Maxxis Rekon Race and ASPEN 2.4 WT, XC Race tires Quick Check

[@Stussy787]

I run Aspen 2.25" for XC racing always on my A.R.C. and previously on my ASR-C. They are my go to tyre for late spring through to early Autumn/fall. Super lightweight, grippy yet fast rolling. In 2.25" I run 20psi front and 24psi rear.

[@mrkkbb007]

I used to run Recon Race 2.25 on R and Aspen 2.25 on F. I switched to 2.4 Aspens. On hard tail the 2.4 Aspens are just awesome, both F/R on 25 mm rim. Love the volume over roots and rocks in XC style trails. I like them on the front, they can slide in damp conditions, but are predictable and easy to recover from (so-far). I am 160, run the F at 16/17 and R 18/19 depending on trail/conditions. For wet / winter conditions, I swap these out for the Forekaster 2.35 F/R.

[@richardjensen3655]

I swear half the tire gauges are wrong. I think both of mine are wrong. A 2.4 should have at least 20 psi, probably more like 24-26 psi. Only a 2.8 can have a psi under 20. Again, how ive measured in the past. All kinds of psi arguments when its probably just the dials reading wrong.

[@88anarahammertime]

@@richardjensen3655 i use an electric pump. not sure if those are purported to be more accurate or anything, but using that thing I always run 17R and 20F on local XC rugged trails. Works well in dry, regular conditions but ill go lower for when it gets very dusty or wet. I use aspen front and rear.

[@zoubtube]

Last year I tested the Aspen 2.3 on the rear of my Ripley. The tire blew my mind all season. I've never had so much roiling efficiency, traction and stopping power combined on my trials, which are all very twisty, rocky and rooty, with lots of ups and downs. The tire never gave up in dry, loose over hard, or damp conditions. I never did ride it in the rain or mud. This year I added the aspen 2.4 in the front of the bike. In the same conditions it performs flawlessly. Surprisingly I'm able to run it with a bit higher pressure on the front than I typically ran with other tires. Last week while riding my favorite and most demanding trail here ins SE MI, on the last loop, which happens to be the most demanding loop with lots of climbs, I got stuck is a torrential downpour. the trail literally turned into a stream in down slopes and flat spots. I gunned it back to the car as fast I could. All I can say about the Aspens is they are un-f#@$ing believably impressive tires. Never once in all that slop and Shit did they let me down. I rode though over 4 miles miles of a pure shit show down pour and that rear tire never gave up and the climbs no matter how many roots and tons of mud it had to climb through. the front tire handled incredibly well considering the conditions and the type of tire. Now I'm not going to say the front is better than a true mud tire, but F#$K me if it didn't go way beyond my expectations and let me finish that loop in very respectable times considering the mess. I don't know what it is about the aspens, size, profile, compound, all I know is that Maxxis knocked it out of the ball park with this tire. If your not experience the same, test different tire pressures, or more importantly, make sure your body position is even distributed on your bike. I can't recommend these tires enough

[@zoubtube]

@@LoveMTB personally I didn't see a need for a 2.4 in the rear. For me, the 2.25 29 has proven to me to be way more than enough rear tire on my Ripley for SE MI trails. Once I found my ideal tires pressures for different terrain on the front the 2.4 has be an absolute joy to ride. Just like all other tires if this category, kitty liter is a challenge, but drop the pressure a bit and they'll do just fine. I would give them 40 to 60 rides on well known trails to find right pressures, then again, that's the fun part. Enjoy!

[@jasonbarnes5282]

I am in Michigan as well and just purchased a set of Maxxis Aspen. Going to run the 2.4 WT EXO upfront and the 2.25 DC in the rear. Planning to run the tires at Ore 2 Shore, Peak 2 Peak and Iceman. Curious on the pressure you found best for the combo? Also, what do you think about the casing? I went with the non-EXO in the rear to shave a bit of weight. I may wuss out and order an EXO casing tire for the rear to give myself some more peace of mind.

