Maxxis XC/Trail Tires - The Best Light & Fast Options!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

What’s your current tire setup?

[@damienbradley9209]

Ikon 2.2 in the rear, with Ardent Race 2.35 up front for Late Spring through early Fall. Early Spring, Late Fall I run Ardent Race 2.35 in the rear with a Forekaster 2.35 up front, and then in Winter/Wet I run Forekaster 2.35 front and rear.

[@lilwillie428]

Aspen front and rear, good enough for xc in the dry and won’t kill you in the wet.

[@th_js]

2.6 Magic Mary front and rear

[@ericokompatzki7110]

Fast trak on the front and Crossmark on the rear. I know it may sound a little bit odd, but it works well with my epic ht

[@vonweizhacker]

XKing 2.2 front, RaceKing 2.2 back, both RaceSport

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

1:07 Ikon 2:03 Aspen 2:22 Forekaster 3:34 Ardent / Ardent Race 3:58: Rekon 4:28 DHR II You're welcome, America.

[@swashington942]

This really wasn't necessary. I mean the video isn't even 6 minutes long. You're acting like it's a long drawn out 20 minute long boring video with unnecessary rambling.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

@@swashington942 Easy tiger. That wasn't what I'm implying at all. I just wanted to allow people to jump ahead if they are researching a particular tire. The video is great.

[@pilaodagua]

Sir, is it possible to introduce the maxxis pace at first?

[@aminkman]

'Bout time you included XC stuff. XC riders have been excluded for a while...not everyone can or wants to 'Send It'. The best setup for me, the closest in my area, is Schwalbe Thunder Burts. This is mostly packed sand/loose over soft. Next closest area I would choose Rekon/Ikon. This area is loose over hard.

[@peatyblinders92]

The the Ikon be good for loose over hard quarry trails?

[@c5natie1]

@@peatyblinders92 yes its great on hardpack

[@c5natie1]

Right? I feel like XC is more like what a traditional MTB should be. Everyone in the mtb groups I've joined wants to do jumps and downhill. I just wanna enjoy and nice off road single track lol

[@dhpug3014]

Xc races send it. Common misconception of xc races

[@sbbeowulf8296]

im pretty sure everyone wants to send but not everyone can send it i dont live in a place where i can do Enduro every weekend

[@bigslacker666]

DHF 2.5 front/DHRII 2.3 rear is what I was running on my 'lighter' trail bike. I'm not the only one! :D

[@concrerto]

I’m surprised no one rocks the FOREKASTERS. I run the 2.35 front and rear. Super awesome tire. The Forekaster is great in a lot of conditions. I’ll switch back and forth to a minion front and aggressor in the back. Both combos have different attributes. Once used to the FOREKASTERS you can predict the looser ride and actually use it to your advantage. That’s my opinion... Maxxis is the best 🤙

[@silentmonk1189]

I have been running Forekasters f&r. When the bike is straight up to slightly angled, they are great. When leaned over, I find the front end washes out. Before damning the tires (which was my initial reaction), look at the bike set up. In my case (a Scott Spark), it may be that the stem needs to be lengthened (a 60mm instead of the stock 50mm). hard to tell until next season.

[@landoctor94]

@@silentmonk1189 I found the same thing. Forekasters wash out very easily.

[@yipyipyip]

I agree with the FOREKASTERS as a great all around tire, they seem to work well in all conditions. They are light and I have found them to be durable. I run the 2.35 x 29 in the rear and 2.6 in the front and that is an awesome combo. Low rolling resistance, low weight, good in damp to dry conditions and predictable traction. They break away consistently and do not throw you any surprises. I ride on the east coast (mostly NC) so it can be anything from Pisgah trails to fast and flatter XC singletrack.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Amen. I started with an Aggressor in the rear and a DHR II up front and it just felt too sluggish. I switched to an Ikon rear/Forekaster front and have been stoked with it. The Forekaster still seems to hook up in the corners but feels so much snappier than a DHR.

