Alison Dunlap designed the ADvantage as a high volume aggressive cross country tire that corners great on big side-knobs. It also climbs and brakes with authority thanks to the opposing parallelogram center tread design. Ramped center knobs keep rolling resistance minimal and the wide lug spacing sheds mud easily.
Submitted by
Ben Niceknownya
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Junction CO Date Reviewed: November 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gunny's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Grass Roots
Strengths:
I have the 2.4s front and rear. They have great braking and cornering grip and are very predictable. Good on all types of terrian. We don't have mud, so I can't say anything about that.
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance. Hey why do you think they brake and corner so well?
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list
Bike Setup:
SC Blur LT2
Bottom Line:
Great tires, but I'm changing to something with less rolling resistance on the back. I might put one back on the back for winter trail conditions, but under normal conditions here in GJ it is way overkill. Many people complain about the sidewall strength, but I've had no issues and GJ has plenty of rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G.Lunt
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Afon Goed
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great grip and low rolling resistance. Good price. Strong sidewalls for a light tyre. Predictable and confidence inspiring in most conditions i.e 99%.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Just no end to them.
Bike Setup:
Trek EX 9.
Bottom Line:
Really good predictable tyre. Great grip in just about enything except thick mud. Quick as in low rolling resistance. Good sidewalls and well supported lugs. Great front and back. Wear well. Great price 5/5.!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rhyko
a Weekend Warrior
from S.WAles UK Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cwmcarn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
free
Strengths:
Maxxis ADvantage 2.2
it is very tall so good snake bite resistance or you can run it a bit softer for extra traction., good traction uphillthis I think is the perfect trade between speed and grip, its light enough to fly up hills. It has weird cornering grip, I have ridden some fast twisty descents on it (27 mph+ is my idea of quick lol ok not that extreme) it slides and then grips, I think this is due to a gap from the centre tread to the edge, at 1st It scared me a bit but I now am confident that it will catch me so riding is fun again.
braking traction is unbelievable
Weaknesses:
i dont think this would make a very good front tyre.
there is a disadvantage to this tyre-its greatest strength is it's greatest weakness-when you lock this tyre up it really bites in hard (really hard) to the point it throws you forward, however i have noticed after only a few rides some of the centre treads are starting to peel off, so i am going to have to avoid locking it up from now on.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal, Maxxis Ignitor, Maxxis CRossmark, WTB wolverine, Tiga DH, Maxxis High Roller
Bike Setup:
Giant TRance heavily modified for AM/DH
Bottom Line:
Maxxis ADvantage 2.2-this is the tyre i am sticking with, it is a good tyre to ride with, however its longevity looks questionable, i shall post another response further down the line.
if you do get this tyre, try not to lock up on rough hard ground
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Micka
a Cross Country Rider
from QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Neverending
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
Good grip on most trail types and in most conditions. Good climbing traction.
Weaknesses:
Edge knobs tearing off, casing cuts.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Mountain King Protection 2.2; Vertical 2.3; Explorer 2.1
Specialized Enduro 2.25; Roll-X S-Works 2.1
Various other kenda, michelin, hutchinson.
Bike Setup:
SC Blur LT1, Fox TALAS RLC, XT kit, Hope Pro II/DT Comp/Mavic XM719 wheelset
Bottom Line:
Paid approx. AUD$50 for the 2.1 exception model.
I ride lots of steep, loose, rocky trails. I have only run this on the rear.
This tire is probably at about 60% life remaining. Last night I punctured - due to an edge knob that had torn off, taking the casing with it, exposing the tube. On closer inspection tonight, I found a second edge knob hanging by a thread and 3 others half way gone.
Only had one pinch flat since I've been running it - wasn't the tire's fault. I was running pressure a fraction too low and bombing down rocky, water-bar laden fire roads.
For non-rocky terrain this would be a great tire, and should last until you wear down the knobs. Rough rocky trails forget about it, unless you look to the harder compound versions - but then grip won't be up to scratch...
The Conti Mountain King I've been running on the front at the same time hasn't suffered any of the cuts or torn knobs that the Advantage has, despite being put through similar abuse. Unless specialized revives the Roll-X or old style Enduro I think I'll got for a Conti Rubber Queen 2.2 next time around (if I can find one and if it's at a decent price, currently balking at the AUD$80 price on CRC for the 2.4 model, no sign of the 2.2). If either of those Specialized tires are brought back from the dead I'll be buying myself a lifetime stockpile of them!