[@zoubtube]

@@jasonbarnes5282Many variables here, terrain, weather, bodyweight rider turning efficiency etc. For hard pack I run 26 rear, 24 front. loose over hard 24-25 rear, 22 front. wet, 23 rear, 21 front. but this is for me, 6 foot ~175 who loves aggressive cornering. For you it might be different, but I would start with 25 rear, 23 front and add or subtract a bit at a time when riding your favorite trails. this is a time consuming process (as it suspension). but worth the time invested in the long run. Of the 3 race you mention, the iceman I would say will be a last minute decision for you. if its a nice day with limited slop it won't be an issue. add the appropriate pressure for the trail condition, which you can ride in advance. if it turns out to be crappy, slushy sloppy,,, save your bike and wait till the next year. if you do decide to ride in these condition, the aspens won't work, your going to need very aggressive mud tires like the disector, aggesai, dhr etc. Not sure if you have ever done the Iceman before, if you haven't my advice is don't bother riding it if the conditions are crappy. Id rather lose the $100 than replace drivetrains, blown wheel bearings etc. that slushy mud wreaks havoc on a bike. Good luck with the races

[@kalamarmatus]

Finally available in local shop 2,4 so I ordered two of them so I cant wait to put them on the ríms :)) I will do a short review how they feel Cheers guys and thanks

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

I also ride a Ripley and am looking for a speed tire without sacrificing too much traction the the desert southwest jeep roads with some hard hock, sand over hard rock, gravel. Would you go Aspen or Ikon or Recon race?

[@TivonSanders]

Currently deciding between the Rekon and the Aspen tires for my bike, or Pirelli Scorpions for both wheels, as our trails are mostly XC or all mountain. Thickest I can go is 2.3 inches front and back. This is really helping me out.

[@mikelafferty5253]

My buddy is running the Rekon Race front and rear, he loves them, really great rolling speed too, I cant keep up to him on our local trails with my Butcher/ Slaughter combo, I still t love the feel of m,y heavy beasts LOL

[@IIISentorIII]

Haha yea, my brother had a Disector front and Recon rear on his Genius, I had Butcher t9 front and Purgatory rear on my Stumpy. He was speeding away from me 😅 but had two flats in 3 Days 😁 I replaced my Butcher T9 with a ground control for testing purposes now😉

[@Jacob99174]

Seriously love every video you make

[@jasonrobertson6373]

I run the rekon race 2.35 on my cult devotion 29 front and rear, 60 percent urban riding and 40 percent hard to loose dirt and man do I just love these tires. My son runs the 2.4 on his stolen max 29er awesome tires.

[@jasonbarnes5282]

Great video. Thanks! I just ordered a set of Aspen. 2.4 WT EXO front and 2.25 DC rear. Putting them on a set of 27mm wide Industry Nine rims. Planning to run them on a few of the big races here in Michigan.

[@MrBig617]

What's your thoughts on the Aspen 2.4 up front now that it's been a few months?

[@MrBig617]

@@LoveMTB I understand. I would like to here the OP's thoughts on it.

[@thecappy]

I run (f)Dissector/Rekon(r) both at 2.4. Great trail combo.

[@i.martin-aparicio]

I think that the Aspen for circuits / races or specific areas that you know that the terrain is compact, dirt or something small stone are good. But going on an adventure with them, without knowing the way, I do not consider it a good wheel. Nino and the others compete in closed circuits. When they leave there, if you analyze the tires they have, they are not so aggressive. It's like the S-Works, they are normally used in races, on a day-to-day basis very few people.

[@sergeijohanson3627]

Use a few Years Maxxis Aspen 2.25 front and rear in Race Conditions. Super Fast Tyres. Some Problems in Fast Cornering. Seems Need try next year 2.4 Aspen. Thanks for Video 👏🤝

[@allanridesbikes5856]

I'm in SoCal and run an Ardent Race 29x2.2 rear with a Rekon 29x2.4 WT up front on a more aggressive XC hardtail

[@allanridesbikes5856]

@@LoveMTB not yet, but I would be curious to. What's your opinion on the Ardent Race vs Rekon Race? I still have some life on these rear tires, but would like to see what options would work better perhaps when it's time for a change. I had previously been running Crossmark II in the rear.