[@benvinall5856]

Ardent race up front and ikon at the back - tearing it up in uk

[@SorinVBogdan]

2.2 or 2.35?

[@charlesholland6851]

Basically have xx style trails here. I just run High Roller 2s on one bike and the Minions on the other. I just ride for fun so I don't worry much about it!

[@MaquinasDePalomitas]

I just love the Worldwide Cyclery tutorials, very unbiased and super informative

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thanks for the love :)

[@rightcoastermtb2340]

this is a pretty bulletproof review on these tires. super awesome insight to the maxxis tire scene. just went with an ardent race rear and ardent front on Santa Cruz reserve wheels. Can't wait to officially try out this combo!

[@alabaster4263]

Well...

[@TheTonicro]

nice one, love my aspens front and back on xc hardtail looking forward to updated design for those as seen on nino schurters bike

[@chrisorr3919]

This is the best XC tyre breakdown I've seen. I also enjoyed your other tyre videos as theres so much to choose from and its hard to make a decision

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@NERDOFUNK]

Damn, i just can not get enough of that Yeti...geo, colors etc so fine :-D

[@MilatovichFamily]

Try YT Jeffsy, it smokes the Yeti. Pole Stamina is even better.

[@adamenglander]

I don’t usually ride Xc but when I do I pick maxxis

[@billherrera6386]

My son is running 2.4 High Roller 2. Been great so far.

[@mikerotchburns1622]

love the ikon on the rear. very fast and good climbing traction, and loose and fun on the way down!

[@anton223]

You should try this combo. I'm on a 26er hardtail for XC & light trail by the way. High Roller 26x2.20 up front & Crossmark rear. 26x1.90. Stupidly fast & good grips.

[@roors11]

Pivot Mach 4 SL, came with Ardent Race 29x2.2 front and rear. For So Cal riding the ardent race up front was feeling a little sketchy and unpredictable. Replaced the front with a Forekastor 2.35 and that made a huge difference.

[@stephenwalker4723]

Well done with these videos! Really appreciate all the effort you guys put into them!

[@guidodezwaan]

Haha if you ain't first you are last... The motto of all crosscountry riders I see on the trail

[@markymark069]

I pressed play, sat back and shaved my balls while I learnt a thing or two on XC mtb tires. Forekaster 2.35 up front, Ardent Race 2.35 rear.

[@Aggressive_Splooge]

Lmao wtf

[@solidstream13]

Say you ride cross country, without saying you ride cross country 😂

[@bryand6094]

After watching a bunch of your videos, I decided on DHRii 2.4 front / Rekon 2.4 rear . Took them for a 10 mile ride yesterday (mixed xc / single trak) great combo thanks! Was about to head out to anadel state park for more of a “test” but saw you posted this so stopped to watch. Keep up the great work. Ordered some parts from your website last week. Will keep supporting.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thank you so much Bryan! Kick ass. Glad we could help. And your tire setup us my (Jeff) personal favorite and what you see on my trail bike 😎

[@bryand6094]

Worldwide Cyclery Jeff just got home. 21 miles 2500 vert mostly single track, rock garden / loose over hard. Rock garden climbs :) So much knobby traction! This setup is stellar. I have 15+ days at Annadel and Every trail I’ve ridden 3+ times. Never the less i managed 47 personal achievements on strava! If thats not a testament to this setup I don’t know what is...

[@bryand6094]

@@EastSide_Motel I ran the DC in front and DC rear. I wanted to be able to move the front DHR 2.4 to the back eventually. My Recon lasted a long time and about 6 rides ago it got a puncture to large for a bacon strip. The tread was basically gone. I ended up upgrading to a DHF 2.5 maxxterra up front. Ive put about 100 mtb miles on it since. I love how much more grip I'm getting. The resistance is up from the previous combo but moving to Tahoe I needed something better for loose over hard. My new Rimpo v2 on order comes with Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5” WT, EXO+ casing, 120tpi front and rear... I asked the shop to leave the rear off. it's a decent front tire but a DOG in the back. I will replace the rear with a DHR 2.4 DC

[@liamwoods5353]

I’m all about that grip up front! Dhr2 2.3 or forecaster with ardent race or ardent out rear.