2 chilis for for value as they aren't going to last as long as they should; 3 overall as they would be good in different conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Fold
a Downhiller
from Northern Rocky Mtns Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
I have used the ADvantage eXCeption in 2.1 size as my main rear tire for the past 3 weeks of riding on all sorts of conditions -- hardpack, loose over hardpack, gravelly soils, small chunk rock, big chunk rock, rooty terrain. When I saw how big the knobs were, I expected it to roll slow like a Nevegal or Minion but it actually rolls very fast.
Best braking traction of any tire I've ever used, period.
Climbing traction is very very good.
Cornering is very predictable and typical for most Maxxis aggressive treads (High Roller, Minion, Ardent, Mofo) -- there is a slide zone between the center knobs and the edge knobs.
This is my new favorite rear tire for mixed conditions riding. Not really an XC racer tire for non-technical courses, but for rocky loose courses, this would be very hard to beat.
5/5 all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cruzian
a Downhiller
from santa cruz, ca Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
relatively fast rolling as a front
Weaknesses:
slower than most other tires (nevegal included) and the cornering is worse than most would have you believe
santa cruz 4x, xt/x9 (built for trail ripping and 4x/slalom)
Bottom Line:
I know a lot of people really like this tire, but i hated it. It was really slow as a front and had a really bad tendency to slide in semi-wet to wet conditions. Maybe it's because I like to put the bike sideways into berms, but if a front tire won't let me do that, then it's not worth running in my opinion. Even though the sliding was fairly predictable, the tire wouldn't hook up again until I brought the bike back into a more upright position. I now run the kenda nevegal 2.35 kevlar bead with cut middle knobs and it works great in the dusty/loose and even holds well on hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirt Surfer
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, CA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Guati
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Rolls well, grip is excellent climbing and bombing downhill. Large volume smooths out the trail, works well on hard pack, rocks and loose. Likes to carve when leaned, great price. works equally well on the front or rear.
Weaknesses:
holds rocks between tread too long then throws them like a 2 year old having a tantrum.
Intense 5.5, Pike 427, Juciy 5 disk, Shimano XT all around
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a high volume, good rolling tire with decent grip which could handle So Cal conditions, loose, hardpack, rocks and sand on any/every ride during the summer/fall. The ADvantage handles them all well, I expecially like the climbing grip, hooks up on the slick rocks, buried log steps and in the loose gravel. Cornering grip is better then expected, rolling resistance is low (not a low as the wierwolf LT, but better grip) and seems to be wearing well. I orginally had it on the front with good performance but swithced it with the rear Ardent because the Ardent rubbed too much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EFMax
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: April 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Swinley Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Easy to fit, light, rolls well, good all-rounder for me.
Weaknesses:
42a wears quick but the grip is good until the wear sets in.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list but I experimented with at least 6 brands before settling for these.
Bike Setup:
VPP F/S setup.
Bottom Line:
2.40 Maxxipro60a upfront. 2.25 42a on rear. The 42a grip very well but wear twice as fast as the 60a (allowing for more work being done on the rear). I run undersized tubes (1.95-2.10 with Slime sealant)
Have now done 2500 miles and I ride 35% on road (nice and quiet tire and great in the rain). My 65% off road is a mix of very loose rolling rock and rubble on light technical downhill (speeds of around 35mph for upto 800mts at a time) and more technical sandy/muddy stuff plus some very light free riding (2-3ft max drops).
I am impressed. Only one puncture in that time and the sealant took care of that. No rips, no tears, no sidewall damage at all. Easy fit and remove (folding).
Next time round I will get a MaxxiPro 60a for the rear as the 42a is way too sticky for my needs and I want better wear for my money.
Bottom line is I like this tire very much and will continue to buy replacement as and when I need to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
firstaid80
a Weekend Warrior
from wollongong Date Reviewed: April 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
possums
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
sports power
Strengths:
lots good climbing good tread....
