MTB Tire / Wheel Comparison, Review, Information Thread

**TuaDog** · 07-17-2008, 09:51 AM

Maxxis Ardent
2.4 3C DH Casing Front / 2.4 60a DH Casing Rear
Surface: Loose, rocky, hardpack, etc.....
Traction: The Shiznit!!!!
Sidewalls: Burly, no issues.
Rolling Resistance: Pretty damn good for a tire with this much grip. Faster than a 2.5 High Roller. Slower than a dedicated XC tire
Compound / WearTC: Only about a week on them so hard to say. But based on similare Maxxis experience with the same compounds, the 60a should give you up to a full season of use. The 3C will last about half a season unless you corner like a Mofo.
Pressure used: 40PSI
Weight: Don't know for sure, but I'm thinking they're over a grand. A little heavy but worth it.
Comments: I mounted these on my Preston and they have seen mostly Northern Utah riding. A couple days of lifter served at Deer Valley, and some long XC rides on PC singletrack. They corner amazingly and give tons of confidence when laying the bike over in loose rocky terrain. The size is perfect for your beefy all mountain rig. Weight weenies might want to stay away. I've found them to be incredibly fast for the traction that they provide. Haven't experienced a pinch flat yet and I am typically famous for these. I'm in love with these tires and they are my new tire of choice for freeride and all mountain riding.

**bagtagley** · 07-17-2008, 09:58 AM

The Larsen is a great tire if you live somewhere that the trails are always tacky all the turns are bermed. They basically have no shoulder knobs, so they're like slicks on anything loose. They definitely roll fast and are light, but that's about it.

**Danno** · 07-17-2008, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

The Larsen is a great tire if you live somewhere that the trails are always tacky all the turns are bermed. They basically have no shoulder knobs, so they're like slicks on anything loose. They definitely roll fast and are light, but that's about it.

yeah, that definitely does not describe the riding around here. so it's confirmed that I should change them out, but to what? do I leave the High Roller on the front and change out the rear? move the high roller to the rear and put something on the front? do I have to worry about clearance on the rear? (it's this year's 575).

**BushwackerinPA** · 07-17-2008, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

The Larsen is a great tire if you live somewhere that the trails are always tacky all the turns are bermed. They basically have no shoulder knobs, so they're like slicks on anything loose. They definitely roll fast and are light, but that's about it.

translation

awesome in pa on the hardpack, would be the suck in utah in the moon dust.

**concretejungle** · 07-17-2008, 09:07 PM

Need a tire for the dry gravely granite in the loose, dry Front Range areas, any suggestions? Cheap and wears slowly are fairly important as I suck ass on a bike.

**tromano's short post** · 07-17-2008, 11:00 PM

Specialized Eskar
2.3 Control 2bliss Casing, Rear
Surface: Loose, rocky, hardpack, etc.....
Traction: Very nice. Solid grip pattern for climbing and braking. Predictable drift, side knobs bite well when engaged.
Sidewalls:No issues for me. It is a XC casing with a AM tread.
Rolling Resistance: Fairly slow compared to an XC tire. But still decent for a trail tire.
Compound / WearTC: Used for about a month. Seem good so far.
Pressure used: 35psi
Weight: About 700g, very lite considering the size and performance.
Comments: Trails were getting loose and I wanted a more aggressive rear tire. I was attracted by the tread pattern. This thing has some great performance on loose rock and soil, dust, and other variable conditions. I like the predictable drifting when cornering on loose stuff. True to big volume for a 2.3. I have heard some horror stories about how people have popped these tires or torn sidewalls on rocks. I am guessing it was an issue of them being too aggressive on a tire with an XC casing on it. So far no issues.

**uncle crud** · 07-31-2008, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by TuaDog

Maxxis Ardent
2.4 3C DH Casing Front / 2.4 60a DH Casing Rear
Surface: Loose, rocky, hardpack, etc.....
Traction: The Shiznit!!!!
Sidewalls: Burly, no issues.
Rolling Resistance: Pretty damn good for a tire with this much grip. Faster than a 2.5 High Roller. Slower than a dedicated XC tire
Compound / WearTC: Only about a week on them so hard to say. But based on similare Maxxis experience with the same compounds, the 60a should give you up to a full season of use. The 3C will last about half a season unless you corner like a Mofo.
Pressure used: 40PSI
Weight: Don't know for sure, but I'm thinking they're over a grand. A little heavy but worth it.
Comments: I mounted these on my Preston and they have seen mostly Northern Utah riding. A couple days of lifter served at Deer Valley, and some long XC rides on PC singletrack. They corner amazingly and give tons of confidence when laying the bike over in loose rocky terrain. The size is perfect for your beefy all mountain rig. Weight weenies might want to stay away. I've found them to be incredibly fast for the traction that they provide. Haven't experienced a pinch flat yet and I am typically famous for these. I'm in love with these tires and they are my new tire of choice for freeride and all mountain riding.