[@isidromuniz1322]

So will the dhr 2 2.3 in the front will it fit on a cross country bike or is it to fat of a tire ,

[@isidromuniz1322]

?

[@liamwoods5353]

@@isidromuniz1322 it should fit most or all XC bikes

[@BOys85]

For XC racing Ardent race 2.2 Front,Ikon 2,2 rear or F/R Rekon 2,25 also great setup. other good setups Forekaster 2,35 front/ Ardent race 2,2 rear or Forekasters 2,35 F/R

[@rinky_dinky]

is the emphasis on grip on the front and rolling resistance on the rear when considering tire combos ?

[@angelomiguelgalorport7331]

I used ardent race front and ikon at rear

[@jaapvannorel3322]

The Rekon Race is worth a mention to in this line up if you ask me. Much better for cornering (more grip and more predictable) than the Icons, and with low thread in the middle they're one of the faster tires out there. Good to use front & back in dry & (somewhat) wet.

[@jfinn9827]

Just got ardent race front and rear for my hardtail

[@schlooonginator1227]

Currently run front DHR2, rear Beaver on my Intense Sniper Trail. The 2.0 Beaver looks spindly but in the wet PNW winter it grips like mad in the wet, muddy rooty enviros AND is crazy light at around 500g. It makes for an immediately noticable improvement acceleration and climbs. Kinda surprised it doesn't get much attention because almost every review is unusually positive. I guess its size scares people off.

[@gregorysucher6987]

i got the recon in the rear and the dhr II in the front to absolutely shred the trails

[@sarahwood8943]

Aspen in the rear and Rekon 2.25 in the front. While the Rekon is a bit more tire than the the aspen I was running up front, it has a bunch of grip at it’s disposal. It’s much more reliable when racing in sandy soil composition which is very prevalent in the Southeast and Southern Piedmont region of North Carolina. The Aspen hooks up surprisingly well through chattery corners despite it’s extremely low profile tread and no suspension out back.

[@sammypes123]

My personal favorite combos Xc / race combos Dry conditions: Rekon Race 2.3" back / Rekon 2.4" front Wet conditions: Rekon 2.4 back / Forekaster 2.6 front trail combo Rekon 2.4 WT 3C maxxterra back and front Enduro combo Absolutely love Minion SS on back /DHR II 2.4 maxxterra front Or on bad weather or loose stuff i put aggressor to back 🤘🏼 Ill use these on my Mondraker Foxy29 Carbon 👍🏼

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Foxy 29 😍 jealous!

[@sammypes123]

@@WorldwideCyclery that is one hell of a good lookin bike! 😛❤️

[@petere2029]

Thanks WWC, this is the best video I've seen to explain tyre differences and choices. Great job! (I'm running Forekaster 2.35's front and rear on a Scott Spark. Pretty happy with that but might try Ardents next.)

[@danyduval7334]

I run a DHR II up front on my Spark with the stock Forekaster in the rear. Awesome combo!

[@jorge4254]

Have you tried the ardent yet?? I can't quite decide for a front tire in my hardtail. I've read that the Ardent is better in the rear, so i want to try the Forecaster upfront. But i'm reading not so great comments about them. People seem to wash out when they lean...

[@petere2029]

@@jorge4254 I run ardent on my Scott Scale hardtail, front and rear. Offers great grip on dry and dusty conditions. Forekaster is better in the wet. I think anyway.

[@jorge4254]

@@petere2029 thanks. I end up going for a beffier alternative. Miniond DHR II in the front. I'm getting used to the change but fenomenal grip so far. I don't know how it compares to an ardent but the only made the ardent in 2.25 or 2.4. The 2.4 version was as heavy as the dhr 2 in 2.3 so That's what i end up going for. With the 3c maxterra compound

[@petere2029]

@@jorge4254 that sounds great. Hope you get good results. Enjoy the ride!