Weaknesses:
weak sidewalls and if there not fully inflated the bike drifts a bit
Similar Products Used:
huchtchinson rock kenda negval
Bike Setup:
malvern star 9.0 rockshox recon deore xt drivetrain sun ringle rims
Bottom Line:
good tyres but they dont realy fit my bike so ill get some new ones eventually probly would be good for trail and all moutain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goldstar78i
a Downhiller
from Westfield Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
New England Bicycle
Strengths:
grippy in wet conditions
grippy in dry condition
fairly light
fairly quick rolling
Weaknesses:
the tire is much wider than advertised (maybe that's good)
sidewall is a bit thin
Similar Products Used:
specialized eskar
Bike Setup:
07 Sinister Ridge, Marzocchi drop off lowered, Ride DH crankset w/ e13 chainguide, Deore XT/LX drivetrain with shortcage, Onyx on Rhyno Lite XL wheels.
Bottom Line:
I've used this tire on extreme downhills AND fast cross country rides. Flatted once or maybe twice. The sidewalls do seem a bit thin as I've only had this tire for a year and threads are poking out. However, I think it really depends on how smooth a rider you are when it comes to cutting sidewalls. A while ago when I rode FS and wasn't smooth, I cut downhill tires. Now that I ride hardtail exclusively, I can ride XC tires in the worst conditions with almost no flats or cuts.
Back to the tire: it grips very well on wet rocks and soil. Rolls pretty quick. Very very high volume for the advertised width. My 2.4 seems more like a 2.8
If you can get it for cheap, it's awesome. Otherwise stick to specialized because of the warranty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cesslinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Az Date Reviewed: March 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
SoMo National/Mormon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with 08 CoilAir
Strengths:
Easy to set the bead when using Stan's. Decent grip, climbs well.
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal, Maxxis Mobster
Bike Setup:
CoilAir, Marzochi Bomber, Fox Rp23
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to learn how to ride down hill on South Mountain. It is rocky and lots of cholla and cactus. I ripped the rear Advantage the second time riding the bike on a not too crazy stair step section of National. The front tire ripped in the sidewall going down 32nd street trail. So far, I would reccomend this as a aggressive cross country tire, but not downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hitek79
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: January 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Beefy, awesome grip, seems pretty tough so far
Weaknesses:
Price maybe, but I think all bike tires are over priced.
Similar Products Used:
ADvantage front tire, High Roller rear
Bike Setup:
Spec Enduro SL
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike used, but it had only been ridden 3 times, so the Spec Resolutions that came on the bike were practically new. I never felt comfortable on those tires, at various PSI's. I stuck with those tires for way too long because I felt like spending $100 on two tires was too much. What a mistake that was. The first time out on this combo was like riding a whole new bike. Descending was finally how I imagined it would be on that bike. Fast!!! My confidence was thru the roof. I've actually started riding the Enduro much more lately because descending is so much more fun now.
I can't really comment on the weight or rolling resistance because I could go to lose about 20lbs and don't really notice a few extra grams on a bike that already weighs 30lbs. That, and the fun factor on the downhill is worth the weight on the uphill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MultiRider
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Climbing rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Cornering grip
Similar Products Used:
Lots and lots of tires
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
I started XC racing pretty seriously this year in Winter Park. I had a Small Block 8 on the front and it worked very well for most conditions (somewhat soft to hard to rocks), but loaded up immediately in mud or really soft and it scared me to death at speed on loose-over-hard. The SB8 pushes and skates and locks under braking on gravel roads or any other loose-over-hard surface.
A friend recommended the ADvantage to me. I put it on and it is a MASSIVE improvement in traction for the front end. Rolls pretty well and grips really well. Pretty light weight as well. My downhill confidence has increased dramatically and my speed has risen significantly.
I haven't tried it on the back, but it is a really good front tire. I don't specifically recall what size I got, but it was the smallest / lightest one.
It would be MOST helpful if people would put a little more context in their reviews -- using it on the front? rear? both? do you ride buff singletrack? rocks? soft/mud?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MCtigre
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Emma Long
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Hammerhead Bikes
Strengths:
Great grip. Great speed.
Weaknesses:
Heavy compared to my 2.35 Nevegals. Yeah I had a rear tire flat on pavement. I put in Kenda 2.3 to 2.7 tubes non dh and everything is fine now. The Casing is a great volume but I expected these tires to have a wider or more volume nobbies. They seem abit narrow for the size tire that it is.