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Excellent detail . thank you. Cornering is the first things to compromise on a race tire, so nice to see your attention to that detail. Did you run the Aspens up front? I am deciding between Aspen and Ikons for a 12 hour desert epic. Need speed but a little traction too

[@LoveMTB]

If you're rornering on a lot of sand I would do Ikon front. Ikon front and Aspen rear? We did not end up running it front BTW

[@georgeshanks7444]

almost all trails here in nor cal are hard packed dirt, gravel fire roads, i use rekon race 29x2.4 rear and aspen 29 x 2.4 front

[@LoveMTB]

Makes sense, you sure it’s not Aspen rear?

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Thanks for this. I just watched it agin for the second time.These are the only two XC tires available as WT, which I need. So it appears the Rekon Race will be a bit slower that the Aspen but will corner better in dry or dy/loose conditions?

[@LoveMTB]

Aspen is mostly hardpack, if you ride in loose over hard pack I would pick something else for front

[@TheNationalTrails]

Rekon 2.6" 3C front. DHR 2.3" rear. Can trust the pair. The Rekon setup on the rear has very similar grip. Just can't quite grab thru super-slick clay/sloppy mud or I'd run Rekon rear. Barely discernable difference quite frankly. Tire pressure might favor the 2.6" Rekon if I truly invested in some testing?

[@karapiur]

I must admit i really like your videos:) But as far as Recon tires are concerned my previous experience with them - short and during test rides only - is to sum it up shortly - look for better option (disclosure: most my xc rides are on Continental RaceKing/SpeedKing (personal advise -never ride these in wet conditions)/Vittoria Barzo and I like mixing them, according to conditions). I ride on my gravel bike on Ramblers and find them very good, so i don't think I'm in anyway prejudiced again Maxxis as a brand. I live and ride in Poland. Here during my xc rides you can expect forrest with sand, unexpected mud, fire roads and similar not too challenging but also not very easy conditions. As my personal experience goes, older Recons (width 2.35) were unreliable when cornering, especially as a rear tyre. It has happened far too often that rear wheel, where they were fitted, suddenly was loosing grip and slipped without any noticeable reason or prior feedback from the tyre itself that something wrong can happen. Friend of mine has Aspen on his bike and likes them very much. I've never heard him complaining about them. So I'm very curious about your long term experience with them, because so far my is a big no to these on an xc bike.

[@stepan.furman]

You said you don't use it for racing. But what are you using? What do you rhink about Ikon?

[@LoveMTB]

Have newer vids on what we use, now Pirelli. I wouldn’t use Ikon front

[@stepan.furman]

@LoveMTB I'm actually replacing my "commuter bike" which is just cheap xc-like hardtail with another "hardtail for fun" which will be again my commuter bike + lockal dirtjump park ripper. Already ordered Canyon Stoic 4, 2023 upgrade and plan to put some very fast rolling tires. Since the main terrain will be pavement or really well shaped dirt, I decided to give Rekon/Ikon (fr/re) combo a try. What do you think? Can you suggest something better?

[@LoveMTB]

@@stepan.furman I would run that combo also, great choice

[@M1keBLR]

Aspen :) Like this tire for a decade! My first tires 26x2.1 exception was only 430g and super fast.

[@benmillns8976]

I love the look of that huge Rekon Race. It's a shame they've left us 27.5 guys behind. I'm currently on Race King Racesport front and rear... Interesting when it's damp but manageable with the right PSI.

[@richardjensen3655]

They now make a rekon race 27.5 x 2.25 and 2.35. Dont worry.

[@TeamCykelhold]

I have been using ardent and ardent race, but I am not very fond of Ardent. Forecaster on the front works ok, but it's not great either. I tempted to try these. I like the maxxis casing, but not all their thread patterns.

[@adilsoncaele826]

Parabéns sempre compartilhando seu conhecimento ! Estou usando forekaster na frente e na traseira estou gostando .E por minha região tem bastante Serras ,trilhas.

[@adilsoncaele826]

@@LoveMTB eu quem agradeço continue assim está ótimo o canal , abraço!