[@paulnew3150]

Great video, perfect explanation, concise and and on point. Thanks

[@turbohayabusa01]

Just switched from nobby nic 27.5x3” to rekon+ 27.5x2.8’s skinwall tubeless front and rear. Looking forward to trying them out!

[@ChickenLips1]

ironically over 15yrs ago I was running a Rear specific on my GT downhill up front.. man I copped some flack.. glad I'm not the only weird one 😂

[@jmanswat2457]

Current setup rolls super smooth with plenty of grip so far: Rr Maxxis Chronicle 27.5+, Fr WTB Trail Boss 29"+ or Maxxis Recon 27.5+. Gonna switch soon and try Conti cross king 2.6 Rr and new Conti Mt king 2.6 Fr.

[@MrDavidfball]

wonder how many people know the real name for Maxxis is Chang Shin Tyre's probably known in the UK back in the 90's for the cheap tyres fitted to raleigh cycles, Maxxis was the new name when they entered the more expensive tyre market aimed at sports/race cyclists and car tyres as it sounded more western

[@motomaryland4734]

My Loaner bike for people getting into MTB is a Santa Cruz Chameleon with Ikons front and rear. Perfect tire for local county parks and packed two track A+ video

[@Ghostina1]

Well ... i have waited for this video for a long time. BUT!!!!!!! Go do a video with cross comparisons with Continental and Bontrager Tires!!!!!!

[@RGCastro7]

Excellent work, man! Thank you :)

[@byza101]

I’m running a 120mm travel xc oriented bike.. Ikon on the back, Ardent on the front. Ardent is good in all conditions and surfaces up front, the Ikon can be a bit slippery on wet/damp rock, otherwise it performs admirably

[@MrTrazz09]

my bike comes with forekaster up front and rekon race rear, both 2.35 wide

[@4ndyr0g3r50n]

Nice sample of Nine Inch Nails at the beginning there

[@core-i7413]

I found Crossmark at a bike shop but then saw that they weren't tubeless ready (I need sealant because I'm stupid) and so I looked at the DHR II. The problem is that I use 26 inch tires and 2.4 is too wide (I use 2.1-2.2) so I'll have to see online. This video was helpful.

[@diegovillacrez8349]

Will definitely have to try out that DHR II/Rekon Setup

[@nicolasjuniorcaminero2526]

Did you ever try it?

[@diegovillacrez8349]

@@nicolasjuniorcaminero2526 I tried a Dissector/Rekon (It's pretty flat where I live) and It's fantastic.

[@nicolasjuniorcaminero2526]

@@diegovillacrez8349 do you think the DHR II/ rekon worth it? I live in nyc and there’s occasional trail.

[@diegovillacrez8349]

@@nicolasjuniorcaminero2526 Well I'd imagine stuff is steeper and chunkier over there than in south Florida. I'd probably be happy with Rekon/DHRII somewhere where it gets steep but don't wanna sacrifice too much on rolling speed. Most probably worth it.

[@diegovillacrez8349]

I have a DHRII on the back of my second bike and it has ALWAYS stayed put. I'm sure you could expect the same on the front.

[@erichouck9487]

on my Yeti ASRc Recon F&R, 2.4F 2.25R works well here in Co

[@TheChrisDecember]

I just swapped my stock Bontrager XR2 comp for the Maxxis Rekon Race. Immediately I could feel better traction, and rolling speed.

[@mladic0566]

I am currently running Continental Cross King 2.0 in the front and Mountain King 2.3 in the back, would suggest set of Cross Kings for dry and solid terrain or a set of Mountain Kings for wet and loose terrain(I have to switch their sides every half a year)

[@23chrischen]

What about the Rekon Race? Curious if anyone at WC is into XC racing enough to use those

[@24volts_of_fun]

Pretty spot on recommendations 👍🏻currently conti race kings racesport on my xc bike has to be one of the fastest rolling tires out there and does better then I'd imagine in wet and muddy trails since it's fast dry tire

[@bryand6094]

Turner #51 I went threw two of those in 2.4 on the rear. (1200ish miles) Very light / durable. The loose over hard was awful though also it didn’t tech climb well and wore really fast. Just swapped 1 ride ago to the 2.4 rekon DC exo wt

[@Mbtharp1]

Regular ardent in the front = death machine! So unpredictable, just washes out whenever it feels like it lol. Forekaster ftw!