Similar Products Used:
Nevegals
Bike Setup:
06 Nomad, 08 55eta, Pushed DHX5 coil and XO.
Bottom Line:
This is my 1st set of Maxxis tires. They are a bit Heavy. I like the way these feel. They roll very fast. They have great grip but the tread pattern is a bit narrow for the 2.4 casing. My back tire barely fits. So far I really like these tires and would recommend them to anyone who rides hard pack and loose terain too. I live in Austin and when it doesnt rain for a while the dirt gets very slippery. These tires hook up better than my Nevegals did. After a short rain when the ground is tacky this tire is unbelevible. I will give it 4 stars because its only been 2 months. I will report back in about 4 more months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KnoxvilleNorris
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
Earth Traverse
Strengths:
Excellent tread pattern has greatly increased my uphill climbs. It seems these tires roll over everything and do not wash out while cornering in loose surfaces.
Weaknesses:
These tires don't seem to shed mud too well. However, I haven't owned a tire yet that does. In East TN, the trails hold mud for days after an afternoon shower, so mud is something I encounter ofter and would like a tire that sheds well if anyone can suggest one.
Similar Products Used:
Bontranger
Bike Setup:
2005 Gary Fisher Tassajara Disc
Bottom Line:
I love these tires. They have really improved my riding over the Bontrangers that I owned previously.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joel
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
lots of traction and agressive tread, good for muddy/all round conditions
Weaknesses:
Too soft/thin
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer
Bike Setup:
whyte 46
Bottom Line:
These were the first "Serious" tires I have used. All was well to start, but after a short ride along a canal tow path, I had too many punctures from Thorns to count! I think the compound is a bit too soft, and allows objects to be "picked up" in the tire and then pushed in upon every revolution.
I repaired the punctures and gave them a second chance, but started to get pinch flats aswell, so decided to change to panaracer tires.
If they were only more hard wearing I'd buy some more but as they are now, no thanks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a
from Kansas City Date Reviewed: March 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Landahl
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Very impressive mud shedding abilities, good on climbs, very low rolling resistance for a 2.4 tire.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory DH 2.3, High Rollers, Minions.
Bike Setup:
Bottle Rocket.
Bottom Line:
I don't normally run to mtbr to share my opinions on much, especially if I haven't spent much time with the product. I spent 5 hours riding a set of these tires yesterday and gave them a pretty solid testing on trails that ranged from tacky hard pack to nothing-but-rocks and pretty-gooey.
These tires did pretty well. Pretty damn well, actually. Normally I would reserve sharing any opinions I have about a product until I've used it for a while. But these tires are probably the best 'aggressive XC' tires I've ever used since High Rollers.
I was a little concerned about some reviews mentioning pinch flatting. I ride some really rocky stuff and didn't pinch flat once. Just for the record I tip the scales at about 255 pounds, so pinch flats are my worst enemy. After a couple hours of riding I found myself intentionally putting these tires in situations I wouldn't normally be in. I would throw the bike harder and lower in muddy turns to see how they hooked up and they did fine. Then I would climb a rocky section out of the saddle in a harder gear to see how easily they would break traction; they didn't....at all...ever. Impressive. Then I cased straight into a rock transition on a 6 foot gap jump (okay, this one was purely by accident because I thought I had enough speed) and I didn't pinch flat. I'd have to say these tires are pretty stellar. No tire is pinch flat proof, but I'd say these tires should hold up equally well with other XC tires. What I was most impressed with was their mud shedding ability. We spent the first part of the day cutting in a bunch of new trail. I test rode the new trail, which was all sorts of gooey, with a few other guys. By the end of the trail our tires were packed and covered to the max. But within a quarter mile of getting back on the drier trails (which were still pretty tacky) my tires looked brand new.
Although I wouldn't dream of putting these tires on a DH/FR bike or using these tires on any bike that will be hitting rocks at more than 25mph, if you're looking for a meaty XC tire that won't weigh you down these tires are pretty impressive. These tires aren't a way for you to lighten up your DH/FR bike so I'm guessing that maybe some of the negative reviews of these tire may have been from people hitting up some higher speed runs with these on bigger bikes. But I could be wrong.