I got a pair to demo from Maxxis back in May. In the 29" version. I rode them consistently on trails I know well, and on some I don't know well. In essence I gave them 10/10 in every category on which Maxxis asked for feedback.

I used them on hardpack, on sandy grit over hardpack, on loose forest duff/decomp/loam, on small loose rocks over hardpack, on big semi-loose rocks that you have to surf, and on irregular fixed rocky terrain. They are the most impressive tire I've ever ridden. They provide all the traction of the Minion DH, same sure-footed feel, with a hell of a lot faster rolling and acceleration. They are also slightly taller in profile than most Maxxis (other than the ADvantage). They have the high-quality "springy" Maxxis casing feel. Very precise steering. If you hop around while descending at speed, these tires will leave you planted where you land, they are predictable as fuck.

I need to try them in the 26" but the engineers at Maxxis told me that all their test pilots found the performance equal between the 29" and 26" versions.

I wonder if they'll replace the High Roller as a new Maxxis favorite DH tire.

**bagtagley** · 07-31-2008, 11:06 AM

crud, what was your issue w/ the Nevegal? The unpredictaslip to face plant?

**uncle crud** · 07-31-2008, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

crud, what was your issue w/ the Nevegal? The unpredictaslip to face plant?

No, not really. I didn't have many issues with it. It's a pretty good tire. I understand Kidwoo's point about the soil-clearing channel, but I don't ride Tahoe Surf Dirt -- we have compact soils, rocks, duff. Not much powdery dirt. Also, I don't square off my turns -- I ride a round line whenever possible.

I'd say that compared to the Nevegal (and the Panaracer Rampage), the Ardent rolls faster, is more predictable, has a MUCH better trail feel, has a better casing feel, and is lighter. The traction in difficult conditions was actually slightly better on the Ardent, even though it has fewer knobs and the knobs it does have are much shallower/shorter than those on the Nevegal.

I intend to use Ardents from now until I find something better. Anyone who wants some 29" Nevegals or Rampages should PM me, I will let them go cheap, they don't have lots of wear.

**LeeLau** · 07-31-2008, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by tromano's short post

Specialized Eskar
2.3 Control 2bliss Casing, Rear
Surface: Loose, rocky, hardpack, etc.....
Traction: Very nice. Solid grip pattern for climbing and braking. Predictable drift, side knobs bite well when engaged.
Sidewalls:No issues for me. It is a XC casing with a AM tread.
Rolling Resistance: Fairly slow compared to an XC tire. But still decent for a trail tire.
Compound / WearTC: Used for about a month. Seem good so far.
Pressure used: 35psi
Weight: About 700g, very lite considering the size and performance.
Comments: Trails were getting loose and I wanted a more aggressive rear tire. I was attracted by the tread pattern. This thing has some great performance on loose rock and soil, dust, and other variable conditions. I like the predictable drifting when cornering on loose stuff. True to big volume for a 2.3. I have heard some horror stories about how people have popped these tires or torn sidewalls on rocks. I am guessing it was an issue of them being too aggressive on a tire with an XC casing on it. So far no issues.

That's funny. I thought these tires blew. They have a habit of not being predicatable when cornering on loose stuff - which just goes to show that everyone has an opinion I guess. These came stock on a Specialized Enduro. We swapped out for a Panaracer FR 2.4 and it was much better. Admittedly the Panaracer is of a different class of tire

**truth** · 07-31-2008, 12:05 PM

Conti Mountain King UST/non-UST 2.4
Where: front & rear
Traction: Superb...Utah rocks, moon dust and rocky moon dust, even better in the wet.
Pressure: 25-35
Wear: Excellent still on my first set from April though the rear is getting close to replacement. Have not had a flat this year.
Resistance: On the slower side
Sidewalls: excellent, running the non-UST tubeless is not an issue
Weight: 200#

**Arty50** · 07-31-2008, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by uncle crud

No, not really. I didn't have many issues with it. It's a pretty good tire. I understand Kidwoo's point about the soil-clearing channel, but I don't ride Tahoe Surf Dirt -- we have compact soils, rocks, duff. Not much powdery dirt. Also, I don't square off my turns -- I ride a round line whenever possible.