[@selwynperry7459]

He'll yeah .ardent worst front tire. Make a dental appointment before ho riding

[@richardmiddleton7770]

Rolling resistance tests are done at pressures none of us really run. A mud tyre at 30psi might roll better than a semi slick at 20psi. So you can basically run a muddier tyre at different pressures according to the conditions and do just fine.

[@thothbaboon]

Appreciate the knowledge!

[@Marcho978]

I’ve stuck 2 Ardent races 26 x2.2 on a Riese and Muller Multicharger. Let’s see how that goes!

[@CHARLES-ch9zg]

How about the crossmark?

[@MartyMeyerdierks]

DHR2 2.3 3C front, Forekaster 2.3 DC rear

[@Tonuky]

I was running 2.35 Nobby Nic for a year. The last 2 weeks with a Nobby in the front and Ardent 2.25 on the back. I'm thinking to put an Ardent 2.35 on the front.

[@rinky_dinky]

ok im gonna do ardent front/ ardent race rear , or forekaster front /rekon rear

[@oliverstrid4545]

Current is maxis minion DHR in Front and Schwalbe noby nic in Rear for my Trailbike and Magic Mary in front and Continental mountain king rear for my enduro bike

[@walkeronegaming]

Just bought ardent 2.4s for my yeti sb5.5 because I wanted the skin walls. Looks like they don’t make a minion 29er in skinwall which is pretty disappointing for those who want a beefier tire

[@MO-xi1kv]

What would you use for a XC bike in very muddy conditions. I like going long in wet conditions (think british rain mud baths). I have been using the Ikons without really realising they were a race tire.

[@PJSinohin]

Forekaster 2.6 front, minion dhr ii 2.4 rear

[@oss200]

here we go! Finally somebody that thinks the way I do!

[@MultiBallchinian]

I've got a Forekaster up front but I want something with more grip. So the DHR II is recommended as a front tire? I assumed DHR was intended to be a a rear tire and the DHF was meant to be used as a front tire.

[@MTBstuart]

strange you saying about forekaster in the wet, i found that tyre in 2.6 to be awful and had several offs from it slipping on wet roots

[@trenthardy7530]

On my avanti torrent Ardent up front Crossmark on the back. On my scott spark Aggressor up front Ardent race on the back.

[@mgeezy1641]

Is it possible to do an updated video for this category?

[@robertotoledo3480]

Thanks!!!

[@MikeinCC]

Looking to go 29x2.4 Rekon F and 29x2.35 Ardent Race R on a Fuel EX. I'm not hard on tires and I don't corner hard. Looking to keep grippy and save weight.

[@jepersonlomosad49]

Maxxis is the best for speed, best in road and gravel, but con in extreme terrain.

[@tomfaang7489]

Excelente informacion. El unico video bien explicado. Me gustaria otro video mas pausado con todas las combinaciones Maxxis. que te parece Rekon delante y Rekon race detras, para ir rapido en seco? gracias y saludos

[@ilikebacon.6483]

trek marlin 7, doing road/light dirt trails with bontrager xr2 which is trash which would be ok with mostly dry some wet roads?

[@Rezmund]

Ikon tubeless and if wet run lower psi for grip? I'm going for these on my rift zone 29er as stock veetire crown gem are slow as hell 😉😂😁

[@RobinsonHooi]

thanks for the video. any idea for maxxis crossmark?

[@DavidRios-fc5nr]

I want to run Rekon in the front and Rekon race in the back

[@can_tooth_aero8496]

Which is faster on flat roads ardent race or recon race

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

If only Maxxis would make the Rekon in a 2.3!