If you ride XC and would like a meatier tire, these are worth checking out.
I've never given anything a 5 star/tire/chili review but I think I'm going to have to say these are worthy of the highest rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norman
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan Cyn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Braking grip, cornering grip. Fast roller.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are thin and thus vulnerable. Common story for lightweight tires this size.
Similar Products Used:
Rampage, Nevegal, Spec Resolution
Bike Setup:
Kona Coilair Supreme
Bottom Line:
Excellent all around all mountain tire. Braking and cornering inspire confidence. Uphill drive also quite good. 60a rubber is a good compromize in grip, rolling resistance and wear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Les Botha
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne , Australia Date Reviewed: January 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield / YouYangs/Westerfold park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good traction on the loose stuff.
Weaknesses:
Drifts a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Hansveture, crossmark.
Bike Setup:
Gaint Trance 1
Bottom Line:
It has good traction when climbing in various terrains, but gets bit loose in corners, but hey its early days yet.All round i will keep it for a bit longer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson NV. Date Reviewed: December 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bootleg
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good traction, High flotation. Wear far better than Kendas.
Weaknesses:
None that I can find.
Similar Products Used:
Geax Sturdy, Kenda Kinectics.
Bike Setup:
06 Mountain Cycle San Andreas DHS.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2.4 Advantage. I love these things, as a high volume all mountain tire. I'm stumped by the ripped sidewalls complaints. I ride in sharp lava rock at Bootleg Canyon and have never ripped a tire. I use the 2.4 Advantage up front and a 2.35 Minion DHF on the rear with very good results. The terrain I ride on is usually dry, but is a mixxed bag of loose, hardpack and off camber rock slabs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Kay
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle, NSW. Australia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt Stromlo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Grippy, predictable all rounder
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Geax Sturdy, Tioga yellow kirin & blue dragon, Ritchey Z-Max classic & Elevador, Hutchison Piranha, Maxxis Larsen TT etc
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant Trance - doesn't need any modifications.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2.1 foldable version.
These are a great all round tyre which I use on the front with either a Hutchison Piranha or Maxxis Larsen TT on the back. While they aren't the best front tyre I've ever used (that would be the Tioga Yellow Kirin) they are pretty close and half the price in Australia. Very predictable, good wear and despite what others have said, they are tough - although I'm not using these puppies for AM, only cross country, trail riding and enduros.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Secret, CO
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Fix
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance. Decent climbing/braking traction.
I was initially disappointed when I put these on because they tend to drift pretty badly when cornering in loose sand & rock, but they do roll fast so I thought I'd give them a fair shot. Unfortunately they didn't give me a chance. On my 3rd ride with these I managed to tear the sidewall on a rocky decent. Granted it's a steep trail with plenty of jagged rock, but I ride this same trail weekly and have never ripped a sidewall on it using other brands. After reading other's posts it seems this wasn't just a fluke.. These are coming off tomorrow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, US Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
West Mag, Rusty Buys
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Nice looking tire, good traction and seem to have a low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewall
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign1 XL
Bottom Line:
Loved this tire until the sidewall blew. After checking the rubber around the rupture, there appeared to be no scuffing or anything that looks like a rip. It looked to me as if there was an incomplete coverage of the ply on the sidewall. Also the rubber is thinner than paper on the sides. In my opinion, this is a dangerous tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brotherhood of the wheel
a Racer
from The Bucket, RI, USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lumpkin's Pumpkin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
bikeman.com
Strengths:
High Volume. Great cornering. GRIP!!! Rolls great for a tire with such crazy grip. Controlled drift on loose-over-hardpack is great. I've used the eXception series 2.1s going on 3 seasons now and I won't stop. I run the eXceptions tubeless with stan's yellow tape. The hold their own on anything from moist and loamy to dry and rocky. Hicky hockey in da mockey!!
Weaknesses:
None. Some say the sidewall wears out but hey, it's a tire. Especially the race compounds, if you get a season out of them that's plenty. If you want stronger sidewalls (and more heft) get the LUST tubeless version.
Similar Products Used:
Lots of MAXXIS.
