An aggressive tread in high-volume casings distinguishes the newest addition to Maxxis' downhill and mountain disciplines. Designed with great traction in mind, the Ardent doesn't forget the racer. Large block-style side knobs offer numerous edges for high-speed corners. Center tread, while designed for braking and accelerating traction, also features ramped knobs to minimize rolling resistance. With a wide variety of size offerings, the Ardent captures every mountain rider's needs.
Submitted by
fjbordson
a Racer
from chula vista, california Date Reviewed: September 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
stuff
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
corners on rails, rolls pretty fast, just grips
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy i guess
Similar Products Used:
nevengals and ignitors as far as 29er goes
Bike Setup:
23 lb 1x9er hardtail sette razzo great frame
Bottom Line:
by far the best front tire I have ever tried, I just can't make it wash out. great grip for braking,turning and it rolls pretty fast. I run it as a front with an ignitor in rear and just love the combination. get this tire as front you won't regret it,I run it at about 27 psi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ppfeifer
a Racer
from Northern VA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Lane
Strengths:
Large Volume and Great Grip
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Mountain King 2.2, Bontrager ACX 2.2, Maxxis Ignitor and Crossmark, Michelin XC AT, and Specialized Fast Trak LK
Bike Setup:
GF Ferrous 29er with some other fun stuff
Bottom Line:
I use the Ardent specifically as a front tire but I wouldn't hesitate to try it as a back tire. Compared to my old Mountain Kings, the Ardent has almost the same traction with way more volume and a much lower rolling resistance. This tire really shines on fast downhill sections (because it is a DH tire :) ), where it soaks up bumps that used to upset my MK's. The tire's rounded profile makes for light steering on tight switch-backs. Also, the widely spaced treads don't clog easily. Give it a try. You'll like it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cruzthepug
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntsville, AL Date Reviewed: June 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Arrowhead
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
traction, fast rolling
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
most all 29er tires
Bike Setup:
Turner Sultan
Bottom Line:
Best all around 29er tire yet. There are some lighter tires for you racer types but for trail riding this tire is hard to beat. Fast rolling, great traction, sheds mud descent, nice volume for a 2.25. I usually run the at ~30 psi on Stan's Arch 29er rims tubeless without problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
photodog
a Racer
from SLO, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
gully
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
Aggressive tread, grips well in many conditions, rolls fairly well for it's tread, reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
In 29- Kenda Nevegal, Geax Saguaro, Bontrager Jones XCR, Maxxis Crossmark
Bike Setup:
Fisher G2 Paragon
Bottom Line:
Great tire, best I've found for trail riding my 29'er hardtail. I've used it in rocks, gravel, hardpack, loose over hard, sand and deep leaves and it's been the best 29'er tire I've used yet. I haven't tried mud yet but I suspect it will be ok as the tread is pretty well spaced and not at tall as the 26'er version. Too heavy for racing but for anything else, including 5 hour rides, it's my tire of choice.
I also run this tire on my Nomad and it feels very different. For the 26'er my choice for all out grip is still the Nevegal but on the 29'er I like the Ardent much more despite the tread being less deep than the 26 version. It does seem to wear better than the Nevegal too, another plus as I wear out most tires in about 3 months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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