[@c5natie1]

Just ordered a pair of Ikons (60tpi) thanks to your recommendations. Thanks!

[@justinf7674]

DHR on the front?? Huh... Solid plug for the ikon though. Especially in hard pack east coast conditions. Fast, efficient, but still enough grip for a rear.

[@JUNRODtv]

sir ive watch this video many time and it open my mind in tire combo..but sir im planning to buy a minion dhr 2 27.5 x 2.30 for front tire and rekon race/ardent 27.5 x 2.25 for rear tire for the xc bikeis this still a good combo sir? 🇵🇭

[@mikelafferty5253]

Thoughts on the Rekon Race??

[@agungsatrio8130]

What about crossmark?

[@jiajianhou426]

where does Rekon race fit into this? The fastest, least grippy?

[@muhammad-Redha]

Hi, can I use maxxis ikon Tyre for touring bike?

[@Bliksem225]

The Maxxis Forekaster and the Vittoria Barzo look very similar tires. Which tire would you recommand the most? Which is faster rolling, more grip, more durable and more punctureproof?

[@Xminor79]

Would a Rekon on the back, and DHR II on the front be faster than High Roller II’s on both front and back?

[@Fred_the_1996]

I would recommend a rekon on the back and a DHF on the front

[@sumanth65]

which one rolls faster as a bak tire . Ardent or Rekon ?

[@markmoreno7295]

Which is faster? Recon Race or Ikon?

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

Ikon or Aspen or Ardent in the sandy desert southwest where I need speed but can't fort to wipe out on fast jeep road turns ?

[@oreallous]

I was wondering what you think of the minion ss

[@samuelacosta4838]

if I want more transition in the front, can I pair a Rekon in the rear with an Ardent in the front?

[@michaeldosedel9391]

I ran this last year and liked it

[@chrisschuele4743]

Whats good for gravel trails?

[@wrxgereboost]

I have been running ikon 26 x 2.2 front and rear for a year now for gravel trails and they are fantastic, getting ready to try them In 29x2.6 , cant wait to see what they are like in that size.

[@kowioutdoortv]

Dhr on the front ? 🤔 Unfortunately need some compromise because I downhill what I uphill, so need tyre for climbing as good as for downhill, what to choose ? Rekon family ? So far I have Dhr on the back and thinking about dhf or Schwalbe magic Mary on front, but bit worried how tough, difficult will be climbing, rolling resistance and weight 🤔 really tough decision

[@thomasnguyen5639]

Easy just use the Assegai front and rear

[@keirfarnum6811]

The “Double Ass” set up (according to Jeff anyways)! 😁

[@fthat8260]

What about Rekon race?

[@user-oz3oh6cd4e]

forecaster 2.35 front ikon 2.2 rear or recon 2.4/recon race

[@johnbcardin]

Why no Rekon Race?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

That is a good tire no doubt but it's more rare, less sizing and casing options and not as popular or common so I left it out. But it is for sure a good tire!

[@manuelcobian2355]

How much I need to tightened the screws Nm

[@milkman2591]

What happened to the maxlite 310?

[@DC-uf7yx]

Really don't know what tyres to use as want to race 2 or 3 XC races in uk but otherwise be riding mud/rocks more general riding but not anything extreme as got hardtail xc bike and no skill

[@banksbanks5461]

What setup you recommend for the street and slight trail and rocks ? I got 27.5 x 2.10 right now

[@piotrus5552]

So for soft mud, autumn condition Forekaster front and Ardent Race rear is good option?

[@NoProDad]

Hey Im running good year newton st 2.6 in front, and it always slides out on me at pretty much any speed on loose dirt. Is this tire crap? Why would keep that from tire planted more for aggressive riding. Ohh yeah my rear is dhr2. Feedback would be great!!

[@djcoolitoff]

Just got 2 Maxxis Ardent 26x2.4 Folding Dual-Compound Exo Tubeless Tire for a trek marlin 7 is that a good choice that’s what was recommended at my bike shop