Bike Setup:
Scandium HT, Fox 80mm, disc brakes, Stans tubeless
Bottom Line:
Papi says, to do da job - get da phat knob
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
El Chingon
a Downhiller
from Santa Clara, UT Date Reviewed: April 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
These tires are great in the corners, and the high volume makes for a nice wide footprint. These tires also have great braking traction
Weaknesses:
The sidewalls are the worst of any tire I have ever run. My riding group have purchased 7 of these tires, and 5 of them have tears in the sidewalls after less than 2 weeks use.
Similar Products Used:
We usually run Kenda Nevegals, and Schwalbe Big Betty's.
Bike Setup:
2007 RFX. 2007 Zoke 66 SL ATA, Push'd DHX in the rear. Avid Code disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
I really like this tire at first. I hyped it to all my buddies after only 3 rides or so. Cornered as well as a 2.5 Nevegal, and braked even better. So all my friends bought them, and within a couple of rides, they all started getting tears in the side walls. The bottomline is, that this tire needs a thicker sidewall, and it could the best AM tire on the market. Until that happens, we will no longer endorse the Advantage. Back to the Nevegals, and Big Bettys for us.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a
from nc Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
These tires have many strengths. They roll fast,they grip wet or try, and they corner great.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis High Rollers, WTB Velociraptors
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is these tire are great. I really liked my High Rollers, so much so that I bought them more than once. However these ADvantage tires are incredible. I cant believe that they are better than the high rollers in everyway. They work in mud, on wet roots, and on loose over hardpack. They climb as well as the high rollers which is saying something. I have the 2.4's and they roll over everything, they are like having an extra inch of travel up front. They roll so much easier that I can pull a higher gear than I did with the high rollers or the velocirators. The velocirators are not even in the same leaque. Bottom line, buy them, they are awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Weekend Warrior
from Out West Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
These were the 2.4's. The traction for climbing and cornering is pretty good when you find the sweet spot for air pressure. Great high volume tire. Rolls pretty good for a bigger tire.
Weaknesses:
SIDEWALLS!!!!! Advertised as an enduro all-mountain tire. NOT!! Sidewall on one tire gave out and tore before even two months. Other tire is showing excessive wear on sidewall also. Single-ply 60 TPI=weak for this type of tire. I know Maxxis makes a bunch of single-ply tires and they all hold up pretty well. Wonder what happened to this one.
Similar Products Used:
Continental 2.3 vertical pros, currently 2.5 diesels, WTB's, other various tires that I can't remember right now
Bike Setup:
'05 CDale Prophet with some non-stock stuff
Bottom Line:
Tires have great traction for climbing and cornering, but other than that, nothing. Rode these tires in the same places I have ridden other tires and these just didn't hold up. All the other tires I've had in the past held up much better than these. The sidewalls are just weak. They are very prone to cuts and tears due to being so thin(single-ply and only 60 TPI). Even just scuffing them on rocks seemed to be taking its toll on them. I questioned that when I bought them, but thought I'd give em a try. I only had about 350 miles on them. Oh well, you never know until you try. The one that is still kinda good just hangs in the shed in case I'm ever in dire need of a temporary tire. Have to give em 2 flaming turds for value since they are kinda spendy and 2 more flaming turds for the overall since they do offer pretty good traction and high volume of air, but that's bout all. If you do ride where it isn't too rocky, they might work pretty good.
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Submitted by
T.N.T.
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All Teknikal Trail Out There
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
R.E.I. Boulder
Strengths:
I bought the 2.4's for the front and rear of my Yeti 575. These tires are the BOMB!!! They hook up great on slanted rock slabs, great traction through loose dirt and will roll over just about anything in it's path. Quick response and lightweight. Low rolling resistance as I can coast faster than some of my friends with smaller skinnier tires.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Minion DH (2.35)
Bike Setup:
2005 Yeti 575; Fox Float RLC; FSA Carbon Cranks and Spinergy Wheels.
Bottom Line:
Buy a set of (2.4's) and you won't be disappointed. Made for the All Mountain type of riding in you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Foreign
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
BTI
Strengths:
Good grippy tires, good braking, farely elastic. Do not get clogged with mud, relatively low rolling resistance for the 60a compound version. Light.
