2 with fat 27.5x2.8" WTB Ranger tires (stock). Last year was my first year on a MTB and I do mostly XC local trail rides in dry part of BC, very dusty. These Rangers are so big and heavy, its a PITA lol. Looking to downsize but I have 35mm rims stock that I will be keeping. My plan so far is Michelin Wild/ Force AM2 27.5x2.6 (to fit the 35mm rim) front/ rear but don't know if that's still too much chunk. I get really gassed on the uphill climbs but want some level of confidence when going down. I run tubes as well. Also mainly ride flowy stuff, minimal rocks and not very technical, blue at worst. If I can get a Michelin Wild/Force AM2/ Aggressor/ Rekon/ DHF/ for all roughly the same price ~$90, which combo would you suggest? I need to be lighter on the climbs, I'm dying out here lol. The Maxxis listed all have WT versions too so they would fit on the 35mm rims thankfully.

[@bikersedge]

I think step one is ditching the tubes. You’ll get a few benefits from tubeless including being able to run a smaller tread tire because you can run lower pressures and squeeze more grip out of them. The second benefit is it will be quite a bit lighter than a tubed setup.

[@SleepyWolvy]

@@bikersedge in a perfect world I would but I don’t have the money for new tires + going tubeless atm. That’s why I’m just looking for tires to use with existing tubes currently

[@bikersedge]

If your rims are tubeless ready a set of valves, a bottle of sealant and a roll of tape (you can even use gorilla tape if you want) will run you an extra $30 or so. Would be worth every last penny. If you don’t have tubeless ready rims then it’s a different story.

[@gen-X-trader]

I came to the same conclusions. My 160 bike has a 2.5 maxx terra dhf front and dc 2.5 aggressor rear. 130 bike is on 2.4 bontrager xr4's or nobby nic's in speedgrip. The forecaster had more rolling resistance than I was expecting and did not outperform the xr4 even though it was slower. Have not tried the Recon just yet but I might

[@bikersedge]

Haven't ridden the Bontrager, but you're not the first person to suggest it in the comments.

[@steeltribe3967]

Great video. Very informative. Now can you do it all again in the wet/mud? I have no idea how much of this is in our heads as I just put some more aggressive, heavier but thinner tires on (Micheline Wild Enduro 2.4s) and they seem much faster than the tires they are replacing (Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 2.6/2.5) I was expecting more grip (especially in wet and mud) not speed. Strava tells me that my times on the flats and climbs are better and not the descents (they bounce around more on the loose rocky descents) so who knew. But that is also new vs worn also so not a fair comparison. It's a hard nut to crack and our heads (confidence) play a significant part.

[@bikersedge]

We can’t really ride in the wet here. All our trails turn to peanut butter instantly and clog wheels. Maybe it will be my excuse to take a trip to the PNW.

[@PebusGalacticus]

good to see someone riding kruzer

[@davidbermudez5387]

Nice video 👌 so informative

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@SylvainLasnier]

I'm fully agree than XC tires are faster and often enough on easy trails. Trail tires stay amo the best choice to roll fast and have fun, because more confidence and less flat. About enduro tires, Maxxis are not the best. For example, you will downhill or ride flat technical trail really faster with Michelin enduro tires. Those ones provide insane angles with full confidence. Far away from Assegai maxxgrip and agressor combo

[@chazk5376]

Are you in Park City? Nice upload, thanks for sharing this.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! This trail is in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

[@ireddie]

I am appreciating your videos thank you. I’m torn between the Ripley and Ripmo. I live in Florida the Ripley would do the trick I’m sure. I would be interested in knowing how the Ripmo would ride with cross country tires?

[@bikersedge]

Not sure. I’ve never ridden one with XC tires. We have a showdown of the Ripmo and Ripley of that helps. Check it out.

[@thescandiflick]

Very nice info thank you , What about tire width on a hardtail isn't it better to wide front a a little narrow in the back ? maybe 2.6 Front and 2.4 rear?

[@bikersedge]

Yeah on my hardtail I run 2.5 front and back for a little more give.

[@mblumenstein1]

Looks like PC, UT. Nice review.

[@bikersedge]

Close. Solitude, UT.

[@pedrocesarrenteriaflores4423]

Great video! The last couple of years, I was driving Maxxis high roller II 2.4 on front and ardent 2.4 on rear. But I am thinking replace my old combo for WTB vigilante 2.3 on front and trail boss 2.25 on rear! What do thing about this combo? Regards

[@bikersedge]

I haven’t spent any time on the WTB setup. That’s something I need to try.

[@findtherightbeat]

How about running a trail/enduro tire up front and an xc tire in the rear?

[@bikersedge]

That’s pretty much what I ended up recommending at the end of the video.

