Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35 vs Ikon 2.35 for Front XC
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Joined
·
848 Posts
If you are only on dry hardback trails the 2.35 Ikon on the front and the 2.35 Ardent Race on the rear is a very good combination.
Oh--- If you want the bigger tire up front you definably want the 2.35 Ikon up front. It's a bigger tire than the 2.35 AR.
Oh--- If you want the bigger tire up front you definably want the 2.35 Ikon up front. It's a bigger tire than the 2.35 AR.
Joined
·
3,861 Posts
Conditions influence my choice. Most of the Maxxis I've had over decades have been good. Fast, easy, and blue groove type trails don't need side lugs and space between lugs the way mixed, soft and expert terrain does. Weight weenies and XC racers might not want the stronger casing others want or actually need.
I'd lean toward an Ikon for dry and a Forekaster for wet or where the knobs have a chance to dig in.
Both around 730g.
The Ikon is a nice faster rolling and lighter front than the AR.
The AR has better cornering knobs, but not enough to outweigh the weight and speed penalty.
Both around 730g.
The Ikon is a nice faster rolling and lighter front than the AR.
The AR has better cornering knobs, but not enough to outweigh the weight and speed penalty.
I don't like the Ikon on the front (it's not 29") for exactly one reason: the side knobs can't bite into turns and corners well, compared with something like a Rekon or Ardent. Those have more trail-oriented side knobs so they would for sure be the safer bet up front. The Ikon is not a bad tire but it's made me realize I'm not really an XC rider, I'm more of a trail rider that needs beefier side knobs --- but that of course depends on your style and trails you are doing. Ikon is fine on 100% hardpack...yes. But how many trails stay that way when they start going downhill.
Joined
·
507 Posts
Been running both, Ikon and AR and the AR is definitely and better rolling rear tyre. I currently have an Ikon front and Rekon Race rear on one of my wheels and it’s a good combo for anything but super loose conditions.
Compared to Schwalbe’s Racing Ray / Racing Ralph combo the Maxxis “equivalents” definitely roll slower and the rubber compound is hugely inferior in the wet.
Compared to Schwalbe’s Racing Ray / Racing Ralph combo the Maxxis “equivalents” definitely roll slower and the rubber compound is hugely inferior in the wet.
Joined
·
315 Posts
For me personally, for an XC front tire, I would only go bigger than 2.25 with a semi slick (for Maxxis = Aspen or Rekon Race), or stick to 2.25 with more beefier knobs.
In that case pair the Aspen rear with an Ardent front. Or go big with a 2.35 semi slick and go for the Rekon Race on the front. Great fast rolling tire with awesome side grip.
Still, if you want to stick to the Ikon or Ardent Race. I would go for the Ikon. The 2.35 Ikon is a totally different animal compared with the 2.20 Ikon and the 2.35 has way better and beefier side knobs. From that perspective, in 2.35, the Ardent Race is a bit too much of a tire for XC riding.
In that case pair the Aspen rear with an Ardent front. Or go big with a 2.35 semi slick and go for the Rekon Race on the front. Great fast rolling tire with awesome side grip.
Still, if you want to stick to the Ikon or Ardent Race. I would go for the Ikon. The 2.35 Ikon is a totally different animal compared with the 2.20 Ikon and the 2.35 has way better and beefier side knobs. From that perspective, in 2.35, the Ardent Race is a bit too much of a tire for XC riding.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