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately, these tires/I run 2.1 kevlar 60a/ are a bit too lose, as metioned in some of the other reviews. initially they felt so unusually loose that I thought that I might have a loose bearing or something.Not the case, and if you are not too picky, one can get used to that feeling, because after all it is just the feeling of the tire, they do not slide out or "tuck under". My dissapointment came with the tear of the sidewall of the front tire. I do not recall any serious contact or accidents on that side of the bike. I am somewhat dissapointed at that weakness, maxxis should know better than that/had a larsen tt for 2 1/2 years!!/
decked out treck 4500...xt, xtr, my custom build wheels, avid 185 mech's dirt jumper 3 "04....
Bottom Line:
good tire, weak sidewall, use caution in rocky terrains!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Lopez
a Downhiller
from Phoenix AZ, USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any one I can find.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
BAD ASS! Fairly wide tire for its rating! Not bad at all
Weaknesses:
Will drift on ya, if you don't watch it! they come predictibly when you get use to them.
Similar Products Used:
tioga factory XC, IRC Mibro's,
Bike Setup:
Jamis dakar XLT, Fox, Manitou, FSA, all the good stuff! Badd ass bike as well!
Bottom Line:
Maxxis in my opinion makes the best tires out there. this is a great on to add on to the family, fairly new, came out last year. tried em out, once you get a pair, you won't want anything else, Bottom line, these tires rock! they hold cornering, eccelerate quikly for so big a tire! there sidewalls are armored heavily, you can run em low, no prob. Pretty much, if you want a great XC tire that can hold up to All MTN @ freeride conditions, yet still be fast and strong, you won't be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Macon, GA, USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Arrowhead Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tech
Strengths:
High volume makes for a great hardtail ride. The traction in corners is remarkable. Get the harder durometer version and they last a good while.
Weaknesses:
That the easiest tire to get up to speed in a race.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis High Roller, Ignitor, Ranchero, Larsen Mimo. Fire XC.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail.
Bottom Line:
I raced and rode these all last season. Great grip in corners and a nice cushy feel out back. If you are the hardest of hradcore XC racers, you might feel compelled to call these boat anchors, though, and go with something that is lighter and rolls a little faster. For general riding or for endurance events, these are perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Outriding
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: April 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Good volume (2.4) - measure like many 2.5s
Weaknesses:
None yet, but wear might be an issue. These aren't 'STICK-E' but they are soft.
Similar Products Used:
Blue Groove, Yellow Kirkins, Evil Twins
Bottom Line:
Fast rolling, big volume tire that you can pedal up, and air down if you need. I find they have handled well in all conditions, including mud. Their only real challenge was wet rock, but I was up near 50PSI - which if I aired down, I'm sure would have let these hook up better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
freddie
a Cross Country Rider
from harbor City, CA USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light weight for a full knobby 2.1 tire (590 grams on a digital scale).
Weaknesses:
Knobs are very weak. After one semi-rocky ride, some of the "wings" between the center knobs were tearing and the center knobs themselves were starting to crumble.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegals in 2.1 and 1.95, Fire XC Pro, Specialized Roll X.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight with wheels built by Gravy Wheels (Mavic 517, Hugi 240 S, DT Supercomp spokes).
Bottom Line:
Maxxis sells two compounds a softer compound designed for racing and a harder compound for more durability. I e-mailed Maxxis and they informed me that the softer compound tire holds up pretty well for day to day use. NOT! The knobs showed major amounts of wear after 1 ride.
Kenda Nevegals have excellent durability even though the rubber durometer is no harder than the Maxxis. Traction (IMHO) is better as well. If you decide to get the Maxxis tire, it would probably be best to at least put the harder compound version on the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Dion
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NH Date Reviewed: April 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Isinglas Gonic Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Nice round profile. The side "AD" treads really bite and hold corners well. Seems to have low rolling resistance and makes for a fast, aggressive tire. Best for fairly hard, dry terrain.
Weaknesses:
Does not shed mud as well as other designs.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Motoraptor, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, WTB Epic
Bike Setup:
04 Weyless SP Pro. Maxxis ADvantage 2.1
Bottom Line:
Get these if you need a good all around tire. Put em on the front and rear for extra bite around corners. These treads will really grab like no other. Fairly fast and light. OK in the mud, but better for hard, dry conditions. These will be my permanent tires year-round!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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