I'd say that compared to the Nevegal (and the Panaracer Rampage), the Ardent rolls faster, is more predictable, has a MUCH better trail feel, has a better casing feel, and is lighter. The traction in difficult conditions was actually slightly better on the Ardent, even though it has fewer knobs and the knobs it does have are much shallower/shorter than those on the Nevegal.

I intend to use Ardents from now until I find something better. Anyone who wants some 29" Nevegals or Rampages should PM me, I will let them go cheap, they don't have lots of wear.

Cool review, thanks. How does the width compare to the Nevegals? What's the 2.4 Advert like compared to the 2.35 Nevegal. Also, I'm a big fan of the DTC Nevegals. What would be comparable, 3C or 60a. The few reviews I've read make it sound like the 60a Ardent is softer than normal but rolls super well still.

**TuaDog** · 08-01-2008, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by Arty50

Cool review, thanks. How does the width compare to the Nevegals? What's the 2.4 Advert like compared to the 2.35 Nevegal. Also, I'm a big fan of the DTC Nevegals. What would be comparable, 3C or 60a. The few reviews I've read make it sound like the 60a Ardent is softer than normal but rolls super well still.

Width is just slightly narrower than the Nevegal, but not by much. In terms of cornering grip the 3C is more akin to the Stick E in the Nevegal but with the rolling resistance of the DTC. I'm just running a 60a in the rear but it seems pretty quick to me.

**uncle crud** · 08-01-2008, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Arty50

Cool review, thanks. How does the width compare to the Nevegals? What's the 2.4 Advert like compared to the 2.35 Nevegal. Also, I'm a big fan of the DTC Nevegals. What would be comparable, 3C or 60a. The few reviews I've read make it sound like the 60a Ardent is softer than normal but rolls super well still.

I'll add to TuaDog's comments...

Yep, 2.2 Ardent is slightly narrower in width, slightly taller in profile (more volume) compared to the 2.2 Nevegal. Maxxpro 60A compound seems to grip as well as Kenda Stick-E, with much lower rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is lower than a DTC Kenda, IMO.

60A is the Durometer on the Maxxpro. If I remember correctly, Stick-E is somewhere around 50 on the Durometer scale, and 3C has some areas that are in the 40s... super slow rebounding, super-sticky. I've never ridden a 3C but I think Kidwoo has spent time on them.

**Danno** · 08-22-2008, 02:10 PM

I ended up replacing that Larsen TT with the ADvantage, but not because I specifically chose it, I noticed the sidewall of the Larsen had ripped and the tube was bulging through, eek! Had to buy a tire ASAP for the ride I was going on in 15 minutes, and the Advantage seemed like the best choice on the fly at my LBS. It may be my imagination, but the Advantage seemed to grip a bit better but be a little slower than the Larsen.

But I was shopping for tires long term, and I am really confused. Can someone explain what the differences are, for ex. here? http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/ItemMa...l&MatrixType=1
The "UST" I see places means tubeless, right? But what about the compound differences? Or folding versus what? Wire bead? I was considering buying a High Roller 2.35 (which is what is on my front) and was stymied by all the choices. And yet some places, like pricepoint (see here http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/142...-26-x-2.35.htm) don't seem to provide all the details/choices.

Sorry for being such a bike jong. On the plus side, with all the thorns and ripped tires recently, I'm getting much better at changing tubes.

**Danno** · 08-25-2008, 10:18 AM

Bueller? Is there a page that provides some basic guidance for all these tire terms?

**snoweater** · 08-29-2008, 01:36 PM

http://sheldonbrown.com/glossary-b.html

This "might" help you Danno.
Wire = heavier/stronger
folding = lighter/less strong unless it's kevlar folding.

some sites like pricepoint don't offer all the options, that's why you don't see them.

The different compounds used on tires are for added traction in different situations. A tire that is "3c" includes 3 different compounds of varying softness, eg. softest rubber on the side tread to help stick in cornering, hardest rubber on the center tread to help fast rolling/long wear, etc.

And if you get tired of changing/buying tubes, search "ghetto tubeless" or stan's tubeless.

**snoweater** · 03-19-2009, 02:04 PM

tire buying season *bump*

Kidwoo recently advocated the Kenda Lopes el Moco. looks like a crossbreed of a weirwolf & minion. Mutts are the best.