[@benjapolcycling]

Just went to a Poto trail (in michigan). Saw a young guy running aspen both F and R. He said like 20 psi front and 18psi rear. I was pretty surprised too to see that setup

[@michiganstate149]

2.4 Aspens on my Blur and Chisel riding Poto, DTE, Maybury, Pontiac Lake, Highland, BRec and even in Copper Harbor and Marquette are absolutely bomber. Won't use anything else.

[@benjapolcycling]

@@michiganstate149 Good to know 2.4 aspen is durable enough for Marquette and copper harbor. Probably when my current tire (recon/ardent race) worn out, i would love to try aspen.

[@LincolnMarrable]

Great tyres especially the Rekon Race.

[@JasonLiske]

Wrapped up an XC oriented Genius tuned - kind of a down country trail build - went with 2.4Wt RRace in the rear and because deep dusty here a forecaster 2.6 in the front. Both under 775gr with carbon rims this thing shreds! 25lbs and 150mm of travel. IMO cornering on aspen - Hated that as a front, breaks too quick. Love the rekon race though.. Hope you are getting some good summer riding on.

[@richardjensen3655]

Actually for WT or wide trail: what I think that really means is that a lot of riders were complaining in the past that Maxxis had tire measurements listed that were not accurate. So they told people put these tires on a wider rim and they should grow out to the speced width. First, thats still not a guarantee. Especially if you for some reason use a tube, that will shrink the tire width down about 0.05 inches. Second you don't have to use a wider rim for these and many other tires. In fact, a skinnier rim will make the tire a bit faster, because it rounds off the center tread more. Two potential issues with that. 1 the old speed vs. loss of traction and braking tradeoff. Also may need to lean bike over a bit more to engage side knobs. 2 don't put a huge tire on a skinny rim, like a 2.8 on a 20mm internal width rim. It actually can work but the bead can and will separate from the rim during a hard hit. But these 2.4s are fine to put on a skinny rim, its not a big deal.

[@marklouieadame]

@@LoveMTB 26mm ID is actually wide already and optimal for 2.3-2.6. Usable and can still perform with 2.8. For narrow 20mm i think 1.95-2.25 is max optimal but can run 2.3-2.4

[@cypriano8763]

Looks good. Might have to try these

[@Rawkus919]

I like the idea of a beefy xc tyre. 2.4-2.6. Recon race looks the good. I think the Forekaster comes in 2.6 too.

[@Lukm2c]

if i wanted to mount rekon race wt 2,4 + Aspen wt 2,4, which one is better at the rear / front? thank you!!

[@jmseva]

If Nino using this then no questions ask.

[@jmseva]

@@LoveMTB base on the pix, its the same aspen 2.4. yeh

[@robp3431]

too funny !!!

[@massimomusto1975]

I see there are 2 kinds of aspen 2.4 wt, one with printed on the side 50 psi and a max pressure of 3.4 bar and a weight of 730gr and another version without the 50 psi printed on the side and a max pressure of 1.7 bar and a weight of 750gr. Did you notice it? are there some differences?

[@LoveMTB]

Did not notice. Wht us it important?

[@massimomusto1975]

@@LoveMTB max pressure 1.7 bar is quite low, I'm wondering the reason

[@twosix_00]

For asphalt and trail use, what pair of tires would you recommend? Currently I use a Continental Race king 29x 2.2 but it is time to change them, they do not last long ...

[@Nilla_S]

Rekon 2.4 wt front and Rekon Race 2.35 back. That is good for trail riding. When i want to go for high speed i have DHF 2.6 front and Rekon 2.4 wt back .

[@markclancy5714]

you can get minions at 2.0 but other more trail oriented are hard to come by with + casings or DD, I suspect the e-bike market is to blame for the disruption

[@derbiwipac]

hi, thanks for the video! what are your toughts with the rekon race 2.4 as a rear tyre? climbing and braking traction are better? for the rolling resitance you saw improvements? you prefer the rekon race 2.4 to racing ralph 2.35?

