I was thinking about the XR4 but LBS said they have like a 4 month lead time. So been looking around on Amazon or wherever for what is available.
I run 2.35 Ikons front and rear on the Front Range.
I’m doing a XC race in a few weeks and looking for some Maxxis alternatives to Schwalbe Racing Ralph/Rays. The race is a mix of dirt roads, paved roads, easy single track and double track. I would run narrower tires because there is so much road however the off-road sections are kind of “backcountry” and can be very sandy. In the past I’ve rode on 2.25in Ralphs/Rays and I’d love to find the 2.35in but they seem to be unavailable everywhere.
What are the best comparable Maxxis Tires? I’m current looking at 2.35in kons, Rekon Race and Ardent Race but they all seem to be beefier than the Ralphs/Rays. Also, how do these tires stack up against each other in terms of rolling resistance and grip?
There are 2.35 Ray/Ralph on amazon FYI
There isn’t really a comparable tread pattern on Maxxis. The new Spesh Fast Trak and the Vittoria Barzo has a similar pattern to the Ray.
There is nothing comparable pattern wise to the Ralph. Ikon and the Renegade are probably closest.
Maxxis I’d say Ardent Race front/rear or Ikon in the Rear
Spesh I’d say Fast Trak front/renegade rear.
Anyone else been googling Green XC tyres this morning 
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Must be Michelin’s, but I’ve never seen them before.
It’s probably a throwback to the green Michelin tyres made in the 90’s.
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I figure so.
An article about them rereleasing green tyres a few years ago popped up.
Michelin tyres are appealing as they are currently well priced and I like the aesthetic, but I’m not so sure on their performance and tread pattern. I’ve got mates running their trail/enduro tyres who enjoy them.
Has anyone use the new fast trak and renegade yet? Thinking about doing fast trak front and renegade rear for a race in Park City. Most of the climbing is pretty hard pack with a little bit of moon dust mixed in.
I’m not using a Cushcore but I’ve raced local XCO and Tahoe Trail on Rekon Race 2.4 on the front and 2.4 Aspen on the rear. Trails have been a lot of loose over hard and blown out loose dust. I’ve been very happy. Taking the same setup to Leadville.
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What’s your reasoning for using Aspen in the rear vs a Recon Race? Does it roll faster or maybe give better traction on climbs?
I’ve never ridden these tires, but my new MTB will come with Rekon Race f+r.
Maxxis advertises the Rekon Race as being faster than the Aspen. It’s Rekon Race>Aspen>Ikon>Rekon
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Aspen seems to roll faster and tests better on BicycleRollingResistance.com but has a little less grip. To me having a bit more front grip gives the balance I like. I don’t have unlimited tire testing funds so only tested Rekon Race, Aspen, and Fast Trak. Fast Trak seems to roll faster and is lighter but definitely not enough grip in front for my tastes. It’d be my go to for a non-technical short track race though.
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This sounds backward to me, unless climbing traction is at an absolute premium. Most go for a grip pier tyre up front, so the rear breaks free first. Maybe cornering isn’t a huge factor?
After the first 100k, the reckon race has very poor pedalling/braking traction. Very noticeable compared to Aspen, where the traction remains after some wear. They both use 3c (three rubber compounds), but the nature of Aspen lugs (spacing and shape/size) leave more after the soft outer has worn off.
Pirelli’s approach of a single compound produces really good, consistent traction through its life.
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I had the same thought about it being backward. Also, Russel Finsterwald appears to agree.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR-BFLGMO0C/
Personally Aspen Front and Rear is the best I’ve ever ridden.
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I’m still looking for feedback on the new Fast Trak Specialized released this year. Does it grip better on the front in the turns than the old Fast Trak?
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I’m thinking of doing the double S-works renegade T5/T7 for Cape Epic. Seems like mostly a gravel race with some tech sections that I will most likely not push hard.
Thoughts on this?
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Given the length of Cape Epic, I’d go for regular control casing rather than s-works, since a sidewall puncture/tear is usually a pretty difficult one to manage and often requires booting the tire.
Otherwise i’m interested in the new renegade and plan to give them a shot. They look like a slightly faster rolling semi-slick which I’ve always enjoyed in the rear or f/r as a gravel tire
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I would definitely use a harder casing at the Cape Epic as it does look tough on tyres.
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what width ?
2.35