**XtrPickels** · 03-19-2009, 07:52 PM

Hmm. I'll have to start updating this again

**Danno** · 03-20-2009, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

I ended up replacing that Larsen TT with the ADvantage, but not because I specifically chose it, I noticed the sidewall of the Larsen had ripped and the tube was bulging through, eek! Had to buy a tire ASAP for the ride I was going on in 15 minutes, and the Advantage seemed like the best choice on the fly at my LBS. It may be my imagination, but the Advantage seemed to grip a bit better but be a little slower than the Larsen.

Since this was bumped, that ADvantage lasted all of 3 rides before it got a cut on it's sidewall and burst. Replaced it with the Ardent 2.25, and am very happy. The Ardent grips better and seems to roll as well or better.

**tromano** · 03-20-2009, 01:16 PM

After about 2 months use I cut the sidewalls on my Eskar. I think it was just on a sharp stick. The cuts sealed up with stans temporarily and eventually I put a tube patch on the inside to solidify it. Has been fine since. Still like it for a more agressive trail tire... Perhpas the armadillo casing would last better.

**PowTron** · 03-20-2009, 01:19 PM

Kenda Nevegal 2.7 Stick E

BEST Freeride Tire I have ever had for traction, cornering, etc...granted I haven't tried many, but they are lightyears better then my Maxxis setups I have had over the years, and WAY cheaper.

My 2 cents

**trainnvain** · 03-20-2009, 01:38 PM

I like my michys:

Pic is the all mtn get-up. All Mtn Xtrems in 2.5 (same pattern as the 24DHs, which I use as well, these are just lighter and give up some durability and can't run em as low) .
One note is I like to run em backwards. I lose some rolling (These have great rolling resistance when running forward) but make up in square turn grip.
I also cut the knobs down behind the very outer knobs for shedding and and a little slide release in turns (same with the 24DHs, not with 16DHs).
Grippy tire, short life, great rocky, mixed terrain tire.

**Natedogg** · 03-20-2009, 02:39 PM

Didn't pay much attention to this at first, but now that I'm looking at a new set of rubber, I'm paying more attention. Great resource, but probably too much for a thread like this? Need a huge spreadsheet. Something like Weightweenies, but needs to be continually updated. Such a pain. And I find WIDELY varying weights listed, and especially actual weight vs declared weight. Brain overload.

**Dickeymotto** · 03-20-2009, 05:34 PM

WTB Moto Raptor 2.4
Front / Rear: booth
Surface: Loose gravely Utah dirt, slickrock, chalky dusty Moab dirt, dry rocks
Traction: good on loose stuff, predictable, hooks up well on climbs, good all arounder if your not sure what will work, never had any braking issues (but my brakes did suck so its hard to tell)
Sidewalls: feels soft, but not as soft as Nevegal
Rolling Resistance: its no XC tire, but it rolls pretty good, faster than Nevegal
Compound / Wear: rode them from about March to July including a 5 day Moab trip in April (2 slickrock rides and 1 Bartlett ride) and they were fine, only reason I replaced them is I was given a new pair for free.
Pressure used: 38-40 psi
Weight: 840g (claimed)
Notes: nice big, supple tire that does everything pretty well

Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 (second hand review)
Front / Rear: Both
Surface: wet muddy East Coast rainy day XC racing
Traction: good in the wet, sheds mud well, hooks up on climbs
Sidewalls: don't know
Rolling Resistance: fast tire for XC racing
Compound / Wear: 1 set lasted all season of racing every sunday, used only when it rained (New England, so somewhat often)
Pressure used: don't know
Weight: 657g (claimed)
Notes: this review is second hand knowledge, my XC racer buddies always break these out when it rains and the rave about them.

Maxxis Crossmark 2.1 (second hand review)
Front / Rear: both
Surface: East Coast rocks and roots, XC racing
Traction: corners very well, not good in mud
Sidewalls: don't know
Rolling Resistance: very fast rolling XC race tire
Compound / Wear: 1 pair lasted about half a season of weekly XC racing and bi weekly training rides.
Pressure used: don't know
Weight: not sure
Notes: this is my racer buddy's standby, rides it for everything but wet rain soaked courses.

Continental Vertical Pro 2.3
Front / Rear: front, both
Surface: loose gravely Utah dirt, rocky technical trails
Traction: I always had problems in the corners with these, good braking and climbing, but washed out in the loose stuff on any sharp turning at speed.
Sidewalls: Super burly sidewall protection, just try and rip them, I dare you
Rolling Resistance: fast rolling tire
Compound / Wear: lasted about half the season of riding every day
Pressure used: 45-50 psi
Weight: 730g (claimed)
Notes: I bought these on recommendation from a shop, I hated them, they wash out when you try to rail turns, curious to try them again on East Coast mud and wetness, maybe it will change my mind.