[@OMPONG777]

Planning to get rekon race 2.35 rear and rekon 2.6 front for a down country bike set up. Will this be good for a mild trail and all around use?

[@LoveMTB]

I would probably go for the 2.4 front and rear, the 2.6 can be more unstable as a front with low pressure.

[@germanbobadilla1381]

Neumático DELANTERO.- Vittoria: Barzo Continental: Cross King Maxxis: Ardent Race o Rekon Schwalbe: Racing Ray Bontrager: XR3 Pirelli: Scorpion XC S Chaoyang: Hornet o Zippering Neumático TRASERO.- Vittoria: Mezcal o Saguaro Maxxis: Rekon Race, Ikon, Aspen, o Crosmark II Continental: Race King Schwalbe: Racing Ralph Bontrager: XR3 Team Issue Pirelli: Scorpion XC R Chaoyang: Victory Kenda: Booster Pro SCT

[@richcole3931]

Following this review I installed Aspen 2.4 on front. It rolls fast and grips noticeably better in corners than the Recon Race, maybe because of the double cornering knobs on the Aspen. It really hooks up on hardpack and loose over hardpack. Though I did have to drop pressure a few PSI when going with the high volume 2.4.

[@frankschock9981]

Is that compared to the 2.4 Rekon Race?

[@richcole3931]

​@@frankschock9981 I've only run the 2.35 Recon Race on the front. Casing was plenty wide enough. Tread pattern not great for cornering and tended to wash out. Aspen tread is definitely an improvement.

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Thesis very interesting. I am deciding between these two- Aspen or rekon Race - because they are the only XC from maxis offered in WT width. ON the Maxxis website, they rate the Aspen a 2 out of 5 for cornering, while the Rekon Race they rate a 2.5. Both get a 5 for rolling resistance. need a fast tire for an all day epic on desert hardback

[@richcole3931]

@@unknownKnownunknowns Yeah, the marketing team at Maxxis needs to fix that chart. Aspens are a noticeably better cornering tire at high speeds. The Rekon is kinda sketchy on the front.

[@sasori2037]

Is it not possible for the 2.4 aspens to put it in a 23mm inner width rims?

[@mtbjoser]

Nice, thanks for the info, was looking into the Aspen. Some of my ride is on pavement/tarmac/asphalt (road/street, basically), do you know if the Aspen rolls well/fast on that? I found the Rekon to be a bit draggy on the roads. Thanks again!

[@mtbjoser]

@@LoveMTB Cool, I'll probably bite the bullet soon and invest in some. Not too many videos on the Aspen, so thanks again for making this!

[@do_not_rotateyour_phone3957]

Glad in my country they're still selling wired 2.25 rekon race🙂

[@sasori2037]

Is the 2.4 variant of the aspen still fast rolling? How is it compared to the 2.35 ikons?

[@ImTheiWarrior]

What’s your take on rekon race vs ikon?

[@LoveMTB]

Better braking on the Ikon

[@ImTheiWarrior]

@@LoveMTB What would you put up front when thinking about IKON 2.4?

[@ToyotaHiluxTD]

Hola, tengo una Scott scale 970 2021, tiene unas maxxis rekon race 29x2.25 y le quiero poner unas maxxis aspen 29x2.40 wt exo protección, quería saber si caben y se puede pasar de 2.25 a 2.40

[@whitm8823]

How does the ikon compare with these?

[@razenkCL]

do they work good on a 24mm inner width rim ? i have the "DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline 622x24mm"

[@yowzerbaby]

As a rear tire do you think the rekon race 2.4 WT gets as good grip as the 2.35 Ardent Race 3C?

[@tduic]

About tire height. You measure 77 mm, state that your rim is 17 mm, and conclude that the tire has 50 mm height?

[@tduic]

@@LoveMTB No worries, just thought there's some overlapping of tire and rim in calc that you didn't mention.

[@laxplaysu91]

how do you like the DUKE rims? Good for everyday use and marathon riding? Which version did you get?

[@KibAgong]

I run Specialized Fastrak 29x2.3 for both..Now planning to change my rear tite.My only option is Rekon Race 2.35..Can I install this Recon Race on my rear wheel to pair with my Fastrak 2.3?