[@kowioutdoortv]

Really helpful material, is it ok, not dangerous to have different widths tyres on front and rear, for example 2.4 inch front and 2.3 ? You have such setups with different size, front wider than rear ?

[@bikersedge]

Totally fine.

[@kowioutdoortv]

@@bikersedge thank you

[@pepeanza6187]

The thing is when is dry is a total different thing try a XC front tire on a wet trail and you know if is good even the enduro trail tires on wet feel totally different than in dry conditions

[@bikersedge]

Agreed. Wet trails are going to change everything. Where we live and ride we don’t get to ride in the wet. Didn’t even cross my mind.

[@radagascar1]

Uh oh...I just bought a Dissector to put on the front of my trail/xc hard tail and I have a feeling I'm gonna regret that after this video

[@bikersedge]

I ran it on the front of my Spur for a bit. It’s not my favorite front tire but it’s not my least favorite either.

[@Mark_Tishman]

Same here - I just bought Dissector and put it on the front. But everybody screaming and yelling that is a rear tire.

[@jackfrost-fu7hz]

Vittoria Mezcal for XC riding.

[@bikersedge]

Thats on my list.

[@SoilworkZA01]

Nice test! Just curious on the damper settings you run the Pike on?

[@bikersedge]

I ran a couple clicks of LSC and a little faster than half way on the rebound. I’m 182lb for reference.

[@XCRiders]

Icon on the front Rekon race on the back KOM 👑

[@bikersedge]

Fast.

[@justing6614]

Which is faster rolling the aggressor or the dissector??

[@BMfins]

I need your job. Nice comparison.

[@bikersedge]

I certainly can't complain.

[@1111stunna1111]

You should've compare diferente tires for the same application, I kind of ovius the xc tires roll better.

[@bikersedge]

Sure but this is a guide to help folks find the right type of tires for them. Laying out the pros and cons of each type will help folks pick the right tires for how they ride.

[@robsnow2099]

Super quality video!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks!

[@jkm8089]

So what are you running on the Spur? I have same dissector front rekon rear on the Ripley and really like it so far...

[@bikersedge]

I have a Minion/Dissector. Probably going back to the Rekon on the rear after doing this test though.

[@TwowheeledadventureVT]

I just bought an Ibis Ripley with maxxis assegai front 2.5 and dissector 2.5 rear. Thinking it might be overkill and slow down a great climbing bike....

[@bikersedge]

It certainly does. The Ripley needs some lighter tires to really shine.

[@eatshiftride7861]

Where in Utah are these trails you're riding? That landscape is gorgeous!

[@bikersedge]

These are in Big Cottonwood Canyon. We are lucky to have such great trails nearby.

[@eatshiftride7861]

@@bikersedge Much appreciated! Planning some short trips to get out of the AZ desert, so I'll add this to my list. Also, you guys are making some really great stuff; thanks for another helpful video!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like the videos. If you head our direction, come say hi. We can point you to some great trails!

[@eatshiftride7861]

@@bikersedge Will do!

[@catshit2028]

I bought a bike from my friend and both tires are bald so when I go to trails I need to ride with practically no pressure

[@bikersedge]

That’s a great way to blow up rims!

[@bikersedge]

Think we got it wrong? What's your favorite tire combo?

[@dubosjc]

Great insight. Reckon 2.4 - 2.6 up front. Possibly 2.35-2.6 ikon out back. Reckon race is basically an Xc semi slick. Reckon front and rear would prob get closer for downhill. Forekaster front and rear 2.35 have my best times. Thread count plays a big role as well.

[@Kenneth_R]

Durability is a huge factor. The XC tires will just get destroyed in short order in the typical front range trails here in Colorado.

[@bikersedge]

True. That’s one thing we couldn’t test in a short amount of time. I talk about that in the video and that’s partially why I still recommended the minion as a front in all but the lightest setups.

[@lucasbright3331]

What about high roller front and back

[@bikersedge]

It’s weird but you don’t see that tire too much anymore. It rarely comes stock on a bike. I haven’t ridden one for so long. I’d have to refresh my memory.

[@Dilberto88]

Is it okay to run a 29” x 2.6” Bontrager XR4 Team Issue on the Trek Rail 9.8?

[@bikersedge]

Not sure. Check with your trek dealer on that.

[@EverythingisFire]

"No..Keep your opinion to yourself" 😂

[@mikes.8305]

Been having a blast on the SS tires recently, at least on my Ripley. Feels fast and fun while it’s dry. Been running DD and Cush cores on my big bikes and that feels so slow climbing.

[@bikersedge]

It completely changes how the bike feels.

[@mikes.8305]

Biker's Edge The DD and CC started after some expensive rim fails. Got to remember that when I look at light tires;)

[@bikersedge]

Last summer was a bad one for me. I was flatting almost every ride. Cush core and 32 psi solved the problem.