[@tigerbalm666]

Som say the Rekon is no gud due to weak sidewalls?

[@Ropetable]

i use the vittoria terreno. you should make a video on them. insane fast XC tire

[@Oengus73]

hello, isn't too much to inflate 45psi on a carbon rim for that big tire ?

[@Oengus73]

@@LoveMTB yes for stretching, I meant isn't 45 psi dangerous for a carbon rim? Can it be damaged?

[@zmfunlife]

nice video, i try use aspen for my bike

[@frikkelisjes]

Though they are fast and light and never went flat on me I decided to ditch them because they suck in wet conditions. Living in the netherlands, rain is always likely

[@Periskop55]

Я поставил Aspen 2.4 WT на заднее колесо, хороший коэффициент качения ,мягкость на камнях и корнях и достойное сцепление.

[@dferrerll]

is that the weight per tyre?

[@IIISentorIII]

take a educated guess

[@jonezZz14]

From your experience, which one of those tyres would you recommend when riding 50/50 tarmac/offroad (mainly commuting and bikepacking).

[@jonezZz14]

@@LoveMTB mh, i don’t run any Suspension, so i was excited about the bigger 2.4 ones :)

[@daviddorado5632]

Good choice my friend. You may include there ardent race too. I personally combine one of those 3 with a dinion dhf or similar on the front. For trail use xc tyres give you poor control.

[@daviddorado5632]

@@LoveMTB i run 2.2 on for the rear. My bike is a 2015 trance, i dont think it can fit such donouts

[@mohamedfaroukismail2957]

I'm really curious how many tooth is your front gear , it so close to your Bike frame

[@mohamedfaroukismail2957]

@@LoveMTB that's cool , Thanks for replying 😁

[@edriannereytobias3286]

Hope to have that kind of mtb 🎉

[@ns671fr]

Aspen definitely looks like a rear tire

[@Stussy787]

It's actually a very good front tyre too in the right conditions.

[@velodetali]

Nino uses 240Tpi. That's finally it.

[@TheProjectX3]

I like Maxxis compared to others for its accuracy on specs! I use very light Rekon version 2.2in 690g that is my favourite at the momment.

[@DJRayBoston]

Bought a pair of Maxxis tires last year, after 2 months they got the Wobble, their warranty site was broken for weeks, called them and they gave me an email address, contacted them and they never responded, contacted them again; they said they lost my email. Never honored the warranty, still don't have new tires and no one cares. I'll never buy from Maxxis again.

[@stak5074]

ikon 2.35 or rekon race 2.4wt for rear ? i think ikon has little taller knobs than rekon race

[@stak5074]

@@LoveMTB 25mm

[@stak5074]

@@LoveMTB what do you think about 3cmax speed and dual compound ? maybe 3cmax speed (ikon) is little harder than dc (rekon race)

[@Паша-б6д]

Супер видео

[@flikdurbean349]

Ever since Nino switched to wider wheels and tires, he's been getting his ass handed to him. Just sayin.

[@flikdurbean349]

@@LoveMTB Yep, especially when you got young bucks like Van der Poel and Pidcock

[@fpainchaud350]

@@LoveMTB I would love to be 35 again! 🤔

[@robp3431]

True dat....but maybe his tire pressure has been off.... you know, he doesn't use a tire gauge :-)

[@danhart2411]

Yea I'm not to impressed with the recon I have that on back and dhf on the front . I'm looking at putting dhf on the back or something meatier . Tired loosing traction on the back .

[@danhart2411]

No its not, I'm sure the recon is good for something not sure what that is yet . I ride alot of rocky trails then flowy dirt trails that turn into up hill climbs . The climbs alot of the time is where I loose traction with the recon.

[@danhart2411]

Race . 25 psi

[@danhart2411]

I'm even running a 2.80 rear tire to thats what frustrates me . Some trails it does good keeping traction on others im lucky im not road rashed out. So yes im looking at putting the dhf's on the back also.

[@danhart2411]

I will let you know